I am a first year B. Mid student and just wanted to share something. I am very new at all this, so sorry if I sound a bit naive! :) I am the treasurer of my local Aust. B/feeding Assoc. group, and we had a dinner last night to farewell a counsellor. We were talking about the current debates re c-sections. One of the counsellors told us a tragic story about a friend of hers who undertook a natural birth following a previous c-section. During labour (not sure what stage) the old c-section scar in the uterus ruptured, and the babies head pushed through. The continuing uterine contractions then literally choked the baby who did not survive. I was absolutely horrified to hear this story. I don't know how common this would be - a doctor at the table said she had heard of many bad outcomes following c-sections, but nothing like that. I guess the sad thing is that some women have no choice but to have a caesar to safely birth a child, as was the case for this woman I believe. Then next time, she wanted the natural birth and had this dreadful outcome. More reason to avoid the elective c-s in my opinion, but no solace for those requiring the surgery. One of my follow throughs is facing a caesarian at the moment. She is 38 weeks pregnant and her baby (number 1 and very tiny mum) is breech. An ECV was unsuccessful last week and she has previously tried every natural therapy and old wive's tale to get the little one to turn, but to no avail. I certainly won't be sharing this story with her, but it has made me feel so nervous (for want of a better word) for her and her future birthing experiences.
I am really enjoying reading all that you are sending out. The mails you are all generating have been food for thought on many topics indeed. Many thanks, Kirsten -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
