Hi Alesa We provide both where I work. The VBAC classes are getting bigger and bigger - even to the point where we have had one woman come who wasn't even pregnant yet. I love facilitating them - always teaches me something else about women, and as for accompanying them in their birthwork! Well - can't describe it - their strength, commitment and desire.
The caesarean information classes have been a recent addition to our antenatal and parenting program. It was decided that women who were choosing caesarean birth (less), or who required one clinically (more) should have the opportunity to connect with midwives at their intended place of birth the same as any other woman. Woman who are having a planned caesarean also access the midwives clinic, and appreciate the service as well. The caesarean class is a gret opportunity to discuss the womans choice, or the situation she has found herself in - transverse lie, # pelvis, praevia - whatever, and enables us to talk about what happens if she goes into labour for her specific situation. It is great to be able to walk her through the day, to show slides and discuss things such as the large number of people in the OT, and what their roles are, the possible use of forceps for the birth of the babe's head (most couples aren't aware of these things and they find it very helpful to know), the fact that they have their baby with them ALL THE TIME (being separated from their baby comes across as a big fear for all couples in the groups so far). If she has chosen a caesarean for her own reasons, then it is also an opportunity to explore the effect that this decision will have on her "obstetric history" (because it will change it forever), and the possible consequences of the surgery, now and in the future. Anaesthetic of choice is also discussed, including the procedure of epidural, because the majority of women have no idea what having an epidural entails Post operative recovery and care are discussed, including options for analgesia, and their affects, what they can expect in the first few days following, support they will need, etc. We also take the opportunity to look ahead to the next pregnancy, and discuss the fact that most caesareans are for non-repeatable reasons, etc and talk about the VBAC classes. They have the support of the obs, and they will also discuss future pregnancies too and VBAC. Because a woman is having/choosing a caesarean birth, for whatever reason, (whatever our personal thoughts about the overuse/misuse/abuse of them) doesn't mean she should not have the same support from midwives. I chafe at the rate of interventions in this country - it is totally unacceptable, and I constantly work to reduce them in any way I possibly can. But women having a planned caesarean still need to be cared for with respect, and be central in their care. This is still their decision to make. My thoughts.... ----- Original Message ----- From: "Alesa Koziol" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2003 12:44 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] C.section education to do or not to do? > Hi Julie > I believe that if we are to provide women with enough information to make a > truly informed choice that all the information pertaining to C/S needs to be > included in antenatal classes. Including the current ethical debates on C/S > as a birth choice. I have yet to come across any hospital which provides C/S > or VBAC specific classes, but would be interested in hearing about any that > do > Cheers > Alesa > > Alesa Koziol > Clinical Midwifery Educator > Melbourne > > -- > This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. > Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
