Question about belly belly and views on Csection vs Natural

[lilmisspositive]

Hi was just about to add Belly Belly on my facebook page as "like" when going through the posts a very large majority is about C sections vs natural. Favor of natural birth more prominent. Is this the views of most people on here?

If so, that would explain my experiences lately. Just thought I would ask. Thanks.

[MummaSue]

I think (and someone PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong) bellybelly is about informing people of their CHOICES. Not being railroaded into having a c-section because your Ob tells you that's what you should do. There is a whole section on c-sections here too. I had one and feel hugely supported by everyone on belly belly. I don't think it's that BB "favours" natural birth - it's just that it encourages people to think about it before making any rash decisions (when there may be no medical reason to have a c-section).

I'm not articulating that very well and I am sure others will be able to give you more input.

Sue xx

[Mad Scientist]

I think (and someone PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong) bellybelly is about informing people of their CHOICES. Not being railroaded into having a c-section because your Ob tells you that's what you should do. There is a whole section on c-sections here too. I had one and feel hugely supported by everyone on belly belly. I don't think it's that BB "favours" natural birth - it's just that it encourages people to think about it before making any rash decisions (when there may be no medical reason to have a c-section).

I'm not articulating that very well and I am sure others will be able to give you more input.

Sue xx

Really well said sue

[Mad Scientist]

I think a fair few people are quite outspoken on BB in relation to their preferences but I've found the majority of BB members to be supportive of women and men no matter what their choices or preferences. I hope your experiences haven't been negative. I'm sure one of the mods can put the philosophy of BB more eloquently than I but overall I think BB is a gentle parenting website but at the same time accepting of all parenting, birth and pregnancy styles and choices. That's been my experience anyway.

[lilmisspositive]

Ah Okay. Had very bad fourth degree tears with DD. Very bad experience and my choice is C-section. It took me 8 years to make that choice. To be honest quite excited and happy with that choice.
Just wanted to make sure I was in the right spot. Need to check out the C section "section".

Thanks ladies for the clarification. I think you both explained that quite well for me. Ta : )

[Traveller]

Hi Tams

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your pregnancy. As others have said, BellyBelly aims to be a supportive environment allowing women to make informed choices about their births. There is lots of information here about all interventions and their benefits vs their risks. For most women a natural birth is less risky than a surgical one, and this is reflected on the boards, but there are always exceptions for a myriad of personal, medical and psychological reasons. I would encourage you to take a look through the caesarean support section of our forum, there are many women here who choose a caesarean and I would like to think that they are supported on here.

If you do feel that you have been treated unfairly then please report the posts in question and the mod team will be happy to take a look.

Trav
xx

[lilmisspositive]

Thank you guys so much. I feel a lot more better now and I am going to do some reading this arvo in that section. I appreciate you all taking the time to write your thoughts and inform me of how it is. Greatly appreciated.

: )

[Bathsheba]

Further to what the girls and especially Traveller mentioned you will find that BellyBelly itself is made up of Moderators who have had a broad range of birthing experiences including c-sections. Bellybelly can not be held accountable for the opinions of all members but as a site it is all for providing balanced information based on what is safest and best for mum and bubs NOT what is quick and conveneient for the medical profession.

It is also a part of the guidelines that whilst we have a right to our opinions are also have a responsibilty to speak with tact.

If you have any issues just contact a Moderator, they do a fantastic job And to BB. You will be hard pressed to find a more informed and caring community online.

[BellyBelly]

The others have given some great responses here... I just wanted to add my own little comment. Yes what they say is true, and the thing is, we are also all for factual, evidence based, safest care. The majority of that, is normal birth, which is why you'll see so much information on it, its just a fact. But that does not at all mean we don't support other options, as you can see, we do, we have forums for everything. Vaginal birth and breastfeeding isn't best, it's normal. The reason for this is that women have a range of experiences and events they have been through, abuse, trauma, serious illness... so to say normal is best, is wrong. We certainly wont promote interventions, but will support a mother's choice, her journey is hers only.

Unfortunately for some women, they can see this providing of information as a judgement, but it's not at all.... it's providing the facts with the aim to empower and educate. Those who see it as a judgement really need to look inside and ask themselves why they really feel judged. What feelings does that create in them? The whole mod team welcomes the opportunity to be pulled up on issues where we may have overstepped the line and we support each other and talk it through, when the passion gets crazy

But the way I see it is this: Its not my journey, life, baby, birth or body, it does not affect me, so who am I to judge? But I am providing a site full of what I wish I knew when I had my two, in the hope it will help many others out there, find the best, accurate, evidence-based information possible. If you read these things and decide on a c/s then that's right for you. All the best with your birth journey.

[lilmisspositive]

Sorry, you are so quick!!

Much appreciated for the big explanation. Just a feeling I was having, but think there was more to it then I first gathered. I try not to judge and maybe in this case I did.

Thanks.

[Persephone1]

You are definitely in the right forum. I hope nothing on BB has made you feel otherwise. Congratulations on your pregnancy and good luck with the birth!

[Mad Scientist]

Definitely give the c-section section (lol) a go. You'll love the support. I know it's awful to say but I tend to avoid certain areas on BB because of the experiences I've had with some 'passionate' members being a bit judgmental. But overall it's a wonderful place full of knowledge, support and reassurance no matter what you are going through

[LimeSlice]

I think the general feeling around here is that any birth is fabulous if the mother is informed, educated and has the information to make any decision she feel right for her, her body, her baby and her family.

There is a negative shadow cast on unnecessary medical interventions during birth, and the 'emergency' c-sections that are bullied or rushed, or not exactly necessary. And more importantly the effect they can have on a woman's (and baby's) birth experience.

So long as you have made an informed choice about your birth options, you generally won't be judged here at all - the fight is for maternity CHOICES, whatever they are, and the advocacy for non biased information, truthful information and safe options for baby.
Having said that, there are obviously personal opinions around, the "too posh to push" mentality is not a favourite, nor is elective c-section without understanding or ignorance of, the risks involved in such procedures. But they are personal opinions and people here do try to express their opinions in gentle, tactful ways, or know when to respect others' choices and keep their opinions to themselves.

I think most of us here would be very troubled if you had been mistreated on the basis of your birth choice, so I hope that is not the case

HTH

[MummaSue]

See, I told you others would articulate it better than I could!!