The Risk of Elective C-sections
Thursday, July 12th, 2007“The rate of cesareans in this country has increased by 46% since 1996, and they now account for nearly 30% of all births. …an estimated 80,000 women [per year] are now having C-sections not for medical reasons but for the sake of convenience - and that number is growing.” Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld.
The information above was printed in yesterday’s Parade Magazine. Dr. Rosenfeld went on to state that the mortality rates for babies of women having no known risk factors for C-sections is three times higher than that of babies born vaginally (1.77 per 100 live births vs. 0.62 per 1000).
Mothers, C-sections are major abdominal surgery! It’s no walk in the park and neither is recovery when your body is trying to readjust after pregnancy, begin lactating, and care for your newborn. Children are very inconvenient! They will interrut many of your best made plans and intentions through their lives. The timing of their birth is only the beginning of the wonderful surprises and lessons they will bring your way. Make sure you do your homework well if you are thinking of elective C-section or it is being strongly “suggested” by your doctor for no medical reason. Here’s a good place to start, the International Cesarean Awareness Network.