Cesarean Rates by State, 2009 - The Unnecesarean -

How does your state rate? Mine, not so good:-( (We're tied for 16th). Remember that a c-section is MAJOR ABDOMINAL SURGERY! God really did know what He was doing when He designed the female body. The vast majority of women really can birth vaginally. Fully ONE THIRD of all babies born in America today come into the world through man's way instead of God's way. And the numbers are higher every year. The World Health Organization says no country should have a c-section rate higher than 10-15%. Many think this number is too high (most midwives run between 5 and 10%. Mine has a 3% c-section rate!:-). Too high of a number means too many women are being subjected to the unnecessary risks of surgery (yes, there are risks to c-sections.) It also means too many babies are being subjected to the meds necessary for surgery, certainly not good for them if their life isn't threatened (which it obviously isn't because the neo-natal death and injury rate isn't declining one twit as our c-section rate climbs. In fact, if anything it is getting higher.) (Now due to The FAll some c-sections really are necessary to save Baby or Mommy's lives. But these are really rare.) Cesarean Rates by State, 2009 - The Unnecesarean Risks of c-section: Infection: Infection can occur at the incision site, in the uterus and in other pelvic organs such as the bladder and is the second leading cause of maternal death. Hemorrhage or increased blood loss: There is more blood loss in a cesarean delivery than with a vaginal delivery. This can lead to anemia or a blood transfusion (1 to 6 women per 100 require a blood transfusion). Hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal death. Injury to organs: Possible injury to organs such as the bowel or bladder (2 per 1002). (This means the doctor accidently cuts the wrong thing!) Adhesions: Scar tissue may form inside the pelvic region causing blockage and pain. This can also lead to future pregnancy complication such as placenta previa or placental abruption which can cause hemorrhage. Extended hospital stay: After a cesarean, the normal time in the hospital is 3-5 days after giving birth if there are no complications. A few hours to 1 day is the norm for a vaginal birth. Extended recovery time: The amount of time needed for recovery after a cesarean can extend from weeks to months, having an impact on bonding time with your baby (1 in 14 report incisional pain six months or more after surgery4). Reactions to medications: There can be a negative reaction to the anesthesia given during a cesarean or reaction to pain medication given after the procedure. Risk of additional surgeries: Such as hysterectomy, bladder repair or another cesarean. Maternal mortality: The maternal mortality rate for a cesarean is four times greater than with a vaginal birth. Emotional reactions: Women who have a cesarean report feeling negatively about their birth experience. In fact one researcher discovered that "Post Partam Depression" has EXACTLY the same symptoms as "Post Tramatic Stress Syndromn" which is suffered by veterans and rape victims. She also discovered that the more medical interventions a woman has in a birth the more likely she is to suffer PPD (PTSS) with c-sections being the ultimate in interventions. Mom may also have trouble with initial bonding with their baby. Risks and Complications for the Baby: Premature birth: If gestational age was not calculated correctly, a baby delivered by cesarean could be delivered too early and be low birth weight. And doctors wonder why our premie rate has gone up along with the rate of c-sections. Breathing problems: When delivered by cesarean, a baby is more likely to have breathing and respiratory difficulties. Some studies show an increased need for assistance with breathing and immediate care after a cesarean than with a vaginal delivery. This is even more true when there is NO emergency but the c-section was entirely planned. Low APGAR scores: Low APGAR scores can be the result of anesthesia, fetal distress before the delivery or lack of stimulation during delivery (vaginal birth provides natural stimulation to the baby while in the birth canal). Babies born by cesarean are 50% more likely to have lower APGAR scores than those born vaginally. Fetal injury: Very rarely, the baby may be nicked or cut during the incision (1 to 2 babies per 100 will be cut during the surgery). (See This page for the original list) All in all, do whatever you must to avoid a c-section if at all possible. Visit ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network). Your baby deserves God's best which in most cases is NOT to start life with surgery.