Making peace with technology

Women often come to me very informed, and very freaked out, about the high cesarean rates going around. I agree that these c-section rates of 30, 40% are alarming. And I agree that this over medicalized model of birth is detrimental to women and babies. At the same time, I want to help women trust that with the right birth circle, the technology of today can be a great tool not to be feared.

First off, remember that c-sections can be a life saving procedure for mother and baby. Hospitals do save lives everyday. What we also know is that the choices of many medical practitioners create preventable emergencies. To avoid the latter, it is of utmost importance that you select a care provider and support team for your birth circle that you trust and share your philosophies on childbirth.

The care provider you select is so important. If you are feeling unhappy with your care provider, don't think you will get more comfortable with them as the pregnancy progresses. People transfer care late in pregnancy all the time. So if you're getting a nagging feeling you're with the wrong person, you may want to really listen to that voice.

Then of course we know we cannot control life. And you can do everything "right" and then have  cesarean, or other interventions you didn't want anyway. You may have a lot of conflicting feelings about it. Whatever you are feeling is OK. Many people try to hush the negative feelings women have about their c-section saying, "But you have a healthy baby!" Yes, that is of course important. And being disappointed about how your birth went doesn't mean that you don't appreciate your baby. It's important to honor your feelings. It's also important to have people around you who honor how you feel about your birth.  Your feelings about it may change, as the weeks, months and years go by.  Be sure to get support and respect for whatever you are feeling. And if you find yourself alone in this endeavor, you need to give yourself that space and respect to do so.