Facts And Research Deliver Choice To Mothers

Sydney Morning Herald

Monday January 27, 2003

I underwent a caesarean section to deliver my daughter on January 13. I chose this option after a careful evaluation of the issues and statistics and given my concern about the uncertainties, risks and pain of natural childbirth.

As Caroline Homer rightly says (Letters, January 24), I had a catheter, an IV for pain relief and a wound. But the catheter was out within 24 hours and the pain relief consisted of just tablets after 48 hours. At most I had occasional mild discomfort, a better outcome than for many who give birth naturally. By day three I was walking around freely and began gentle Pilates exercises. And, most importantly, I have a healthy baby.

There are obviously a range of experiences for caesarean deliveries but I believe it was the best option for me.

Like any medical issue, the mode of delivery should be every woman's choice supported by clear facts from her obstetrician and her own backup research.

Kate Lawrence-Haynes,

North Sydney, January 24.

Don't believe for a second that women are ``more comfortable having caesareans". Women are being bullied into unnecessary caesareans. These deliveries appeal to the obstetricians' fear of litigation and can easily be slotted into overloaded schedules.

Having had one Caesarean section followed by two natural births, I can tell you what I am more comfortable with, and it didn't involve a scalpel and subsequent feelings of disappointment and powerlessness.

Caroline Ferguson,

Balgowlah Heights, January 24.

As a group of student midwives, we can assure Dr Andrew Pesce that the women who have had a caesarean section in the past few days are feeling anything but ``comfortable".

Although there are times when a caesarean section is necessary, women are being sold this procedure as a pain-free, risk-free birth option, which misrepresents reality. Women have given birth naturally since the human race evolved and most women can birth safely without needing a major surgical procedure.

Midwives strongly support women's choice, but it needs to be informed choice. Women need correct information about all their options, including midwifery-led care.

Midwives continue to be the guardians of normal birth and women have a right to information about the care offered by midwives and not just that offered by obstetricians.

After all, it will be midwives who are there, 24 hours a day, providing care regardless of whether your baby was ``delivered" by an obstetrician or ``caught" by a midwife.

Jocelyn Sedgley, with Tracy Barnard, Lisa Franciun, Belinda Martin, Tamara Pilor, Holly St Clair, Amanda Vestey,

University of Technology, Sydney,

January 24.