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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Do women feel as if they're being told 'you shouldn't have a section'???

278 replies

tiktok · 27/04/2004 09:57

Various organisations, including NCT, campaign for choice of place of birth and type of birth, and point to the rising caesarean section rate with concern. This is because the high numbers contrast with the likely figure of women and babies who need a section for medical reasons. It also reflects concern that on the whole, recovery after a section can be longer and more difficult. I don't think this is the equivalent of telling individual women they shouldn't have sections (clearly, the op is life saving for some, anyway), but this is how it seems to be interpreted. Comments?

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aloha · 27/04/2004 11:12

I do think saying, as Belinda Phipps does, that recovery from a section is "AT LEAST six weeks" is a big fat lie, and she must know it. A quick flick through MN postings would tell her so. It's propaganda, not information. I read the stuff and it is clear IMO that the NCT has some moral issue with c-section that goes beyond a concern for women. After all, they barely mention the risks of having a breech baby vaginally - but they are statistically greater than having an elective c-section for any reason. They also talk a lot about the cost to the NHS of sections, but never discuss other things in cost terms - eg more midwives, birthing pools for everyone, home-style birthing units (all of which I support btw). I have actually been on a TV show with Ms Phipps in which she attacked the whole idea of c-section by choice. She believes there is one best way to give birth - and that's vaginally, without pain relief. And I do think that strongly held opinion permeates the whole organisation and I think that's a great shame.

Original poster
tiktok · 27/04/2004 11:00

Why not start one, LadyM, if you feel strongly about it!!

OP posts:
LadyMuck · 27/04/2004 10:06

I guess my problem with the various campaigns is that they often don't seem to consider an "elective c-section" as a suitable choice. If you want to opt for a home birth there is a wealth of support available from NCT/AIMS etc. If you want to opt for a c/s then you have to justify that option in a way that a homebirth mum doesn't seem to need to. Campaigners seem to have a blind spot in that a woman can be informed to the risks of the various types of deliveries and opt for a c/section.

The NHS seem to be put under pressure to reduce c/sections, and so I feel that my choice of birth is being limited. Can't seem to find many campaigns to back me though...