The problem is that the c-section has been seen as an equal alternative (or sometimes even better alternative) to vaginal birth for people with no medical reason to have a c-section. But there are repercussions to this for both the mother and child and it’s my hope to explore those herein.
Trisha Lawrie has kindly shared three incredibly powerful poems regarding birth and I am thrilled to share them. I feel they speak to so much that we speak of on EP and give voice to experiences that, sadly, far too many women experience during the birth process. Though "enjoy" isn't quite the right word, I hope you find these as moving and powerful as I have. Today I share the first of the three entitled Birth Day, a reflection on Ms. Lawrie's personal experience.
Ever tell someone you were dissatisfied with your birth experience? That it left you feeling lost, unhappy, frustrated, or something worse? And then been told that you were selfish because you had a healthy child and all that should ever matter is that your child is healthy and happy, no matter how he or she came into the world?
At 19, it was discovered that I had a tumor that, while benign, basically took over my left ovary resulting in its removal. The same year, I also found out I have a bicornuate uterus, a strange but common problem.
“We’re not as skilled in vaginal deliveries as before, and patients won’t put up with damage.” - One doctor on why c-section rates were rising in 1985
Part way through my pregnancy, I found out that my baby was breech. My options were a breach birth or a c-section. I chose a c-section.
In this second issue of Re:Birth, there are articles on the Ultrasound (which was quite new at the time), mothering the mother, VBACs (yes, they were talking about them 20 years ago) and C-sections, support during labour, and breastfeeding policies.
Starting today I will start sharing some pdfs of an old newspaper that was written and distributed in the 1980s in Ontario, Canada – Re: Birth. It was created by a group called Choices in Childbirth and the goal was to promote women’s options for their births...
My view in a nutshell: The development of the epidural was a great scientific discovery that has the power to help women who NEED it in labor. It has its place in the world of childbearing, but it has also been VASTLY overused and many of those who opt for it have no idea what it is that they’re choosing to do.
