just to be clear I was not debating vaginal v c/section. I was simply stating that to me the c/s rates do not mean that the hospital is good or bad, therefore they shouldn't have to be published as part or a "name and shame" campaign which would or course shame the mother too. However all public hospitals should have to provide detailed information about their practices and procedures so that women can find a hospital that suits them best.
I voted "no" on the "shaming" aspect of the question. While there's no harm in information being available forums such as this one allow women to research and discuss hospitals and make informed decisions.
The hospital I gave birth at has a very high c-section rate, I knew that in advance and I spoke to my ob my about it because I was worried. He told me the figures are distorted because they include all the women who have chosen elective c-sections, of which there are a high number on the Gold Coast.
As it turned out, the number of emergency c-sections at my hospital was very low compared with other hospitals. My doctor never even suggested it to me, it never came up in conversation again after I asked about it on our first consultation.
Perhaps hospitals with high c-section rates are simply honouring a woman's right to choose the birth she wants, not forcing c-sections on unsuspecting women.
Registered User
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks