Five minutes of fame

We had our five minutes of fame when we had to explain to famous doctor of twins why we wanted to have a c-section rather than a natural birth.

Up to that point wife and I were continuously nudged to accept the possibility of a natural birth for our twins.  Antenatal courses spoke about it, the apprentices of doctor spoke about it.  Every time we said we are not sure we were told "ok, let us wait and see", or "fingers crossed".  Not really good answers for our liking.

Finally on the 36th weeks appointment famous doctor spoke to us.  He asked us why we wanted to have a c-section.  Wife said one of the twins was breech.  I also said we do not want to take any risks.

Famous doctor looked serious, but after a minute said "fair enough", and asked apprentice doctor to organise the c-section operation.

It seemed that our plea was finally answered.

Later on I found out that couples have a right to choose the mode of delivery of babies.  But it does not seem to be in the best interests of health services to promote it openly.  Why?  Well, there might be evidence about the risks that an operation involves.  But there is also evidence that shows that these risks have been reduced in the last few years.  Medicine has progressed in this regard, and so the law.

The only feeling that was left was that of not being part of the mainstream of couples.  If you go to your hospital ward, am sure you will find some number about the natural births they have.  And this seems to be part of the pride and success of hospitals and in particular of maternity wards.

From a more cynical angle, having an operation is costly.  So the financial pain is then translated into the physical pain of the mothers who have to endure many hours of labour.  I remember meeting one of the young mothers in the ward after our twins were delivered.  We had met before in the antenatal checks.  She was a very young mother.  She looked healthy and very energetic.  But she had to endure about 18 hours of labour.

So the useful advice about your five minutes of fame in front of the famous doctor for whom you signed up to:

-Prepare your speech
-Be confident that things will turn out to be OK
-Prepare yourselves to become part of the 'minority' of parents, those who do not fit with what the health services want.