I’m currently prepping for tonight’s Childbirth Ed class on Variations and Complications in labor.  We talk about many of the situations couples encounter in the few weeks before and during labor, and we spend a lot of time discussing their options in each of these situations.

Some of these situations we cover are  not necessarily dangerous for the mom or baby, they just change the options that are given to the couple.  Being post-date or going past the due date is one of these.  Depending on your caregiver’s policy induction may highly encouraged anywhere from 39 weeks 6 days to 41 weeks 6 days.  That is a BIG difference.  And if both mom and baby are fine, then they have a lot of options including refusing an unnecessary induction at 40 weeks on the dot.

Another option-changer is breech position of the baby.  While there is a movement in Canada to encourage vaginal delivery of breech babies, the recommended route here in the US right now is surgical.  And since many OB’s do not have the proper training or experience with vaginal breech deliver, I am not comfortable advising moms to ask for vaginal breech delivery with inexperienced caregivers.  So, for parents who find out before the onset of labor, there are many things they can do to encourage the baby to turn: lots of positions for mom to try, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, etc can be effective at turning many babies.

So when preparing for these discussions tonight, I came across Dr. Onyeije’s presentation on avoiding a Cesarean.  It mirrors so many of the things I try to stress in class, the  most important being finding a caregiver who shares your perspective on birthing.

That one thing can pave the way to avoiding so many difficult situations for a pregnant couple.  If you are wanting a natural childbirth and go to a practice with a high rate of intervention, then you will probably be very discouraged.  If you want every bit of technology used on you and your baby from the first twinge and you are with a more laid back practice, you will be so frustrated when they send you home from the hospital when you are at 3cm and still in early labor. It makes SUCH a difference.  I they to encourage couples that statistically they will not be the exception.  Exceptions are out there, but you can’t expect to be the exception for the particular practice you are using.

So here it is: 

Ten Ways to Avoid an Unnecessary Cesarean