In a message dated Sat, 13 Jul 2002 2:28:17 PM Eastern Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes:

> Now, I wonder what will replace the
> vacuum as it gets more and more of a bad name.  >>

What is probable is more cesareans.

<<With forceps, too many docs would use them rather than waiting for mom to bring baby down.>>

Remember that when forceps were really in frequent use, women were drugged and babies were dragged out with them.


> There are legitimate uses, of course.  If baby is "stuck" and all
> natural interventions have been tried to correct the situation and it is
> obvious that baby is having difficulty, then one must choose between the
> lesser of two evils.>.

The problem is "all natural interventions" are unknown to the vast majority of docs. When you have very few tools in your toolbox, but you are trained that tools are essential, you use what you know. Vacuums and forceps are so common in the US b/c obstetricians (surgeons) are the primary caregivers to healthy women. And babies whose entry into the world is prolonged by medicalized birth and babies who are drugged and dragged into the world are just not going to suckle normally. Most of the time, all I have to do is look at a baby and know he has a headache.
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

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