lkeown83's comments

Let's Talk About Elective Cesareans

12 Jan 2007 08:04 PM

First of all, congrats to all you mothers out there who've braved the wonder of child birth naturally. As for myself, I fully intended to have my first child naturally, but preeclampsia, preterm labor, and my baby presenting butt first didn't allow me many choices. I had an emergency c-section. Was it medically necessary? I wasn't in much of a position to debate the matter with the high blood pressure sending me into a delirium I couldn't shake until 2 days after the delivery. When I became pregnant with my 2nd child, I decided to have another c-section. I was no stranger to the process and there was a certain comfort in knowing I wouldn't be in L&D for countless hours focusing on a spot on the wall, wondering when the pain and agony would be over with. I'm sure there are benefits for having a child naturally, such as being able to spend time with your newborn, nurturing and nursing, making that maternal connection right away. Does he remember being carted away from mommy after being exposed to the environment of an operating room after the section? Who knows? My first born doesn't seem to be affected. We laugh and play and love just like any other mother and child. Why would a section even be placed in the same category as elective surgeries if it has such a bad connotation? Are elective surgeries unnecessary then? People chose to have an elective surgery because it often results in a better quality of life. My decision wasn't based on any Hollywood mom having her own c-section; I just considered the risks and benefits for myself and found that a c-section fit my life. The same goes for any other mom who might feel that a home birth fits her life. It's a matter of choice. Either way the child is loved whether you are able to hold the child right away, or have to wait a couple of hours. There is no research supporting a lack in maternal connection when a mother has a c-section, otherwise, mothers would forever feel a psychological disconnect with her child.