C-section is a major surgery with health risks to the mother such as infection, bleeding and pain. The babies born through C-sections have also been reported to have more breathing problems by Office on Women’s Health, working under Department of Health and Human Services, USA. With possible complications such as unexplained stillbirth in subsequent birth and abnormal implantation of placenta, it makes sense to avoid C-sections.
Apart from certain medical emergencies such as umbilical cord prolapsed that cuts oxygen supply to the baby, blocking of cervix by placenta (placenta previa), and similar serious complications, you should avoid C-section by:
1. Ignoring the foetal monitor
The foetal monitor can show the baby being in discomfort (foetal distress), when that is not the case. Many C-sections are recommended based on these indications of the foetal monitor. You do not need to be connected to the foetal monitor for every 20 minutes in an hour. Look for a skilled practitioner who is able to determine the well being of your baby even with a Doppler, which is a hand-held device.
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2. Not having induced labour
Your obstetrician or husband leaving the town may be a reasonable situation to opt for induced labour, but that increases the risk of C-section. According to stats presented by Dr. Michael Klein, a University of British Columbia professor of family practice and paediatrics, 44 percent of induced labour end up with C-sections while only 8 percent of women going into labour need to get a C-section.
3. Getting the services of a doula
Hiring a doula reduces the risk of a caesarean by 50 percent. In any case, do not follow the timeline of hospital. Do not lie on your back during labour. In all stages of labour which require you to walk, bath and heave, you would do fine without the need for epidurals and be more in control. If you allow yourself to be hospitalised, get strapped down with beeping monitors, it may end your resolve of avoiding unnecessary C-sections.
4. Finding an understanding practitioner
Do not go by averages. If you feel alright, your baby is doing good, and there is nothing wrong with you, ignore the practitioner who asks you to rush for a C-section because labour is taking longer than the average.
5. Not giving in when inside the delivery room
If you practitioner has taken you for normal delivery and asks for a C-section inside the delivery room, ask some questions. For reasons cited such as the baby being too big, you should ask him the exact size. Apart from some true emergencies that necessitate C-section within minutes, you should have a normal vaginal delivery.
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