Myth:
Cesarean Section is Safe.
Reality:
Vaginal birth is far safer overall for mothers and babies.
Although cesarean section is safer than in the past, it is major abdominal surgery and poses many extra harms for mothers and babies in comparison with vaginal birth.
Myth:
Planned cesarean is optimal solution for mothers and babies.
Reality:
Vaginal birth is far safer overall for mothers and babies.
Planned cesarean is very convenient for busy hospitals and caregivers.
Myth:
Vaginal birth is harmful for mothers and babies
Reality:
Vaginal birth is far safer overall for mothers and babies than cesarean section.
Some overused medical practices during vaginal birth are harmful to mothers and babies.
Research has not been done to determine whether giving birth through the vagina has intrinsic risks in comparison with cesarean section.
Myth:
Having an elective cesarean section will prevent incontinence later in life.
Reality:
Current research suggests that having a cesarean section will have no effect on incontinence later in life. Having an elective cesarean section poses many harms and limited benefit to mothers and babies.
Tips for Reducing Risk During Pregnancy:
Find doctor or midwife with low rates of intervention
Discuss goals and preferences with caregiver
Choose birth setting with low rates of intervention
Create your own birth statement
Arrange for continuous labor support
Explore options for pain relief
Tips for Reducing Risk During Labor:
Work with caregivers to delay going to hospital
Receive good support throughout labor
If possible, avoid continuous electronic fetal monitoring
Avoid epidural analgesia
Tips for Avoiding Cesareans (during Pregnancy):
If cesarean proposed, make informed decision
If had previous cesarean, make informed decision
If baby is breech, make informed decision
If you fear vaginal birth, consider in-depth counseling
Tips for Avoiding Cesareans (during Labor):
Avoid routine interventions when possible (in addition to electronic fetal monitoring, epidural, induction, artificial rupture of membranes, arbitrary time limits)
If cesarean is proposed, make informed decision.
Tips for Avoiding Unnecessary Assisted Birth:
Push in an upright or side-lying position
Avoid time limits for pushing
Let your body guide pushing, when possible
Tips for Avoiding Unnecessary Pelvic Floor Injury:
Talk with caregivers about avoiding routine use of interventions that can increase risk
Carry out pelvic floor muscle exercises
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ClickedLink=184&ck=10263&area=2
