© 2010, Carol Peterson, ICCE, CD(DONA) Erie, PA

Birth Journeys

Carol Peterson, ICCE, HCHI, CD(DONA)

Instilling Confidence in Birth Since 2004

814-899-7722  * cbecarol@yahoo.com

 

Cesarean Rates in Erie Exceed State & National Averages

 

The CDC has published the much-awaited cesarean rates for 2008, and there is much to be done in Erie.  According to the CDC, both major hospitals in Erie had cesarean rates of 37.6%.  The average for PA is 30.7%, while the national average is 31.8%.  The overall cesarean rate has climbed every year for the past decade, and the issue is finally being brought to the public's attention.

 

No one knows for certain what has contributed to the growing cesarean rates, but to be sure, the viewpoint of birth as a medical emergency versus normal life event contributes to the high cesarean rates.  The cesarean remains the top unnecessary surgery in the United States.  As long as rates of intervention remain where they are, the cesarean rate will not decline.

 

If you are pregnant and reading this, you owe it to yourself to become as educated as possible on not only birth, but staying healthy and low risk.  Sadly, many classes add to the problem by not teaching couples how to make evidence-based decisions.  Failing to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of such common occurrences as induction, epidurals, and even cesareans itself leave many, many moms-to-be completely in the dark about their options during birth.

 

In the words of Debra Bingham, president-elect of Lamaze International, "The pendulum has swung too far."  It is time for women to rediscover their ability to birth, and to trust the wisdom of their bodies.

 

To view more information on cesarean rates, please visit The Unnecessarean.