Thank you for your comment.

I think it is very important for moms (and dads) to be able to make informed decisions at this sensitive time in their lives. With C-section rates on a tremendous rise, and inductions/augmentations with synthetic oxytocin ( which many times lead to a C-Section), as well as epidurals (which tend to slow down labor), becoming almost hospital norm, we feel that is critical for parents to have good resources to turn to and be able to choose their providers with utmost diligence and care. Who will support them in labor? Who will give them the privacy, space and time to labor on their own terms? Who will adopt a “hands-off” attitude (unless it is a true medical emergency) and let the mom be confident in her body’s ability to give birth?

These are important questions that to-be-parents have to ask and remain informed. Like my husband says – “You do more research to buy a car, why would you not for a life-altering moment such as the birth of your baby?”

Along with other complications and immediate post natal concerns, research is showing that C-Section increases chances of future infertility, stillbirth, and catastrophic consequences such as placenta accreta etc. (placenta growing into the C-section scar, or through the scar into surrounding structures such as the bladder.

In our Healthy Mother childbirth education classes, we talk about a lot of these issues and provide parents with research-based evidence regarding the use of many “innocuous” hospital interventions, which can ultimately delay/prolong labor, and eventually lead to increased chances for C-section. We give them resources to do their own research, such as, http://www.childbirthconnection.org and Henci Goer’s website, so they can make their own informed decisions.

We think that the link “What every woman needs to know about C-Section” on the Childbirth Connection website, should be a must read for each and every mother-to-be. It is our firm belief that committed people like us can indeed make a difference in enabling a healthy pregnancy, and a natural, enriching childbirth experience, even if it is one mom at a time.

Thanks again for your comment .. it looks like you are committed to the same values and providing the best possible support to your moms and dads in your area. Good luck as you embark on your practice.

Look forward to keeping in touch and exchanging good information …

Dr. Vijaya