Hi, All:  There were several articles in the local newspapers this weekend on 
the disturbing trend here in the US towards the increase in maternal mortality 
in the last decade.  The number one culprit?  C-sections, especially elective 
repeat C-sections!  According to the articles, the national C-section rates are 
up to 29% here in the US!
The C-section rates here at our hospital hover around 35%.  Today, we have 
6 PP moms on the unit to start the day.  Four are C-sections (3 repeat and 1 
primary) and 3 of the 6 babies are in our SCN for various reasons.  Does 
anyone else see something wrong with this picture?
When are HCPs going to get serious about pointing out the risks of major 
abdominal surgery which increases the risk of serious health complications in 
not only the mother, but the baby as well?  A single father of 3 (his wife died 
in childbirth in 2001) was quoted as saying that the death of a mother in 
childbirth is absurd in this age of modern medicine.  And yet it happens, and is 
on the INCREASE!
There might be hope, though.  Last week I saw a mom in the hospital who had 
just delivered successfully VBAC for the 4th time!  Her first baby was a vaginal 
delivery, her 2nd a scheduled C-section due to the baby having spina bifida, 
and then 4 VBACs!  There are 2 OBS here (both male) who encourage VBACs 
in the absence of medical contraindications.  My hat is off th both of them!


Pam Hirsch, BSN,RN,IBCLC
Clinical Lead, Lactation Services
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Barrington, IL    USA

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