Last Friday, I attended the REACHE 2008 Conference, which is a gathering of childbirth educators, doulas, midwives, lactation consultants, etc. This year’s topic was on cesareans – what an amazing way to spend the day. There was information on the rising epidemic of cesareans, the impact they have on mothers and babies, especially in the first few weeks, but also the long-lasting effects, plus info on preventing cesareans, and activism against the ludicrous percentage of cesareans performed today in many hospitals. Do you know that 30% cesarean rate in many hospitals is average now? How can that be? ? ?
And how can it be, with these rates, that vbac’s are so incredibly hard to get, that many hospitals ban them, when the evidence shows that they are safer than repeat major abdominal surgery?
The pendulum must swing back the other way, and soon.
Anyway, it is wonderful to be part of a group of women who are so incredibly dedicated to birth and birthing mamas, babies, and families. Working for a change, that is what we do.
