caesarian on demand? a good thing?

lafergar

karmalady

The natural way of birthing is for a reason. Baby systems are squeezed into action and baby receives microbiome from the mother

Great, another guilt trip.

Exactly. I had two emergency c-sections, and I vividly remember my lovely community midwife telling me how she wished people would stop referring to 'natural' or 'normal' births, as it made those who had had c-sections (for whatever reason) feel even more inadequate. The only thing that matters when it comes to birth is the safety of mother and baby.

karmalady

The natural way of birthing is for a reason. Baby systems are squeezed into action and baby receives microbiome from the mother

The above is a factual post, I am not providing any comment pro or against an elective cs

This post was resurrected by a spam post, it is 14 years old, things may have changed.

We actually do have the option for C-by-request. I believe the pregnant mum needs to have a counselling session, and there has to be the team available to do it (so maybe not all smaller hospitals offer it).

But from what I hear of the cost factor, it is more convenient for the doctors because it is scheduled during business hours at 39 weeks, so no maternity doctor's on call costs. There is usually a safer outcome for mums and babies with no labour stress, and reduction of emergency procedures.

I had very by-the-book labours so no interventions at all, not even drugs. But I am aware every experience is different and why let women suffer if they are highly anxious about labour and delivery.

karmalady

The natural way of birthing is for a reason. Baby systems are squeezed into action and baby receives microbiome from the mother

My son and I would both be dead if my ‘natural’ birth was allowed to continue. This was confirmed by my consultant following the trauma we endured.
I had an elective C-section the second time.

Would you like to pass judgement Karmalady?

Btw, I know this is an ancient thread, but couldn’t ignore the posters comment.

Sadgrandma - I'm surprised no-one talked to them about whether to opt for a CS earlier. Quite often the parents want a vaginal birth and midwives will try to give them some idea of timescale and the chances a CS will be needed in the end anyway, to help them make up their minds.But at the hospitals I've worked at the decision is usually in collaberation with the mum in these long / latent first stages of labour.Of course if baby is distressed, then intervention is indicated.
Our local (very good) NHS hospital does offer CS if that is the strong preference of the woman, without any other reason. This is fairly recent.
There are risks to CS after the onset of labour (haemorrhage particularly) that are less frequent with vaginal birth, but with elective CS those risks are less than emergency CS.

karmalady

The natural way of birthing is for a reason. Baby systems are squeezed into action and baby receives microbiome from the mother

Great, another guilt trip.

"Foetal distress" are not words I wish to hear again.

So sad what we are expected to accept.

In my case, trauma was assisted with paracetomol.

The natural way of birthing is for a reason. Baby systems are squeezed into action and baby receives microbiome from the mother

REPORTED the spam post today, which resurrected this 14 year old thread.

Maybe a new thread for anyone interested in contributing further?

My daughter was in labour for four days in absolute agony, then on the fourth day they decided that the baby was in distress so decided to give her a CS. They could have saved my daughter a great deal of distress if they’d decided on a CS earlier. While I don’t necessarily agree with CS on demand, I do think that doctors should set a time limit for a woman’s labour.

Shelflife

Mums choice ( in an ideal world) c. section if she wishes vaginal birth if she wishes. Don't like the term 'natural birth ' ! What matters is a happy Mum and baby. 40 + years ago I was in strong labour for 30 hours , I was very close to having a section and IMO that should have happened! Absolutely horrendous!!! I am all for Mums being able to choose how their babies are delivered. Also as much pain relief as they wish. Bring on the epidurals 😊! They are amazing and allow the mother to deliver pain free - what's not to like!! Bring on the modern methods that ensure a pain free delivery. Those that want what is described a ' natural birth ' without pain relief are welcome to that - but
why !?

Why? Because the mother doesnt want to give their newborn babies narcotics, while they are in the birth canal (or any time). Birth is difficult enough for the baby. If the baby doesnt need drugs and the mum is okay, dont drug the mum. That wasy the baby gets the best start to life outside the womb without being high. Thats why.

I had two c sections. The first was an emergency, as both the baby and I nearly died, and the second was to prevent that happening again.

I don't know what I think about their being available on demand, but as others have said I'm not keen on women being at the mercy of what particular obstetricians or midwives are in favour of providing. There should be equal access for all, if there is to be anything other than an 'emergency only' policy.

The Maternity unit I worked would only perform a caesarean when absolutely necessary for the welfare of Mum and Baby. A large majority were performed under epidural but a general anaesthetic was used, again, when necessary. It is major abdominal surgery so should only be performed when it is the safest way.

Mums choice ( in an ideal world) c. section if she wishes vaginal birth if she wishes. Don't like the term 'natural birth ' ! What matters is a happy Mum and baby. 40 + years ago I was in strong labour for 30 hours , I was very close to having a section and IMO that should have happened! Absolutely horrendous!!! I am all for Mums being able to choose how their babies are delivered. Also as much pain relief as they wish. Bring on the epidurals 😊! They are amazing and allow the mother to deliver pain free - what's not to like!! Bring on the modern methods that ensure a pain free delivery. Those that want what is described a ' natural birth ' without pain relief are welcome to that - but
why !?

It won’t happen due to costs for most but I’m all for women having total autonomy over their own bodies. That includes when and how to give birth. I can’t imagine choosing one if not needed but I don’t believe I , or anyone else should be making that decision for others. I feel the same way about births being induced.

I'm not sure many GNers will want to go to Utah to give birth. Who knows though - I dare say stranger things have happened.

segomidwife.com/

While the idea of Caesarean on demand has its pros and cons, I believe that having personalized and supportive care during childbirth is what truly makes a difference. Midwives, like those at Sego Midwifery, focus on empowering women through every step of their birth journey, whether it's natural or surgical. It's all about making sure the mother feels informed, supported, and comfortable with her choices.

thanks for all the support-JessM the wheelchair was half the problem as it was rather upright and scrunched up the wound very painfully.
Over a week on of course she is better and seeing and feeding her baby who is still in SCBU. He is doing well now but may not get home until February.
I think childbirth in either form can be traumatic and many women have stories to tell about bad or inadequate treatment-luckily we forget it and concentrate on our children.
Not being able to take your baby home for weeks I think is much harder and I can only imagine how awful mothers feel having to go home everynight without them (as my daughter does) The only plus side I can see is that you get to catch up on sleep plus by the time your baby goes home you have establised feeding and practiced looking after him or her with someone there to supervise!

Thirty eight years ago, after an emergency CS to deliver my first DD (I had pre eclampsia before the birth and was in a coma for a week afterwards!) they managed to find a wheelchair to get me to see my baby in the SCBU a couple of times a day. DH was also allowed to wheel me down. Surely the same consideration should be shown to those with babies in the SCBU today

Or a wheelchair might help surely, to get her down to see the baby

If your daughter is in that degree of pain after a CS then the pain control team needs to be called in - this is not necessary in the 21st century. People's pain thresholds differ and the medics' responses need to be tailored to that. They have the means and should be using it. Also there is a big psychological component to pain and she is clearly sad and traumatised after a difficult labour and separation from her baby.

I do have to say that the degree of severe and long lasting pain that I suffered after at least one of my vaginal births (and my D is currently in the same boat) was at least as bad as after several abdominal surgeries that I have had.

I send all congratulations on the arrival of your GS and good wishes for a speedy recovery to your D.

speldnan my heart goes out to you - it's unbearable to see your daughter in such pain - I hope she make a very rapid recovery and is able to spend as much time as she needs with her precious baby son.

I know you are being strong and supportive for her but take care of yourself too. Lots of hugs coming your way.

My daughter had just had an emergencey c section following a failed induction at 35 weeks. She had a terrible experience and is now in agony from the wound and unable to get the the SCBU because of this, natural childbirth can be painful but at least you don't have to be in agony from a serious operation! why anyone would elect to have this I cannot imagine!
It is heartbreaking for me to see my daughter in pain and heartbroken not being able to get to see her son when she wants to.
The aftercare she got from the hospital was not good-well not until I stepped in and demanded she got pain relief and some help with access to her baby and breast feeding advice.