-=> Quoting Ward Dossche to Carol Shenkenberger on 01-23-07  09:29 <=-

 > Seems not . While cesaerians my be a bit overused, they are overall
 > saving lives. Mother mortality rates are *way* down as opposed to say
 > 1900.
 
 WD> The main reason for drop in mortality rates during childbirth is
 WD> considerably improved hygiene and most of the childbirths not occuring
 WD> at home anymore as it was before but under hospital conditions with
 WD> critical care a footstep away. 

And that critical care includes the option of an emergency caesarian.

 > Yes.  Mother mortality goes down too.  But then again, natural
 > childbirth' sounds so good to guys who will never have to do it...  or
 > die from it.  Something every mother has faced front up, and personal.

 WD> That's one below the belt, Carol, and I take that very personal.
 WD> 
 WD> My wife had every option available to her not to suffer during
 WD> childbirth and she chose voluntary the painful way. And I tell you it
 WD> made me revolt a bit because as a man you can only stand there and
 WD> watch events unfold. 

Ward, she's reacting to Dan's insistence that "stats show that
C-sections are dangerous, and natural childbirth is safe", not lashing
out at men in general really.  But there are quite a few men that don't
really understand what the issues are.

I don't know if you have (or had) them where you are, but here in the
States we have Prepared Childbirth classes (originally Lamaze).  They
prepare both parents-to-be for what will happen during labour and
delivery, and teach ways of coping with the pain that involve both.  I
also chose the "painful way", but Richard didn't just stand there and
watch things unfold, he was right there helping me stay on top of things
and going after the doctor when I was ready to deliver suddenly long
before the staff expected...

 WD> Even after the first-one she wanted to continue normal childbirths
 WD> with the pain involved.

It's work, and yes, there's pain, but it's worth it to be aware and
involved in the process...  :)

 WD> The only ceasarian she admitted to was because our second son spread
 WD> his legs and assumed such a position he would never fit in the
 WD> birth-canal. We tried masaging and therapy to change his position, he
 WD> reacted to it and then suddenly turned-over again. There was no other
 WD> option left. 

What an obstinate son!  Is he still contrary?  :)   Now that's an
instance of a caesarian being properly used.  Without it, you might well
have lost them both.

 WD> When number-3 was on her way, she went the natural way again, no
 WD> C-section, no needle, ...

But of course..  :)

ttyl           neb

... Of people born in 1839, 100% who ate carrots are dead!

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