"...cesarean is scheduled in advance for medical reasons, studies show her chances are also good for feeling positive after her birth." (p. 175)
"...natural childbirth...at home, where 90 percent do so..." (p. 178)
"Approximately 80 percent of mothers birthing in hospitals have epidurals." (p. 178)
"...whether a mother sees her birth as positive, negative, or traumatic. The most important factors are:
1 Whether a woman's expectations of birth match the reality of what happens
2 Whether a woman feels involved in decisions about her care, even if her expectations cannot be met" (p. 178)
"In fact, a potential risk of any surgery is depression..." (p. 181)
From Dr. Gayle Peterson...
Acknowledge fear can deepen our reserves and help us discover fresh meaning and commitment in our lives. Do not judge your fear or anxiety. Confront and befriend the fear, and it will yield an inner treasure.
Ask yourself these questions:
1. Imagine that an epidural is necessary during your birth. What feelings do you think would arise for you?
2. If an epidural is needed, what would help make this the best possible scenario for you?
3. Now imagine that a cesarean is necessary. What emotions do you think would arise?
4. If a cesarean is needed, what would help make this the best possible situation for you?
5. What fears or anxieties do you have about these situations? (Be sure to give them a voice before your actual birth.)
6. How have you (and your partner) responded to unexpected stress at other times in life?
7. What would you want your doula, and your doctor or midwife, to remember about your needs in case of unplanned events during birth?" (p. 182-183)
"...90 percent of U.S. mothers are instructed to lie on their back or recline during pushing. Only 4 percent push on their sides; yet side-lying may result in more successful pushing, according to New Zealand midwifery expert Jean Sutton." (p. 184)
"...remember to continue incorporating labor support techniques after an epidural, especially massage." (p. 184)
Take time, if it is not an emergency, to, "process the decision...provider to take additional time to explain the need for the procedure, its benefits and risks, and details about how it will be performed...want extra reassurance that the baby is still healthy, and a pep talk to help you keep going in good spirits." (p. 185)
Some mothers may feel "empowered moving forward quickly." (p. 185)
"A mother who has general anesthesia can ask for her medical records later." (p. 186-187)
"As for a cesarean section, whether it is needed due to a medical problem or because today's intervention rates are unavoidably high, it is never the mother's fault when it occurs." (p. 188)
"To underscore this point, in 2008 the journal Midwifery Today hosted a seminar with doula leader Penny Simkin titled 'There's More to Birth Than Coming Out Alive.' A woman's feelings of dignity, emotional security, and her need to experience birth as the celebration of a major life passage are also important. When these aspects of birthing are compromised, her confidence about functioning as a new mother can be weakened." (p. 188-189)
"Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a difficult birth is getting attention as a condition that affects as many as 7 to 18 percent of new mothers..." (p. 189)
"Ways to assist with healing include the following:
1. Speak to a counselor or therapist...
2. Contact organizations that offer support... (iCAN)
3. Write your birth story...
4. Share your story with other moms...
5. Talk with your doula, your midwife, or doctor..." (p. 191-192)
Epidurals and Cesareans affects on nursing...
"Milk can be delayed from coming in, and babies' behavior can be more disorganized for several weeks." (p. 193)
"When it comes to unplanned interventions, open communication is one of your greatest tools..." (p.194)
(Note to self: Check out the self-evaluation scale in appendix. Possible tool to give at reunions?)
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