Induction and C/S aren't always bad

[Amity]

I'm sorry your gorgeous DD couldn't stay.

I also agree that induction and c/s aren't always bad.

If it weren't for medical care in a tertiary hospital, neither DS1 and I would be here today. Monash booked me an ICU bed on arrival because they were sure I was going to have a seizure. My brother (ICU doctor) looked after two women at the time I was at Monash, who were in a vegetative state because of pre-eclampsia. I was probably 1-2 hours away from that situation myself. If it wasn't for the medical care, I would be dead. I have absolutely no doubt about that.

If it wasn't for the decision to have a c/s, DS1 wouldn't be here either. His cord came off his placenta as they lifted him out of my (induced, but then emergency) c/s. This is an incredibly rare situation. The head ob (who was on duty supervising my c/s) has (now) seen it twice in 30 years. He would not have lasted another 5 minutes inside me. If it wasn't for his medical care, he would be dead. I have absolutely no doubt about that either.

I completely agree with you that inductions and c/s are not always bad. They save lives. They have saved mine and my son's.

And yet I find myself here, supporting the ethos of BB. I have been here for 8 years now - as a member, as a mod, and now a senior mod. I encourage everyone to educate themselves and find their own way in the often confronting and difficult decisions that they make in their lives. I fully support Kelly's idea of the power of womanhood - the ability of each of us to have decision making power over our own bodies. Educating women in relation to their own bodies and in relation to their own lives will bring a better outcome for all humanity. Kelly fully supported me throughout my DS2's difficult pregnancy and was unhesitatingly helpful during my recovery from my (eventually planned by my now XH) c/s. Sometimes I wish I had had the natural birth I wanted, but I know that the outcome for me (second c/s) was undoubtedly better for both myself and DS2.

What I am trying to say, in a roundabout way, is that each of us make our own choices. When we have knowledge, we are empowered. Yes, BB is often seen to be more about natural birth and breastfeeding etc. However, many of us (mods, seniors, admin included) have had c/s, or have chosen to bottle feed (I combined feeding for both my sons from birth), or have used daycare from early on (myself from 12 weeks for both my sons, including my premmie). There are many members who have made choices about their lives and those of their children and family, with the information they have to hand at the time.

More information/education = better choices. I believe that is what BB is all about.