April is Cesarean Awareness Month. I hope to be writing more on this topic next week. But, in the meantime, I wanted to offer you some links to explore.
If you are planning for a cesarean birth, healing from a c-section, trying to avoid a c-section, planning a pregnancy after a c-section, or would like to know more about/plan a vaginal birth after a cesarean, these websites will be helpful for you.
- ICAN – International Cesarean Awareness Network
- About.com, Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE (look for the VBAC and Cesarean information)
- VBAC.com (woman-centered, evidence based resource)
- The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services
- VBAC Facts
- Childbirth Connection – Cesarean – VBAC or repeat c-section
This video on reducing infant mortality also has helpful information in it. It is a short film that you can watch from the website.
When medically necessary, cesareans save lives. The thing to keep in mind is that a cesarean is a major surgery. It takes time to adjust and heal whether your c-section was planned or an emergency. Cesarean section should be discussed in depth with your practitioner beforehand if your practitioner thinks a surgical birth is necessary. If it is not a medical emergency, you can get a second opinion before choosing a c-section. You also can plan a cesarean so that it is as family centered as possible, if it does become necessary without an emergency situation. ICAN has a great white paper on that topic. Keep in mind that some women will go through a grieving process after experiencing a c-section. It is one normal reaction and you should not feel guilty for it. Look for support. The closest ICAN group to eastern Kentucky is ICAN of Louisville. Talk with other women whom have shared your experience. Also know, that many women fit within the safety criteria for having a vaginal birth with their next pregnancy (VBAC). The way the surgery is performed today, the incision is created in such a way that there is little risk of uterine rupture with a vaginal delivery. Taking a look at the safety criteria, and the risks/benefits of VBAC as compared to a repeat cesarean surgery is the first step in deciding if this is the right option for you. All the links listed above can help with that.
If there is anything you’d like help with, or more information on, feel free to email (birthtrue@gmail.com) or leave a comment here.
Many happy days to you and yours,
Kelli
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