| |
|
|
|
|
What If I Have a C-Section?
Thirty years ago, 1
in 20 babies was born by a Caesarian section. Today
almost one in four are. In spite of the increase in
this type of childbirth, there are very few books on
the subject, and most childbirth classes barely
touch upon it. For some women, a C-section is the
only safe way to give birth. But in recent years, it
has become a way to have a baby on a timetable, and
elective C-sections are becoming more and more
common. Unfortunately, the risks can outweigh the
benefits, and the subject of elective Caesarians is
becoming more and more contentious among
obstetricians, politicians and feminists.
While the percentage of elective C-sections is still
small; 1.86 of all total deliveries in 2001, there
is much debate about the ethics involved in allowing
women to choose what is sometimes a risky surgery.
Some bioethicists argue that a woman who would
choose a procedure that is more dangerous to both
her health and the health of her baby in the
interest of control needs to reassess her
priorities. Others insist that there is no evidence
that a caesarian birth is more risky that a vaginal
one. Some believe there is evidence that the risk to
baby and mother is greater in a vaginal birth,
consequently some OB/Gyn’s argue that mothers should
be allowed to make an informed decision about the
birth of their babies.
Regardless of the motivation for this type of birth,
C-Sections are here to stay. For most women who have
them, they are the safest way for them to give birth
to their babies. And the reality is, information
about Caesarian is difficult to come by. For all the
commonality of the surgery, reference materials that
are truly helpful to women faced with it are few and
far between. In her latest book, “What If I Have a
C-Section” author and USA Today medical reporter
Rita Ruben lays out the various scenarios women may
face when giving birth to their children, and how to
cope with C-Section as an option.
Rubin’s empathetic and informative approach provides
a compilation of real-life stories, medical data and
doctor input to provide an invaluable resource for
both first-time mothers and those who have already
undergone a C-section in the past. “What If I Have a
C-Section” illustrates how to cope with the
unexpected, when to make the decision to have
surgery, recovery, breastfeeding and VBAC (vaginal
birth after caesarian). In simple, easy to
understand language, Rubin touches on all the most
worrisome aspects of caesarian birth in an honest
and reassuring tone sure to be of comfort to
pregnant women who want to be informed of their
options. Touted by specialists as “excellent,”
“clinically accurate,” and “highly informative,”
this book is an excellent resource for pregnant
women, and the people who love them.
Author Rita Rubin is a prizewinning health
journalist at USA Today. Rubin has a great deal of
experience writing for both medical and lay
publications. She lives in Bethesda, Maryland with
her husband and two daughters.
“What If I Have a C-Section” is available in
bookstores nationwide.
|
|
|
