Dear
Dierdre,
You have put very
reasoned arguments to support your contention that CS births are
overused.
It is an argument
that we have explored and aired on our program many times in recent years, and
during our program last week, we spoke to a midwife on that very
point.
You do not, however,
support your accusation that we “did nothing but tell women it is okay to have
cs for no medical reason”.
First, the program
was about birth…period.
Specifically about
the arrival of the 20 millionth Australian, however and whomever that
was.
It was NOT A
POLITICAL STATEMENT ON BIRTHING METHODS…though we acknowledged the
debate.
The special moment
was young Tom Cooper’s arrival into the world…and to be honest, it was truly
wonderful…regardless of by which orifice he emerged.
Of course it would
have been impossible to schedule a vaginal delivery “live” during a 3 hour
window. Babies don’t work to deadlines.
And it was the “live
broadcast” element that we wanted to share with our viewers…the excitement of
seeing something happen for the first time, before anyone else has seen it,
before your eyes.
Tom was going to
arrive cs regardless of whether we were there or not…we simply took an amazing
opportunity.
It is a shame that
the extreme end of the anti cs debate has sought to hijack that moment for its
own end.
But back to your
accusation: we explained repeatedly that Tom’s mum Liane had a history of
complex reproductive problems.
Her first baby was
born by cs several days after her waters broke and doctors were unable to
induce labour.
She sought the best
medical advice she could get, and made an informed decision not to have that
happen again.
While I respect
opinions like yours I have been shocked and horrified by a minority of people
who have accused her of being “less than a mother”;”too posh to push”
etc.
This rush to judge
others simply because they have the temerity to make a choice that differs
with one’s own is an ugly side of human nature.
Opinions are a
right…they should not be a weapon.
We did not tell
anyone it was okay to have a cs for no medical reason.
But frankly I do not
presume the right to tell anyone how they should make one of the biggest
decisions of their lives. Nor to judge them on it.
Regards,
Tracy
Grimshaw
-----Original
Message-----
From: Dierdre
Bowman [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Tuesday, 9 December 2003 12:24
PM
To: TCN Today
Show
Subject: Live
Caesarean
Importance:
High
Over the past few days I have
tried to come to grips with your show on the live caesarean birth. I am
a midwife who constantly sees women who have been devastated by their
experience with caesarean section (C/S). While I agree that for some
women 10-15% C/S is an absolutely necessary and life saving event, it is an
outrage that this story has gone to air in the context it has.
The c/s rate in this country, is
out of control. Research is now revealing that this operation may have
long term effects especially on the emotional wellbeing of the mother. The
world health organization recommended that the C/S rate should not be higher
than 10-15% in ANY geographical area. Why then do we in Australia have rates
from between 20 and 50%. Please don't tell me that 1/4 to 1/2 the population
of Australian women are unable to birth vaginally. I have seen mother and
babies with sliced bladders and parts of the baby cut because of C/S.
Women who for months after suffer server pain as a result of infection and
babies born with respiratory distress as a result of C/S performed when the
baby was SUPPOSE to be full term only to discover it was
premature!!!!!!!
I am a victim of two unnecessary
caesareans and having a previous C/S is NOT a valid reason for having
another. In fact in order to escape the knife the third time I had
to birth at home with a midwife. The only person who would fight for my
rights. Mothers and infants are at double to three times the risk of
Death having a c/s than a vaginal delivery. We are working very hard as
mothers and midwives to turn around this potentially disastrous situation.
Your show has done nothing but tell women it's ok to have C/S for no medical
reason. This is not OK. In fact your show has left consumers of birthing
groups and organizations as well as the midwives who attend them
outraged. You really need to do some careful thinking before you air
something based on the opinions of an obstetrician who's primary concern
appears to be his star qualities as a performer instead of what should be his
role. Promoting what is safe and best for women and babies.
I would have second thoughts about
watching your show again!
