Gothamist: A Womb with a View

z1ny

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 01:55:19 -0500

The New Yorker just did a whole article last month on just this topic and why there's a proliferation of C-sections. Faster, safer, (overall, anyway), more predictable for doctors, and more revenue: http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/articles/061009fa_fact

Well

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 12:37:11 -0500

I deleted part of my comment as I sent it (and a typo). It should read: Also should add--a previous section does not necessarily mean a repeat section. VBACs are quite common, and they have been for years. They are viable alternatives to avoiding another c section, especially if your first was not necessary. Birth has become so medicalized and far removed from the natural state in which it works. Most, most not all, women's bodies work fine when it comes to handling labor, giving birth, recovering from birth, breastfeeding. Our bodies were designed for it, and sometimes you just have to trust it and let it work.

Mé

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 12:34:17 -0500

Also should add--a previous section does not necessarily mean a repeat section.VBACs are quite common, and they have been for years. They are viable alternative to Another issue to is the c note. Doctors want to see as many patients as they can, they rush women through births, pressure them to use interventions when not totally necessary, flip those rooms like tables at a high volume restaurant, generally rushing through every single thing. I know it is common also because of the demands of the mother who want the birth scheduled, want to keep their vaginal canal tight (but would rather have an unsightly stomach scar when really that canal pops right back) and other inane reasons.

Mé

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 12:29:52 -0500

Timbnyc: Exactly. Which leads to increased risk of jaundice, NICU stays and other medical issues. kevin backen: I hear it also preserves the in-utero skull shape. The shape of the babies head quickly returns to normal. The only problem with this is the immediate appearance, which is quite superficial. People want to schedule their lives, but the rapid increase on non-necessary c sections can be dangerous. The recovery period is longer. Breastfeeding may be more diffuclt because of drugs and separation. There is more risk to both baby and mother in most cases. Obviously in some cases a c section is necessary and should be performed. Another example of typical laziness.

timbnyc

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 12:16:45 -0500

And they schedule the 'birth' to be a few weeeks earlier than full term because there's a lot of weight gain in the last few weeks of pregnancy.

Margaret

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 11:52:30 -0500

I wonder if the C-section rate at NY Presbyterian is so high because the hospital has such a good reputation for at-risk pregnancies. I imagine they attract more than their share of those difficult cases. If you are having an uncomplicated pregnancy, you are probably more likely to just choose the hospital that is the most convenient / attractive. That and NY mommies just love to schedule everything to death!

kevin bracken

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 11:37:52 -0500

I hear it also preserves the in-utero skull shape.

money is the root of all evil

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 11:29:04 -0500

I definitely sense that the doctors love C-sections mostly because of their love for C-notes.

Samantha T

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 11:17:18 -0500

I guess I can see the appeal, but the recovery time looks like a real bum-out, especially since you'll be caring for an infant.