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• Friday, March 31, 2006 06:26 PM

  a few points

  First of all, promotion of circumcision by doctors began in the 19th century because of the supposed benefits of hygeine and discouraging masturbation. The history of circumcision is well-documented and has nothing to do with a conspiracy of Jewish doctors (who were less numerous before WWII than now, due to discrimination and quotas).

  I gave birth vaginally in the US a few months ago. No episiotomy (the hospital where I gave birth has a policy of trying to reduce the number of episiotomies). No complications other than a slight perineal tear that has healed well (note that there are ways to reduce the risk of a tear, such as going slowly during the pushing stage). No bladder problems that couldn't be fixed with a few Kegel exercises. I was half expecting to have a c-section because of my age (42) and the fact that I'm diabetic, both of which increase the risk of needing a c-section, so I'm certainly not against them. I had pain meds, but I know plenty of women who have given birth without them and were happy with their decision.

  C-section is sometimes medically necessary. It's also a relatively low-risk surgery, and my only concern about elective c-section, as with any elective surgery, is that the patient gives informed consent. But I think it's very odd that people have such exaggerated views of the risks of vaginal birth. Yes, some women do have serious complications of vaginal birth, and I don't want to dismiss anyone's suffering. But there are risks and complications of c-section, too. And most births, as our midwife poster has said, go just fine.

  There's a lot of moralizing in both directions, which I think is misplaced. There is no perfect solution.

  —JanetL Read JanetL's other letters
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