Luckily via perinatal mental health I was getting incredible support for my c section and my consultant was unbelievably supportive too. But I very much got the impression that the general NHS policy was "don't mention c sections or they'll all want them" which feels like taking choice away.
For example, when I had gestational diabetes & had to attend a workshop, the trainer explained due to risk of large babies (whose shoulders might get stuck) everyone would be induced if they were overdue- not relevant to me with my c section booked in for 39 weeks but that option never discussed.
Outcomes from c section for birthing parent and baby are not inherently worse- but many people are totally unprepared for them.
I had a planned c section for maternal mental health reasons, and yet most literature and training I had access to barely mentioned c sections.
Sad news but what an amazing life.
The Major Oak was a similar age to the oak trees used to build the Hall.
Been trying to find a copy of the Woodcraft Folk Campfire Songbook, to remind me of more songs to sing to the baby.
Found this instead which includes many more songs but most of which I know at least vaguely. Explains my childhood quite well to be honest.
www.hounslowwoodcraft.org.uk/songs/
YOU’RE LISTENING TO SISYPHUS FM, THE HOME OF NON-STOP ROCK
The best birth is the safest one for birthing parent & baby. Average age of 1st pregnancy is higher than ever before, & more medically complex patients are able to have children- cesarean rates therefore should be their highest ever. Our focus should be on reducing birth trauma not c section rates.
Trauma happens mostly because staff are overstretched and so care is impacted or because labouring patients don't feel listened to, supported and empowered if their birth plan has to change due to emergencies. Focus on upping staffing, improving support and births will be safer and less traumatic.