Understanding the Dangers of Cesarean Birth

Cesarean delivery - childbirth through an incision in the mother's lower abdomen - is now the most common major surgical procedure performed in the United States. No one argues over the fact that it can be a life-saving procedure when the baby or mother is at risk. But for almost three decades in this nation, cesarean deliveries have increased, without substantially better outcomes for babies or mothers. Experts warn that up to 50 percent of the more than 1 million C-sections performed here each year are unnecessary. And that is where Nicette Jukelevics, a certified childbirth educator, researcher and writer, steps in with this book. Jukelevics aims to give women the insights they need to make an informed decision about whether natural or C-section birth is best for them and their babies. She explains when C-sections are necessary, and when they are not needed. She also addresses the overuse and misuse of medical procedures that can complicate labor and lead to C-sections, as well as reasons doctors may support or suggest C-sections, including outdated medical information, fear of liability, and economic advantages measured in doctors' time. This work also examines midwifery practices shown to safely reduce cesarean deliveries, but ignored or resisted by hospitals. Understanding the Dangers of Cesarean Birth will interest not only expectant and future parents, but also to students and scholars of women's health, nursing, and public health.

Nicette Jukelevics is a Childbirth Educator certified by the International Childbirth Education Association and Co-Founder as well as Parent Educator at the Center for Family in Torrance, California. A childbirth educator and researcher for over 25 years, she is also an experienced doula. Jukelevics served as Chair and Co-Chair of the ICEA's Cesarean Options Committee and Co-Chair of the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services. Her articles have been featured in publications including Mothering Magazine, Childbirth Instructor Magazine, and the International Journal of Childbirth Education. Her VBAC Fact Sheet was included in the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Reducing Cesarean Section Rates While Maintaining Maternal and Infant Outcomes, Breakthrough Series Guide.

Series Foreword by Julie Silver, M.D. Foreword by Charles Mahan, M.D. Preface Acknowledgment List of Abbreviations Introduction 1. Freefall 2. Nondisclosure: The Missing Information for Making Informed Decisions 3. Patient Choice or Physician Choice Cesareans? 4. Cesarean Section, the Procedure 5. How Safe Are Cesareans? 6. Breaking the Silence: Birth Trauma, Cesareans and Post Traumatic Stress 7. How Does a Cesarean Birth Affect the Baby 8. Im Laboring as Fast as I Can: Prolonged Labor, a Highly Variable Diagnosis 9. Impact of a Cesarean on Future Pregnancy 10. Especially for Mothers: Walk, Rock, Sway, Squat, You Can Help Your Labor to Progress 11. Labor after Cesarean: A Safe Alternative to a Repeat Operation 12. Electronic Fetal Monitoring: More Information Is Not Always Better 13. Breech Version: A Safe Alternative to a Planned Cesarean 14. Elective Induction of Labor: A Risk Factor for Cesarean Delivery 15. Especially for Mothers: Coping with the Pain of Labor 16. Labor Support by Women for Women 17. Giving Birth with Midwives: Excellent Outcomes with Fewer Cesareans 18. Out of Hospital Birth Lowers the Odds for Cesarean Section 19. Especially for Mothers: Reducing the Odds for a Cesarean What To Do during Pregnancy 20. Especially for Mothers: Reducing the Odds for a Cesarean What To Do during Labor and Birth 21. Resources: Truth and Transparency in Maternity Care 22. Why Normal Birth Matters Glossary Notes Bibliography