In order to add another dimension to the increase of c/s rates, another
consideration is the frequency that our genes are being mixed compared to years
ago.  In other words, and Dr. Dettwyler (whose book is my constant companion so
I can read when having to wait) can correct/add/support if I'm wrong, we are now
having babies with parents from different "tribes" and inheritances.  Years ago,
you married and had babies with people who were genetically about the same - so
the babies developed in the uterus and with the pelvic area they were meant to
grow in.  However, now we are much more mixed.  My own heritage includes a tall,
thin (6ft 2 inch) german-american father and a short (5ft 2 inch) Puerto Rican
mother.  Luckily for mom, I was long and thin, so her labor was OK.  Luckily for
me, I got my mom's pelvic bone structure (not the model-thin hips of my father's
side of the family) as I married a man whose heritage is half Slovakian and half
a good "american mix" so my kids were neither small nor thin - but I was able,
with a great deal of effort the first time (Pitocin induction - High Forcepts
Delivery - 64 stitches - ugh!).

Perhaps we need to keep in mind all these differences when we talk about
"natural" childbirth.  And encourage women to be the most knowledgeable they can
be, participate in the planning and preparation of their labor, and know their
labor helpers - including their MD's well enough that if interventions are
recommended, they will feel they are included in the decision-making and not
"just along for the ride."  The important thing, I think, is to feel you are not
a victim - but an active participant in the delivery. (Boy is that mixing
metaphors or what???).

Jeanette Panchula, BSW, LLLL, IBCLC, RN - Puerto Rico - where it's 82 degrees
and raining in the Rain Forest but clear at the beach.

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