Wow, I hate to jump in here because it is SO long, but my heart goes out to every woman. I think one thing we can learn from this post is this is a heated topic and no one should be shamed. We try to make the best choices we can for ourselves and for our children. This goes without saying! Unfortunately, we are being misled in regards to the maternity system in the United States. I encourage every person out here to do some research. Watch “The Business of Being Born,” read Dr. Marsden Wagner’s book Born in the USA. Go to The International Cesarean Awareness’s website http://www.ican-online.org

After my “emergency” c-section with my first, I was devastated to find out that it was unnecessary and could have avoided had I known more. I went on to have a VBAC and it was the most empowering thing ever. But what was empowering was not the VBAC itself, but the opening of my eyes. A healthy baby is NOT all that matters. We matter too. A healthy baby goes without saying! We are women and will automatically do everything we can to have a healthy baby, but we have to put ourselves first to do this. It is time for us to come together!

You go Jennifer!!!!! I totally agree!

I’m so tired of this c-section discussion. Not just on this site, but in general. Yes, the US has a large number of c-section births. Yes, we should aim to reduce the number of unnecessary c-sections. No, I don’t want one more person to give me that “oh, sorry” look when I explain that my son arrived via c-section, as if we all somehow deserve to be lumped into some lesser, “pity you” category. C-sections occur for a multitude of reasons – medically appropriate or not. If celebrities truly are electing to have c-sections, then I call their physicians into question for agreeing to do so. But honestly, who really knows how many of these procedures are medically necessary versus not. Our statistical analyses based on medical recordkeeping is so rudimentary that we can really only surmise the situation based on anecdotal accounts of “Well my cousin wanted a c-section and so…” The number is high and does deserve exploration, but no one has come up with an effective way to really sort the wheat (necessary c-sections) from the chaff (unnecessary c-sections).

I agree we shouldn’t judge anyone for their choices. We don’t know why she chose a cesarean. This is a hot topic in so many places so I created a post about it for ladies on the different boards I frequent.
http://enjoybirth.wordpress.com/2008/02/14/why-is-she-choosing-a-cesarean/

“it’s absolutely TRUE that women who have c-sections have a markedly higher rate of post-partum depression, difficulty bonding, nursing troubles, severely higher instances of pain, and more negative associations toward the baby.” You cannot just lump everyone into one category simply because you do not agree their choice because it is far from being “TRUE”! Pregnancy and Birth are different for everyone and different between each of their children. I had an unplanned c-section, and guess what hardly any pain at all after, and guess what else, no trouble bonding or any negativity toward my son. Here is another shocker, Since I stayed in the hospital for 5 days post, I had a much easier time breast feeding because they had classes to attend and consultants that worked with you at anytime. Circumstances are different for everyone. Isn’t there a saying about what happens when you just assume something?

Ruth, your comment is an example of what Jennifer was talking about.Since you are not a doctor, I would hope no one takes your comment as actual valid information.It’s none of your business how a woman chooses to have her child delivered. I’m surprised your comments were allowed.They are beyond offensive.

Is Ruth’s post at 9:12 a joke? I seriously hope so.

Cupcake said: My child, my body=I know both best.

I think that’s exactly the point, actually. You know your body best, and I know mine and millions of other women, including Giada, know theirs.

We have to make the best choices for ourselves and your choice isn’t mine. I don’t have a problem with that, but it’s clear that you do.

My advice — get over the superiority and recognize that there’s more than one way to give birth. The traditional way isn’t always the best way for every woman, no matter what you think.

Wow. Ruth, you have got to be kidding.

I guess God intended for me to die, and I cheated death and now I’m going to hell?

That makes as much sense as saying that a c-section ruins your life because you didn’t have a vaginal delivery…

I think there are many people who are too self-righteous about birth and delivery in general. It is such a personal matter regardless of reason. I went into labour expecting a vaginal birth (and did everything by the book to ensure a natural childbirth), not knowing that my son had the umbilical cord wrapped around him 3 times and emergency c-section saved both me and my child. If I knew this earlier, I would’ve chosen elective c-section. People should know the whole story before passing judgements.