Battle lines drawn over C-sections

USA TODAY ^ | Wed Aug 24, 2005 | Rita Rubin

[Theophilus]

Only links from USA Today are allowed

[Theophilus]

Our first was an "emergency" c-section with natural delivery imminent at 10cm. Knowing what I know now, I think it was an unnecessary knee jerk reaction. The next 5 were successful VBAC's with no drugs, no complications, quick deliveries (my wife is awesome). Then the Obstetric practice (the one with the fantastic midwife) banned VBAC's, even for us. I offered to pay their lawyers to do whatever it would take to mitigate their legal risks but they said it was not about that. Called the wondrous mother a "grand multi para" and said her risks were even higher than a 1st time VBAC. So we fired them, found another Dr and my wife delivered #7 with a perfect VBAC. Now #8 is in the works and we had a few problems with the last Dr (he almost did not make it to the delivery) so we'll have to find another but after reading this, we might have to go it alone!?!?!? Pregnancy IS NOT A DISEASE!!! EVERY DELIVERY DOES NOT REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION. MY WIFE CANNOT AFFORD THE RISK AND NEGATIVE IMPACT OF A CALIGULA-SECTION. Sorry for shouting. I think the Dr's are almost as bad as the lawyers! Does anyone else agree?

[pa mom]

Spread the news! I had a c-section with my twins (one transverse, the litte bugger) then a VBAC with my single boy. What a difference in recovery.

Plus, my doctor flipped my singleton with an external version because he was breech at 34 weeks. All to save a c-section. Bless her!

[Phantom Lord]

My cousins husband was completing his fellowship at UNC Chapel Hill as an Periantologist (sp?) and 6 months before he was to finish he got a job offer (his first job out of school and residency) for $500,000 a year in Vegas!

He turned down the job offer and has gotten out of the baby birthing business because of malpractice issues. He decided to do just GYN work at a local practice.

Imagine the fear that must be encircling the Obstetrics field when someone is offered half a million starting salary for their first job and TURN IT DOWN!

[Phantom Lord]

My son was due on Dec. 28th 2003. I told the doctor that was cutting it too close to the new year and I wasn't losing the tax deduction and that we wanted to schedule a c-section. He said no problem. Scheduled it for Dec. 18th so my wife and son would be home for Christmas.

Little bugger decided to come on Dec. 8th. Still had a c-section.

[pa mom]

The best laid plans and all that. . .

[Theophilus]

Still had a c-section

Why?

[Phantom Lord]

What the lady wanted.

Also, she had broken her back and had a surgery previous that the doctors couldn't guarantee her wouldn't be recovery issues or permanent problems post birth.

[Theophilus]

What a difference in recovery

You ain't kidding, besides, by wife absolutely hates to stay at the hospital for more than one night.

[Izzy Dunne]

Send your thank-you cards to Little Johnny Edwards.

[Dems_R_Losers]

Wow, this is really sad. I had a VBAC with my second child and it went perfectly. There was no anesthesiologist in the room either. My doctor actually encouraged me to have a VBAC, and I was glad I did.

If I were an expectant mom today, I would darn sure demand a VBAC, and I would give birth at home if necessary to have one. C-sections are terrible. Took me weeks to recover from mine.

[general_re]

My son was due on Dec. 28th 2003. I told the doctor that was cutting it too close to the new year and I wasn't losing the tax deduction...

Pity me, then - I have one coming with an official due date of 01/01/06 :(

[Phantom Lord]

Schedule early!

Though, there is a usful method of inducing labor as the birth date nears that I won't discuss here.

[FOG724]

Last I heard Kiaser had one of the lowest repeat C-section rates. I had a VBAC with them as well as the C.

[general_re]

No need - I'm familiar with it ;)

[Phantom Lord]

Not sure if your thinking of the same thing. Mine involves a kitchen stove, football, beer, and cigars.

[Jaysun]

TORT REFORM!!!!!!! (I agree)

[general_re]

Oh, that's completely different - the method I was thinking of involves a riding crop, orange jello and a roll of plastic wrap.

:^)

[Phantom Lord]

Mine also involved having to stop for gas on the way to the hospital. Wife loved that!

[WI Conservative 4 Bush]

My wife is expecting our third in November. Never had a C-Section. However, with this one the placenta is in a bad position, apparently close to covering the cervix. So, if it doesn't move, the docs are saying she will have to have a C-sec.

Will find out today if the placenta has moved or not since early July.

Funny side note: Because she turns 35 the day before her due date, this is officially labelled a 'geriatric pregnancy.' That doesn't sit well with my wife, to say the least!!

[princess leah]

I also had a C-section with our first born and then had a normal delivery with our son...What a difference in recovery! I'd always give the natural way every chance before going under the knife...