10 Tips to Avoid a Cesarean Section

10 Tips to Avoid a Cesarean Section

Did you know that the United States has a 31.1% Cesarean rate?

Did you know that the hospitals in our area have an even greater rate...40-50%?!

We need to realize that cesareans are major abdominal surgery and that includes all of the risks that go along with major surgery. To name a few: longer hospital stay; longer and more painful recovery; higher risk of infection, organ damage, adhesions, hemorrhage, embolism, and hysterectomy; higher chance of a complication with the next pregnancy; less initial contact with the baby; less success breastfeeding; higher risk of respiratory problems for the baby; and the most catastrophic complication of all: maternal death.

In Susan J. Buckley, M.D.'s book Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering, she states, "Studies show that the risk of the mother dying after cesarean surgery, although low overall, is around four times higher than after vaginal birth, even considering maternal health conditions."(1-3)

Wow! So what can we as women do about this? The following list is a compilation of tips to help any expectant mother avoid the possibility of major abdominal surgery...a Cesarean section.

10 Tips to Avoid a C-Section

1.Choose a doctor who is supportive of normal vaginal deliveries and one who believes cesareans ought to be avoided.


2. Choose a spontaneous labor.


3. Hire a doula, or labor assistant.


4. Choose to move in labor. Upright positions generally give the best results.


5. Choose intermittent fetal monitoring instead of continuous.


6. Choose an unmedicated birth. If you choose an epidural, wait until you are dilated at least 5 cm to get it. Taking a Childbirth Education Class or HypnoBirthing Class can offer many options for non-medicated births.


7. Learn about different pushing positions and talk to your doctor about this.


8. Take good care of you and your baby during pregnancy. Eat 80 to 100 grams of protein daily.


9. Learn about optimal fetal positioning. http://www.spinningbabies.com/


10. Stay at home until you're sure it's labor.

Educate yourself. Know your options. Ask questions. Know the benefits and risks of various procedures.

THE BIG THREE:
*ALLOW LABOR TO START SPONTANEOUSLY
*STAY AT HOME UNTIL YOU'RE SURE IT'S LABOR
*WAIT UNTIL 5CM IF YOU GET AN EPIDURAL

Afterthoughts: We must realize that in some cases a cesarean is needed in order to have a healthy mother, healthy baby. We are thankful for the technology we have today for those few cases that truly need that kind of intervention. If you do find yourself in this category, there is still hope. Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC) is a safe and empowering option. You can find out more information and support at the following website: http://www.ican-online.org/


References:
1. Harper MA, Byington RP, Espeland MA, Naughton M, Meyer R, Lane K. Pregnancy-related death and health care services. Obstet Gynecol. Aug 2003;102(2):273-278.
2. Enkin M, Keirse M, Neilson J, et al. Effective Care in Pregnancy and Childbirth. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2000.
3. Deneux-Tharaux C, Carmona E, Bouvier-Colle MH, Breart G. Postpartum maternal mortality and cesarean delivery. Obstet Gynecol. Sep 2006;108(3 Pt 1);541-548.