The CDC has finally released their 2007 statistical findings on birth in the US. Unsurprisingly, our c-section rate increased from 31.1% to 31.8%. To put this in perspective, the World Health Organization recommends that no region in the world should exceed a c-section rate of 15%. I'm disappointed to see SC's c-section rate much higher than the national average at 33.4% (up from 32.9%). I am anxious for next year's findings, I fear 2008's rates are going to be much higher.

On the bright side of this grim report, the issue is getting a lot of national attention, and the articles aren't mincing words. Finally people in the mainstream forums aren't afraid to bluntly say it - c-sections are dangerous. They are closely linked with the US's high infant mortality rates, and they are PREVENTABLE. Too many babies are dangerously induced or taken by c-section weeks before their due dates based on convenience to the mother/doctor, wildly inaccurate fetal weight estimates via ultrasounds or because of previous c-sections. There are consequences when you needlessly intervene with nature, and women are not fully informed of these consequences by their care providers. Informed consent in obstetrics is almost non-existent. I've had two c-sections. If someone had told me the first time that I'd have the basic right to not be cut open with subsequent births taken away from me, I'd have most definitely made a different choice. While vaginal birth after a c-section is generally a low-risk practice (the risk of uterine rupture is less than 1%), many hospitals and doctors have banned it because of malpractice liability issues. That's right ladies, your birth choices are being made for you by hospital administrators in stuffy suits along with their insurance agents.

I have been bullied and then abandoned by my doctors, been told with no reasonable evidence that my child would die if I didn't consent to a c-section, been quoted statistics from out-dated and debunked studies just to scare me. When I was three weeks away from my due date, I got a letter in the mail from my OB-GYN in Clemson dismissing me from their practice for 'failure to comply' with their repeat c-section recommendation. It is impossible to get in with another OB so close to your due date, therefore I went three weeks without prenatal care. When it was time to deliver, I was without a doctor and ended up with whatever resident was on call that night. I'll spare you the gory details, but I can assure you the bullying and scare tactics did not end with my former OB-GYN.

I wish I could say my case was unique, but the ugly truth is that it's not. This is the state obstetrics in our country is in. Childbirth is not the miracle or blessed right of passage it should be, it's a cold and money-driven business. So ladies, do yourself and your unborn a favor and do some research before you blindly trust your doctors. People generally do more fact-checking before buying a car than giving birth. Chances are he's not going to tell you that induction will double your risk of a c-section. Or that your risk of losing your uterus triples with a repeat c-section. This is just the tip of the iceberg as far ask risks are concerned, here's a more comprehensive list. Arm yourself with as much information as you can and make your own choices. One in three women are at risk for a c-section in this country. This isn't a problem; it's an epidemic.

Contact ICAN of the Upstate if you would like more information on cesarean risks, VBAC information, and/or support.