[ozmidwifery] C-section on Today

[Isis and Andrew Caple]

I sent in an email to the today show about tomorrow mornings show this is the response I got..

 

am sorry you feel that way about it. But I think if you ask a lot of of women to graphically describe a vaginal birth, you probably would get a similar cold view of the process.

We are not promoting a particular kind of birth...as you may have noticed from the interview this morning..this woman is having a c-section for medical reasons and is certainly not looking to be the next Australian Idol.

Lots of women have to have them for medical reasons and I am not sure what is wrong with showing people that birth by c-section still brings the joy that follows the arrival of a new life.

 

 

 

 

 -----Original Message-----
From: Isis and Andrew Caple [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Wednesday, 3 December 2003 10:35 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Live C-Section

I am writing to express my disgust and misgivings over your plan to broadcast live a c-section tomorrow.

 

Caesarian Section's are not an operation to be taken lightly!!  They are a major abdominal surgery and are the most medical method of delivering a baby. It is not glamorous, it is not easy, it is not dignified! It is not a procedure to be taken lightly! In no way is it easier then a natural vaginal birth! C-sections are meant as a final resort for a serious medical situation in a pregnancy. Not for a 'just in case' scenario.. How many first time mothers are now going to see this story and book in to be sliced open, because it looks easy!

 

I hope you will show the whole process, from epidural/spinal being inserted, catheter being put in, canulars being applied, shaving the pubic area, the enema, swabbing the abdomen, slicing through skin, fat, muscle, uterus. The 'pulling apart' of the abdominal muscles to get to the uterus, the doctor reaching in to find the baby, the 'pulling out of the baby, the look of shock and fear on the babies face at the bright lights, the cold clinical smell. The 'repair' of the uterus, the pulling the muscles back to position, the staples used to close the wound.. THEN, the mothers inability to even hold her baby straight away, no feeding, no cooing, no touching. Oh hang on, yes the holding and cooing is done by strangers, unless the father is 'allowed' to do so.  Then show how long it takes the mum to be able to walk, to lift, to do normal everyday activities without the fear of her stitches popping..

 

Maybe you would then find it in your programming to show the other pole of childbirth- a natural homebirth, without the bright lights, without strangers in masks, without the immobilising drugs.. The beauty, power and sanctity of a woman birthing her child, into her arms, with tears, laughter and awe..

 

Sincerely- Isis Caple