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13 responses so far ↓

• Slouching Mom // Apr 13, 2007 at 8:09 am

  Quick answer: No. (Though I must admit that had I not had a medical reason for having a C-section, which unfortunately I did, Jack’s due date might have tempted me to consider an elective C-section. He was due on New Year’s Eve, not the best time to be laboring, both because hospitals are understaffed on holidays AND because I’d have had to have pushed my big fat belly through hordes of alcohol-intoxicated revelers.)

• shizzknits // Apr 13, 2007 at 8:43 am

  Sure, if they’re willing to pay the extra difference in cost out of pocket. Why should I and my insurance company subsidize an elective C costing $7,000-$10,000 as opposed to a vaginal birth which is around $5,000 (these are prices for Southern California BTW)?

  I have no problem with medically necessary C-sections (even tho most Cs aren’t even truly medically necessary, but that’s a whole ‘nother can of worms).

• thordora // Apr 13, 2007 at 9:27 am

  No. It’s just another way for women to accept NOT trusting their bodies. To me, it’s not far removed from twilight sleep.

  I’d rather see that money moved towards patient centric, process instead of illness midwifery.

• Amy B // Apr 13, 2007 at 11:59 am

  As much as I’m a proponent of choice, in this case I say No. I have seen too many nightmare c-section after affects. The risk is so much higher, much longer recovery. Infection alone is a reason to avoid it. I wouldn’t necessarily judge someone too harshly for choosing this, but I believe Thordora hit the nail on the head. It causes women less trust in their own bodies.
  I’d like to see a question like this regarding the HPV vaccine for young girls.

• Chica // Apr 13, 2007 at 1:03 pm

  Yes, reason being, because it’s their right and their body, who’s to say it’s wrong not doing it the traditional way? Although I had two c sections myself not eelcted, and now if ever I have another one I have to do it over again, because there is a high chance of things going wrong after a previous c section and attempting natural birth. It is a tough decision, but to each their own I say!

• Whitney // Apr 13, 2007 at 5:23 pm

  Well, do you really want an insider’s opinion? My husband is an OB- GYN- the elective “vanity” c sections are also referred to as “Too Posh To Push”.
  I actually went natural for my 2 because I was nervous about the epidurals- a resident I knew got a wet tap, meaning she had an intense, migraine like headache for 6 weeks after her child was born- since Migraines incapacitate me when I get them, I just said no way to the epidural. (Now, I should also say, the majority of women get epidurals with no adverse consequences- I am just a big chicken about migraines.)
  I think women should try regular childbirth unless there is a reason not to- placenta previa, baby is too big, etc. C section because of laziness is stupid, particularly since it is major surgery.

• t-bird // Apr 14, 2007 at 3:01 am

  tough question. Trouble is we need to educate mothers out of this “medical way is best” mentality so that they are not chosing out of fear of their own body being incapable of doing what it’s designed to do. However, once you have had number 1 by c-section you pretty much lose the choice anyway round here as you are told that the risks of VBAC are way too high….

• megan64 // Apr 14, 2007 at 10:34 pm

  First, “allowed” by whom?

  Second, in short, yes.

  It’s fine for us to have our opinions about what we might do in a situation, but it’s up to each individual woman to decide what she wants to do or feels she’s capable of doing when it comes to child birth (or anything for that matter).

• Amy B // Apr 15, 2007 at 5:05 am

  I was thinking about how I had “elected” inducements, and how I had the choice to deliver within a certain time frame. My doctor was against it, but I was HUGE both times. Both boys were over 8 lbs, a record in our family. It all turned out fine, I had the choice of delivering on my dute date, and thankfully avoided c’s. There was risk involved, but I was stubborn. My point? Not sure, but choice is a big part. It’s just that “elected” major abdominal surgery would not be my choice, or recommendation to anyone.

• Emma // Apr 15, 2007 at 4:30 pm

  Well, firstly I should say that I am still expecting my first baby, so I don’t have an experience of birth yet. I am confident though that I can deliver this baby with no medical intervention, and I believe that that is due to the amount of information I’ve gathered in the last year (we started researching before we started trying for the baby). All the information I’ve seen leads me to believe that an elective c-section when there is no medical reason is a higher risk option for delivery. I personally can’t understand why one would choose major surgery, and all the associated complications that brings when there is no need for it.

  That said, that is my opinion, and it is up to the individual to make that decision. I do strongly believe though, that women who believe that they want an elective c-section should be given some kind of counselling before making a final decision. They should be made aware of the risks and benefits associated with both surgical and natural birth so that they are able to make a better informed choice. I think that too many women opt for the c-section because they’ve somehow come to think that it will be ‘easier’ or ‘painless’.

  I also think that post-surgery counselling should be available, especially for those who were not planning on having a c-section.

• Thordora // Apr 16, 2007 at 10:11 am

  Emma, I totally agree with your last line. I friend of mine had a csection at around 32-34 weeks due to pre-eclampsia, and she was a little traumatized, between the inherent issues with a baby in NICU, and her surgery fears. She was a bit of a mess afterwards.

  What I don’t understand is why I could agree to electively slicing my baby out of my body, but I would have a hell of a time asking to be sterilized if I hadn’t had any kids. In my mind, there are other issues regarding elective procedures I’d rather fight first. Even having my tubes tied after two kids, and bad postpartum was a trial. But if I had of asked for an elective c-section, I wouldn’t have had an issue. Why is that?

  I’ve been thinking about why I had a knee jerk reaction to this, but it hasn’t changed in the past few days. Our bodies are meant to deliver children-yet we want the “choice” to disregard it, and go through major surgery?

  I don’t really see that as a choice so much as a culture that helps pressure women into not believing that thier bodies, and they, can do the work.

  But hey, so long as it doesn’t come out of MY pocket, do what you want.

• Lara Gallagher // Apr 18, 2007 at 7:15 pm

  I say they should go for it as long as they are prepared to pay for it and not me or the insurance companies. Unfortunately most doctors are pushing for inductions and c-sections too which is criminal. I literally had to stop going to my appointments the last couple weeks of my pregnancy so my doctor wouldn’t “force” an induction on me. I went a week over, had a 10 1/2 pound baby naturally, which was another trick because the nurses wanted me to get an epidural, and it all went well.

• Elizabeth // Jul 25, 2007 at 12:40 pm

  Good question!

  With all the talk of having the right to do whatever works for you, I don’t like to come across as being someone who says it’s the wrong thing to do, however in my own heart and through my own research I would never suggest a c-section just because you are afraid of childbirth or you’re on a time schedule or just for the heck of it.

  This is major surgery and it has far reaching effects, not just for you but for your baby.

  Anyone ‘choosing’ to have a c-section for no medical reason needs to examine all the concerns, risks and future implications, then look back to see what really makes senses.

  Blessings to all,
  Elizabeth

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