Breeching the system and bridging the educational gap
Breech babies are still routinely delivered via cesarean sections today. Most moms who have breech babies don't even dream of having a vaginal delivery. However, it is interesting to note that in Canada, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists actually recommends not to systematically section moms with breech babies. Rixa, the lovely lady blogging at Stand and Deliver, recently posted a review of the documentary "A Breech in the System":
I think I'll order a copy of this documetary for myself. It sounds like an interesting journey to watch. There are different options to try to turn a breech baby. Spinning Babies offers quite a few ideas to experiment if you happen to be in that case.But, sometimes, babies just won't turn.
I find it very interesting to see that more and more women are challenging the medical model of birth and trying to find alternatives to birth their children the way they feel is best. I find it encouraging that more women actually trust themselves enough to stand up for themselves. This gives me a lot of hope for the future. The medical world may have to start examining common practices and re-evaluating them, women may start being better informed of their rights and options. Babies may have more space to birth in all the different ways they choose to come. Like with many other natural phenomenons, birth comes in all shapes and sizes. Trying to apply a one-fits-all model of care is really ridiculous and clearly not working. Too many women end up with an unecessarily scarred uterus or other complications when time, patience and a bit of trust might have done the trick.
But before this really happens, it will take more education. The Feminist Breeder actually wrote a very good piece on why wanting a natural birth is not enough and why getting proper prenatal education is important. I can only support that statement. I think showing documentaries such as The Business of Being Born or this Breech in the System can help women better understand their options ad what'a at stake. We should support these documentaries and campaign to have them showcased on mainstream media. Most important, proper prenatal education should be accessible to all mothers, as much as ultrasounds or glucose testing may be today.
I have been surprised to learn that even after the protocol change in Canada the real life experience is slow to change. Still slow change is still change.
Thank you for this post and the great links to good information.
I love documentaries!
That will just make me sad and more bitter that I didn't get my delivery. I wish I had been able to convince my midwife of how I felt about it..but could see her resolve and passion about breech delivery evaporating.
I think she also knew we were conflicted about it all after losing a child..but I did not want a c section and was not impressed that there was only two docs around who would even TRY to deliver the baby breech..and only to their schedule.
It's really a tough call. On the one hand there are real risks with breech births and the midwife needs to have enough experience to be able to deal with the possible emergencies that can occur, and on the other hand there are many breech babies that are born vaginally without any issues. Birth is really the moment where we experience the full power of life ad death!I still really think the choice should ultimately be the parents' and not imposed by the system.