Why do people get judgemental about epidurals and c-sections?

[Anonymous]

I mean really, if I want to get a c-section because I fear the psychological torment of splitting my most sensitive area apart while not completely numb because I have to push would be more traumatic to me than healing from a c-section (yes I know the risks) why do people get all judgemental?

[Anonymous]

As an elective c-section mom, I can tell you that the baby comes out perfect, no squished head and without trauma. I was terrified of giving birth vaginally and with good reason. Some people say that you won't have a baby that you can't deliver. That just isn't true or else there wouldn't have been so many maternal/infant deaths during labor. I feel fortunate to have had the choice to have a c-section. Turns out that my baby was over 10lbs and I'm only 5'2". The baby's head was in the 95+% group and wouldn't have passed vaginally. You should do whatever you want to do. Giving birth vaginally does not make you more of a woman or a better mother.

[Anonymous]

I have opted for an elective c-section and the only place people have been judgmental is on this board. Do your research, talk to your doctor, and do what you think is best. The only thing that really matters is having a healthy mom and a healthy baby, the manner of exit is irrelevant.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

People on this board are judgmental about almost everything. But I think on this particular topic, people who are in favor of natural childbirth feel embattled because it is so difficult to have that experience in a hospital these days. There are many, many c-sections performed unnecessarily, and I guess there is just a general feeling that if c-sections introduce risks to mother and baby (as they do), that it is best to minimize those risks by minimizing the number of c-sections. I tend to hold these views in the aggregate and would never attack an individual for her choice; I think that these issues need to be addressed on a structural level with the medical community.

[Anonymous]

LOVED my two c-sections!!!

Couldn't care less what other people choose as long as I don't have to hear about it over and over again. NOTHING is worse than hearing some graphic, god-awful "then I was screaming for eight hours..." childbirth story.

To each their own.

[Anonymous]

Why are some people judgmental about those who want a natural birth? The posters on this thread clearly aren't but it goes both ways. Everytime I tell someone I am hoping for a natural birth, I have to defend my choice. I assume elective C-section moms have the same problem.

I agree, to each his own.

[Anonymous]

I'm with you PP. It's interesting that all the PPs jumped up to complain about being judged for wanting c-sections but, wow, the tone of their posts reveals a lot of judging.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm with you PP. It's interesting that all the PPs jumped up to complain about being judged for wanting c-sections but, wow, the tone of their posts reveals a lot of judging.

Bleck. thanks for hijacking the board and insulting all previous posters and changing the subject to suit your own viewpoint.

[Anonymous]

According to the NYTimes, more than 90 percent of female ob's choose to have elective c-sections when they give birth themselves.

I'm pretty sure then that basically NONE of them skip the epidural!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm with you PP. It's interesting that all the PPs jumped up to complain about being judged for wanting c-sections but, wow, the tone of their posts reveals a lot of judging.

Bleck. thanks for hijacking the board and insulting all previous posters and changing the subject to suit your own viewpoint.

Sorry, shouldn't have said "all", which isn't accurate. But I don't believe I changed the subject of the post at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm with you PP. It's interesting that all the PPs jumped up to complain about being judged for wanting c-sections but, wow, the tone of their posts reveals a lot of judging.

12:38 poster here. Just wondering who you think I am judging. I don't understand criticizing someone for the way they choose to give birth, it is just absurd.

[Anonymous]

I don't get judgemental about what patients want what gets me is the doctors and nurses. Anyone who knows doctors or nurses who work in ob have heard how some doc pronounce failure to progress of they have dinner plans or personal scheduling, others simply prefer c-section for ease. Its criminal, they do not advise their patients and frankly I believe this malpractice not avoiding liability. Its sad when the women wanted many children, the docs with high c-sections don't seem to tell their patients that it can be risky to very risky to have 3 or 4 repeat c-sections.

Hospitals and some nurses (not all) are not set up to support natural labor in fact many sabotage a women's efforts for their own convenience. Nurses prefer patients with epidurals who lay flat on the backs the whole time. With high patient ratios they don't have time to advide women on coping strategies or they don't know them. The medical profession is not honest with their patients which is another crime.

[Anonymous]

Its also aggravating that the hospitals and ob/gyns are not practicing evidence based approaches or informing patients why they are recommending an intervention.

[Anonymous]

C-sections are the BEST. Thank god for modern medicine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Its also aggravating that the hospitals and ob/gyns are not practicing evidence based approaches or informing patients why they are recommending an intervention.

Boo hoo.