More Irish Women Being Forced into Cesareans

national | consumer issues | news report Tuesday July 19, 2005 01:51 by Tracy Donegan - ICAN of Dublin tracy_niall at yahoo dot com

Cork Doctor refusing to help mothers give birth normally after a cesarean.

The clock is ticking for Kirsty ‘X’ who is being intimidated into a repeat caesarean by her consultant in a Cork maternity hospital.

Kristy has no medical conditions that would necessitate another caesarean section and is being forced into a surgical procedure against her will. Her consultant is reported to be placing an 8 hour restriction on Kirsty’s labour after which he will perform a caesarean if she has not given birth. This of course puts tremendous pressure on an already distressed mother.



The choice to have a vaginal birth after a caesarean for most women is a safe one. Recent studies suggest that about 87% of women who attempt VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) will be successful. In July 2004 the British Medical Journal showed the risk of uterine rupture to be about 0.2% in a normal unmedicated labour. In the rare event of a rupture the study found that there was very little risk to the mother and baby.

Studies have proven that two or more cesareans do not significantly increase the uterine rupture rate compared to having one prior cesarean in the absence of induction medication. There is a correlation however to an increase in placenta accrete with each cesarean surgery, a condition in which the placenta imbeds into the muscular layers of the uterine wall. This can cause problems with retained placenta which often results in hemorrhaging and even a hysterectomy may be needed to stop the bleeding. Another strong reason to avoid repeat caesarean births.



In fact caesarean births come with higher risks – increased risk of infection, future infertility and abnormalities in future pregnancies.



Kirsty - determined to have a vaginal birth if there are no complications sought a second opinion from another Cork consultant who was supportive of VBAC and her desire to have a vaginal birth. But he unfortunately went on leave last week without passing on his recommendations. Maybe his oversight wasn't accidental...... Her consultant is also insisting on continuous foetal monitoring throughout her labour which is not supported by current research and recommendations (by the World Health Organization)

In the last few days Kirsty has finally found a Doctor who is 100% supportive of her vbac attempt without ANY restrictions.

Kirsty’s baby is due today.


Tracy Donegan

http://www.DoulaIreland.com





Information about ICAN.

The International Cesarean Awareness Network, Inc. is an international, nonprofit organization that was founded by concerned parents and professionals in June 1982 led by Esther Booth Zorn. Governed by an elected Board of Directors, ICAN has grown rapidly with supporters in every state of the U.S., as well as many foreign countries including Ireland. Many chapters provide information and support on a one-to-one basis. ICAN also has a distinguished Advisory Board of birth professionals. Since ICAN's inception, the vaginal birth after cesarean rate has doubled, yet there remains much to be done to prevent initial cesareans, as well as promote VBAC. ICAN's Statement of Beliefs summarizes its philosophy.

ICAN helps women to realize that they have both rights and responsibilities regarding birth which they need to accept. By doing so, they can regain control over their bodies and their births. ICAN works to insure that women have easy access to accurate information about pregnancy and birth. That information needs to include the risks and benefits of a caesarean, vaginal birth, drugs during labor, and other procedures. ICAN also promotes legislation that requires hospitals and physicians to reveal statistical information so that women can make informed decisions about where they wish to give birth.