by Nicette Jukelevics, author of
Understanding the Dangers of Cesarean Birth: Making Informed Decisions
at www.DangersOfCesareanBirth.com
For years researchers have largely focused on the technical aspects and “appropriate” rate of cesarean section: the surgical procedure. However, birth by cesarean can have powerful psychological effects on women and their ability to adjust to motherhood. Read the rest of this entry »
Did you know that for many women, a vaginal birth with an episiotomy can be just as traumatic and painful as birth with a cesarean ? It’s true. The birth of my oldest child, who weighed on 5lbs and 5 oz was delivered via a mediolateral episiotomy and forceps. It was extremely painful. I refer to that birth as my“V-section”because that’s how it felt to me. I felt sliced and diced. And I was!
I had many, many stitches that itched and burned and nothing made it go away. This continued for several weeks. I was breastfeeding and it was all I could do to turn over in the bed without pain so intense that it made me nauseated and faint feeling. I had to have someone “spot” me every time I got up to use the bathroom because I was afraid I would faint. I was completely incapacitated.
In case you are unfamiliar with the term “episiotomy”, here is some information, and illustrations: Read the rest of this entry »