Did you have a c-section? What were the reasons?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I keep reading that the c-section rates keep rising though the reasons to have them don't. I don't understand why the rates are so high and why it's becoming more and more common. So what was your experience? Did you want one? Was it suggested by your doctor? Was it in your mind necessary? I know they cost more and I wonder if that's an incentive. I am not opposed to one if medically necessary however it worries me that they are becoming more common with a solid reason why. Please share!

I really don't like the way you posted this - as if it's any of your business why people have c/s or if it's something to be ashamed of.

Why did I have a c/s? Let's see, I had pre-e and my blood pressure was so high my doctors feared I was going to have a heart attack and my daughter would die in utero. Was it necessary? Um, death or c/s? I chose c/s - but thanks for you trite little post OP. My doctor did not "suggest" it - as I was rushed into the emergency room and not really given a "choice"

Glad you are so "worried" about what other women are doing about their choices for labor. Maybe choose another thing to worry about (homeless, education in America) vs. who bring children into the world and how.

wow pp. you have problems.

She seems quite reasonable to me, actually.

Really? When OP explicitly said she wasn't worried about medically necessary c sections like pp's? You think pp is reasonable to bitch out an OP on an anonymous discussion board that something is none of her business?

Exactly the point, she didn't really say anything. She just generally posted a rambling thought about something that is obviously touchy to many people. Like if I posted "why don't people breastfeed more, people who don't worry me" or "why do people adopt? people who do should have their own kids, that worries me." or maybe even "why do people have more two children? People who do seem selfish on the planet, that worries me?"

Had she used just a little of her brain power, she might have realized that this could be a sensitive topic, but no - she went to an anonymous discussion board to post her Barbie doll thought process. And, I have a right to pretty much bitch her out for not thinking something through all the way. As, I would have done if she had been so ignorant to have said this in person to my face.

Your examples are telling, because they don't appear at all similar to OP's post to me. She started with a question about a general fact she'd heard--rates are rising yet the causes are not increasing. She then asked for personal examples. So it's more like
"I keep reading that BFing rates start out high in the hospital but then drop a lot at 6 months. I don't understand why the rates would go down so dramatically. So what was your experience? Did you want to breastfeed? How long did you? Why did you stop? I understand not doing it if you have no milk but it worries me that so many people stop by 6 months. Please share!"

Only someone really hung up about their BFing experience would respond to that on DCUM by bitching out OP with "it's none of your business." (in person is different, but we are not in person, so it's irrelevant)

OP here. Thanks. And wow PP. I was reading that c sections are on the rise 1/3 or births are now sections but it's estimated only 5-15% would have been medically necessary. So where is the other 15-25% coming from. Is it a change in OB mentality, hospital policies or what? Seems high that 33% of patients would need one. So I wanted to see for those who didn't mind sharing their experience why they had one and if they in retrospect believe it was necessary. You don't have to respond if you don't like to. Lol on the Barbie brain. And no I am not judging. I don't think anyone is more or less of a person by how they delivered. I am just seeing some scary statistics and wanted to learn more about it. For example in Brazil it's 80% csections. There is no way that 80% needed such interventions.... So why'd ones it happen ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I keep reading that the c-section rates keep rising though the reasons to have them don't. I don't understand why the rates are so high and why it's becoming more and more common. So what was your experience? Did you want one? Was it suggested by your doctor? Was it in your mind necessary? I know they cost more and I wonder if that's an incentive. I am not opposed to one if medically necessary however it worries me that they are becoming more common with a solid reason why. Please share!

I really don't like the way you posted this - as if it's any of your business why people have c/s or if it's something to be ashamed of.

Why did I have a c/s? Let's see, I had pre-e and my blood pressure was so high my doctors feared I was going to have a heart attack and my daughter would die in utero. Was it necessary? Um, death or c/s? I chose c/s - but thanks for you trite little post OP. My doctor did not "suggest" it - as I was rushed into the emergency room and not really given a "choice"

Glad you are so "worried" about what other women are doing about their choices for labor. Maybe choose another thing to worry about (homeless, education in America) vs. who bring children into the world and how.

wow pp. you have problems.

She seems quite reasonable to me, actually.

Really? When OP explicitly said she wasn't worried about medically necessary c sections like pp's? You think pp is reasonable to bitch out an OP on an anonymous discussion board that something is none of her business?

Exactly the point, she didn't really say anything. She just generally posted a rambling thought about something that is obviously touchy to many people. Like if I posted "why don't people breastfeed more, people who don't worry me" or "why do people adopt? people who do should have their own kids, that worries me." or maybe even "why do people have more two children? People who do seem selfish on the planet, that worries me?"

Had she used just a little of her brain power, she might have realized that this could be a sensitive topic, but no - she went to an anonymous discussion board to post her Barbie doll thought process. And, I have a right to pretty much bitch her out for not thinking something through all the way. As, I would have done if she had been so ignorant to have said this in person to my face.

Your examples are telling, because they don't appear at all similar to OP's post to me. She started with a question about a general fact she'd heard--rates are rising yet the causes are not increasing. She then asked for personal examples. So it's more like
"I keep reading that BFing rates start out high in the hospital but then drop a lot at 6 months. I don't understand why the rates would go down so dramatically. So what was your experience? Did you want to breastfeed? How long did you? Why did you stop? I understand not doing it if you have no milk but it worries me that so many people stop by 6 months. Please share!"

Only someone really hung up about their BFing experience would respond to that on DCUM by bitching out OP with "it's none of your business." (in person is different, but we are not in person, so it's irrelevant)

OP here. Thanks. And wow PP. I was reading that c sections are on the rise 1/3 or births are now sections but it's estimated only 5-15% would have been medically necessary. So where is the other 15-25% coming from. Is it a change in OB mentality, hospital policies or what? Seems high that 33% of patients would need one. So I wanted to see for those who didn't mind sharing their experience why they had one and if they in retrospect believe it was necessary. You don't have to respond if you don't like to. Lol on the Barbie brain. And no I am not judging. I don't think anyone is more or less of a person by how they delivered. I am just seeing some scary statistics and wanted to learn more about it. For example in Brazil it's 80% csections. There is no way that 80% needed such interventions.... So why'd ones it happen ?

Actually the primary c-section rate has risen from about 15% to 25%. 33% is the c-section rate for everyone. It looks like the increase in overall c-section rates is probably also driven significantly by a decrease in vbac rates.

The biggest reason for the increase in primary rates is probably an over-restrictive interpretation of how long labor should take.

There's no big conspiracy afoot, although certainly reason to look for an OB who shares your priorities.

http://www.acog.org/Resources-And-Publications/Obstetric-Care-Consensus-Series/Safe-Prevention-of-the-Primary-Cesarean-Delivery.

[Anonymous]

It's hard to say which c sections are "necessary" until after the fact, and few women want their babies to be the one with the poor outcome that could have been averted by a c section. I'm not so bold to think that the 1/1000 risk would never be me.

Also, fatter and older women are having babies now and you are delusional if you think that has no impact. I say this as a fat old woman. I have friends who are type 1 diabetics and with congenital heart disease who would not dared to have a child even a generation ago. Their pregnancies and deliveries are managed conservatively.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I keep reading that the c-section rates keep rising though the reasons to have them don't. I don't understand why the rates are so high and why it's becoming more and more common. So what was your experience? Did you want one? Was it suggested by your doctor? Was it in your mind necessary? I know they cost more and I wonder if that's an incentive. I am not opposed to one if medically necessary however it worries me that they are becoming more common with a solid reason why. Please share!

I really don't like the way you posted this - as if it's any of your business why people have c/s or if it's something to be ashamed of.

Why did I have a c/s? Let's see, I had pre-e and my blood pressure was so high my doctors feared I was going to have a heart attack and my daughter would die in utero. Was it necessary? Um, death or c/s? I chose c/s - but thanks for you trite little post OP. My doctor did not "suggest" it - as I was rushed into the emergency room and not really given a "choice"

Glad you are so "worried" about what other women are doing about their choices for labor. Maybe choose another thing to worry about (homeless, education in America) vs. who bring children into the world and how.

Oy honey, you took it the wrong way. The question was about doctors making these choices more often than what (per some articles say) is recommended. It's a growing trend and I am concerned about medical interventions that are not needed because it affects how my OB may act during my delivery. I don't understand why the increase without the medical need increasing too. Or maybe there is more reasons and I am seeking to learn more about it. I don't personally care what choices people make for their own delivery, it all sounds wonderful if it works for the mom and baby. Really I would never think "less" of someone for how the baby comes out. That's silly. I am selfishly worrying about myself and the growing trend. What kind of things happen and how common are they? Since most of us are not medical professionals I think the decision is being made by the doctors. I was hoping to learn more about it, maybe get some articles or further reading. No need to get offended, at least that was not the intention. Have a good one!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I keep reading that the c-section rates keep rising though the reasons to have them don't. I don't understand why the rates are so high and why it's becoming more and more common. So what was your experience? Did you want one? Was it suggested by your doctor? Was it in your mind necessary? I know they cost more and I wonder if that's an incentive. I am not opposed to one if medically necessary however it worries me that they are becoming more common with a solid reason why. Please share!

I really don't like the way you posted this - as if it's any of your business why people have c/s or if it's something to be ashamed of.

Why did I have a c/s? Let's see, I had pre-e and my blood pressure was so high my doctors feared I was going to have a heart attack and my daughter would die in utero. Was it necessary? Um, death or c/s? I chose c/s - but thanks for you trite little post OP. My doctor did not "suggest" it - as I was rushed into the emergency room and not really given a "choice"

Glad you are so "worried" about what other women are doing about their choices for labor. Maybe choose another thing to worry about (homeless, education in America) vs. who bring children into the world and how.

Oy honey, you took it the wrong way. The question was about doctors making these choices more often than what (per some articles say) is recommended. It's a growing trend and I am concerned about medical interventions that are not needed because it affects how my OB may act during my delivery. I don't understand why the increase without the medical need increasing too. Or maybe there is more reasons and I am seeking to learn more about it. I don't personally care what choices people make for their own delivery, it all sounds wonderful if it works for the mom and baby. Really I would never think "less" of someone for how the baby comes out. That's silly. I am selfishly worrying about myself and the growing trend. What kind of things happen and how common are they? Since most of us are not medical professionals I think the decision is being made by the doctors. I was hoping to learn more about it, maybe get some articles or further reading. No need to get offended, at least that was not the intention. Have a good one!

Seriously? You are coming to DCUM to bone up on statistical evidence of a medical trend. Lord help you.

[Anonymous]

Think about how the rate of IVF and other ART has gone up and all the multiples being born. Predominantly by c-section. That has an impact on the rate, as well as a PP mentioned that mentioned high risk mothers now able to have children.

[Anonymous]

In my circle of friends, about 30 women from college, work and neighborhood, there are 7 sets of twins, all IVF, and all csections. That's a lot of csections that 30 years would Not have been

[Anonymous]

I had a c section because of numerous fibroids. Apparently they impact ability to have normal, effective contractions, and can at times, block the baby's exit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In my circle of friends, about 30 women from college, work and neighborhood, there are 7 sets of twins, all IVF, and all csections. That's a lot of csections that 30 years would Not have been

IVF increases likelihood of twins, twin births are often C-sections. It's not rocket science.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In my circle of friends, about 30 women from college, work and neighborhood, there are 7 sets of twins, all IVF, and all csections. That's a lot of csections that 30 years would Not have been

IVF increases likelihood of twins, twin births are often C-sections. It's not rocket science.

?
Yes, that was my point, that the rise of IVF and multiples is one reason for the increase Csection rate

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why are you blaming patients for something that's pretty much beyond their control? Blame doctors. Blame hospitals. Insurance. Because when they come to you, in deep labor or pregnancy, and say "do this or your baby might die," what the hell do you think 99.999% of mothers are going to do? You got problems with the c-section rate? I do. But that's something beyond the control of the patient, and the 100% truly elective c-section is pretty much a rhinoceros. Real, but super uncommon.

NP here: I'm your rhinoceros. I elected a c-section with no medical reason, unless you want to count my severe aversion to vaginal birth as some kind of mental health issue. I note that not only am I the first maternal choice c-section on this 11-page post -- other than the lady living abroad, which I think is an unusual circumstance -- but also the only one I've met in person: we're pretty rare. However, fully half of my Mamistad meet-up group for first-time moms had c-sections; about half of those were for breech babies and the other half for failure to progress. FWIW, I had a great birth experience, short hospital stay, and exclusively breastfed with no issues.

I hope this helps OP with whatever her question is. I don't understand the hand-wringing about the c-section rate in the abstract, and wish the conversation was about the harm caused by unnecessary c-sections (whatever you think that harm is) because a percentage by itself is meaningless. It's like saying the percentage of homeowners is too high -- too high for what? We should be talking about effects, not rates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are you blaming patients for something that's pretty much beyond their control? Blame doctors. Blame hospitals. Insurance. Because when they come to you, in deep labor or pregnancy, and say "do this or your baby might die," what the hell do you think 99.999% of mothers are going to do? You got problems with the c-section rate? I do. But that's something beyond the control of the patient, and the 100% truly elective c-section is pretty much a rhinoceros. Real, but super uncommon.

NP here: I'm your rhinoceros. I elected a c-section with no medical reason, unless you want to count my severe aversion to vaginal birth as some kind of mental health issue. I note that not only am I the first maternal choice c-section on this 11-page post -- other than the lady living abroad, which I think is an unusual circumstance -- but also the only one I've met in person: we're pretty rare. However, fully half of my Mamistad meet-up group for first-time moms had c-sections; about half of those were for breech babies and the other half for failure to progress. FWIW, I had a great birth experience, short hospital stay, and exclusively breastfed with no issues.

I hope this helps OP with whatever her question is. I don't understand the hand-wringing about the c-section rate in the abstract, and wish the conversation was about the harm caused by unnecessary c-sections (whatever you think that harm is) because a percentage by itself is meaningless. It's like saying the percentage of homeowners is too high -- too high for what? We should be talking about effects, not rates.

Semantics

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are you blaming patients for something that's pretty much beyond their control? Blame doctors. Blame hospitals. Insurance. Because when they come to you, in deep labor or pregnancy, and say "do this or your baby might die," what the hell do you think 99.999% of mothers are going to do? You got problems with the c-section rate? I do. But that's something beyond the control of the patient, and the 100% truly elective c-section is pretty much a rhinoceros. Real, but super uncommon.

NP here: I'm your rhinoceros. I elected a c-section with no medical reason, unless you want to count my severe aversion to vaginal birth as some kind of mental health issue. I note that not only am I the first maternal choice c-section on this 11-page post -- other than the lady living abroad, which I think is an unusual circumstance -- but also the only one I've met in person: we're pretty rare. However, fully half of my Mamistad meet-up group for first-time moms had c-sections; about half of those were for breech babies and the other half for failure to progress. FWIW, I had a great birth experience, short hospital stay, and exclusively breastfed with no issues.

I hope this helps OP with whatever her question is. I don't understand the hand-wringing about the c-section rate in the abstract, and wish the conversation was about the harm caused by unnecessary c-sections (whatever you think that harm is) because a percentage by itself is meaningless. It's like saying the percentage of homeowners is too high -- too high for what? We should be talking about effects, not rates.

I think the people concerned about unnecessary c-sections are well aware of the negative effects. Hence the fear.

[Anonymous]

You're mixing apples and oranges, though, when you bring up the 80% section rate in Brazil. Obviously, most of those sections are elective. Same in China and Korea where moms like to choose a propitious day for their births.

You really want to know why they're so high here, where at least lip service is paid to wanting the rate to go down. There seem to be a lot of reasons why the rates aren't decreasing.

[Anonymous]

I'm sure that there are people who heard about my c-sections and have deemed them to be (in their own minds) "Unnecessary" . Hey, whatever they want to believe.

The important thing is that MY doctors at the time, MY husband at the time and I all agreed that they were, in fact, necessary and prudent.

Whether or not the peanut gallery also approves is just not even a teeny tiny concern in my mind.