Reducing Cesareans | Wichita, KS Birth Photographer & Doula
In the past month I've read "Pushed" by Jennifer Block and "Born in The USA" by Marsden Wagner, M.D., M.S. and although, both of these book were published over a decade ago the facts and circumstances they present have changed little and give a startling recount of the state of maternity care here in the USA.
Statistics show that a high rate of cesareans increases morbidity(disease) and mortality(death), yet we continue to see the cesarean section rise in our country, just as we see the number of women dying or near dying in childbirth rise. One in three women will give birth via cesarean in the USA. The risks increase with each additional pregnancy and cesarean yet VBACs are inaccessible to many women due to hospital bans and lack of providers who will support a VBAC. Another factor in the rise in cesareans is the estimated 80% induction and augmentation rate. We have lost our patience to wait on labor to begin and to give the body time to work without Pitocin and other synthetic hormones and prostaglandins. Our bodies are not failing us, as some providers would like us to believe, but an over medicalization and management of birth is.
Ladies, what can we do? How can we reduce the chance of our birth becoming the one in three that will be a cesarean?
Educate ourselves, about our bodies, and the physiological process of birth.
Learn how to support and work with our bodies through pregnancy and birth.
Make informed choices when choosing a care provider & birth place. Find out their cesarean rate, induction rate, etc. Ask them questions regarding their birth philosophy.
Educate ourselves on evidenced based care and procedures. Discuss these things
with your provider before your birth.
Understand informed consent and insist that you receive it.
Know your rights as a consumer of medical care and advocate for them.
I believe change can come as we begin to demand it one birth at a time. As we vote with our voices and our dollars, in our community.
If you are expecting I’d love to meet with you and discuss your upcoming birth. I offer private Childbirth Education Classes and workshops to help you prepare for the wonderful journey of birth and motherhood.
You can find both of the above mentioned books in the Wichita Library System.
*Disclaimer: This post in no way is meant to belittle or invalidate someone who has had a cesarean. How you birth does not change your value, worth or who you are as a mother. You are all wonderful! The health of our community and nation can be improved as we work to reduce UNNECESSARY cesareans. For the 10-15% of births that a cesarean is necessary we are all thankful for the skill and care of OBs.