Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Birthing Around the World with Bundchen


Gisele Bundchen is talking about birth again and it's not to tell us how to do it! Ms. Bundchen is using her fame for good instead of evil and is now plugging her friend/midwive's project: Birthing Around the World. 


I think this is a wonderful and amazing project. Pregnancy and birth are not disorders or illnesses to take care of. Brazil desperately needs to change this perception. I will never forget meeting a woman at the hospital here in Rio de Janeiro. I was waiting for my ultrasound appointment and she was in the early stages of labor. Of course we started chatting. Yes, it would be stranger to not chit chat with a random person while waiting in a lobby in the early stages of labor than chit chat. 

She told me that she was waiting for her OB and that she really hoped the doctor would get there before it was too late for a c-section. I couldn't hide my shock! Hell, I can hardly hide my shock in normal circumstances but when super hormonal and after hearing something insane there was no chance in hell. 

I asked her why on Earth she would opt to have a c-section. She replied that she was scared of natural birth. I told her that getting your abdomen cut open was far scarier, takes way longer to heal, and seriously messes up your abs. She didn't care. She said she would try everything to make sure that child came out via c-section. 

So please help us down here Gisele, Mayra and Enrico. Goodness knows the population needs some sense talked into them and the doctors a good old fashioned bitch slap. 

Check out the first video of the trip:


Do you think this will make a difference? 
Ranted by Rachel at 8:09 AM
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46 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 17, 2012 at 8:41 AM

    My niece just had an optional c-section (at all of 21 years old). There was no reason for it at all...she hadn't even gone into labor yet!

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  2. MalloryJanuary 17, 2012 at 8:53 AM

    very neat.

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    1. RachelJanuary 17, 2012 at 1:23 PM

      Do you have an idea of what your birth plan (when you are ready for kids that is) will be?

      Delete
  3. lani brownJanuary 17, 2012 at 9:30 AM

    anyone who is interested in this subject should also check out Christy Turlington Burns' project, NO WOMAN NO CRY (http://everymothercounts.org/)

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  4. Dani LimaJanuary 17, 2012 at 10:03 AM

    Great project indeed. And Brazil really needs some help with changing the birthing process.. When I was pregnant and told people I wanted a natural birth, everyone was kind of chocked, calling me "very brave" or "crazy", but I agree with you: getting your abdomen cut open is far scarier! But the c-setion is so common here that must woman just believe it´s easier and safer. I´m just glad this issue is getting more attention now.

    There´s also a documentary about birth to be released this year (it seems). The trailler: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3B33_hNha_8

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    1. RachelJanuary 17, 2012 at 1:21 PM

      Thanks for the link!

      You are very brave, you went against the cultural norm. Good job! :)

      Delete
  5. Jô~January 17, 2012 at 10:31 AM

    I do not know if it will make a difference, I know this is a step, it's a start. If everyone cared, if everyone tried to do everything possible to help people ''uninformed''... Maybe things would change, né?

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  6. BlancaJanuary 17, 2012 at 10:58 AM

    Arrggh, I'm 4 months pregnant in Rio and amazed how many babies are born by programmed c-section here! That's madness! How can you ASK for that?
    I was in a reunion in a "grupo de gestante" and was the only one who didn't know her EXACT birthing date. And while every one of this women was getting a unnecessary c-section, they gave me the cold look because I was planning to feed my baby with a bottle.
    One of the women there told me it was "unnatural". I guess here in Brazil, c-section is a natural way to deliver a baby.

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    1. RachelJanuary 17, 2012 at 1:17 PM

      Yeah, that weirds me out. With my oldest I was told I was having a natural birth (public training hospital) which I thought was great. It didn't turn out that way but even the private OB I had with my second respected my wish to try again. Then again, I picked a OB that refuses to do scheduled C-sections before the 39th week (most doctors will do it at 37). Scrazy.

      Btw if you don't mind me asking, why are you planning to not breastfeed?

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    2. Kaley [Y Mucho Más]January 18, 2012 at 12:39 PM

      I know people who bottle-breastfeed. You know, pump and then feed that to the baby because the baby has issues latching on...

      Delete
    3. RachelJanuary 18, 2012 at 12:45 PM

      So do I. In fact, I tried that with The Menace. The poor little guy even had trouble latching onto a bottle!

      But usually when you are planning to not breast feed it is not because of latching issues. I'm not going to attack or anything. To each their own. I'm just curious as to why

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    4. BlancaJanuary 19, 2012 at 11:12 AM

      Dear Rachel,

      I thought about it a lot, (even before getting pregnant) and I guess I just don't feel like it. Nao e minha praia as they say here. Also, I have my own business, which is great but also means NO MATERNITY LEAVE...
      And I must say, the father is really excited to be able to feed the baby as well.

      Delete
  7. EvaJanuary 17, 2012 at 11:15 AM

    It's interesting because at least in the Brazilian public health community, lowering C-section rates is considered to be a big goal and C-section rates are quite a bit lower in the public hospitals than the private ones. Unfortunately many doctors in the private sector push for C-sections because it's easier for them (no middle of the night births while on call etc) and yeah as you said there's the residual effect that at this point a lot of people have been scared out of the idea of natural birth, so they themselves request them, and in the private sector they can pay for them...it's totally out of whack, and ironically way more C-sections are now necessary because of the way hospital births are normally set up-- with the woman lying down-- which makes it much easier for the doctor to deliver the baby, but for the woman's body it's much easier to deliver squatting, which is the pain in the ass for the doctor...

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    1. RachelJanuary 17, 2012 at 1:13 PM

      I had my first born at a public hospital in Rio that is a training hospital and thus pushes natural births even more. He was born at 42 wks via C-section when they couldn't get me started. Any doctor who has needed to know if I had natural birth or C-section states, upon hearing at what hospital, that "oh, then you actually needed one." Madness

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  8. NinaJanuary 17, 2012 at 11:57 AM

    Well it seems doctors are not prepared for natural birth here and they are afraid of natural birth now too. They seem to think that they get put into court less with c-section. Oh, lets not forget the money.....

    It's a shame too because c-section is great. We women used to drop like flies in childbirth back in the day. We no longer lose nearly as many women in childbirth because of medical developments like c-section. It' s just being used wrongly here in Brazil. I think it's going to take more the bundchen. I think it's going to take doctors going against c-section.

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    1. RachelJanuary 17, 2012 at 1:21 PM

      I am glad they have c-sections because I am someone that did not go into labor. I did not even start effacing. I also agree that they just overdo it here. Didn't that happen in the states in the 80s but women starting suing or something?

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    2. NinaJanuary 18, 2012 at 1:09 AM

      ohhh I like this new blogger option, nice. I don't know that story, but it would figure Americans sue over spilt coffee so why not too many c-sections?

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    3. RachelJanuary 18, 2012 at 12:43 PM

      I like it too and exactly!

      Delete
  9. CorinneJanuary 17, 2012 at 1:04 PM

    also the doctors do not talk to pregnant women AT ALL about the stages of labor, even if there is going to be a vaginal birth. Mine didn't and there were very few birthing classes to go to. If no one talks about it and you don't know what happens during labor, OF COURSE it will scary you. My SIL and a faculty colleague both opted for a c-section because they were afraid of the pain. No matter that I told them the epidural blocks that, nothing would convince them. Also, the doctors try to speed up vaginal birth (rupturing the membranes and give pitosin), so a lot of times they speed up the contractions before the cervix has a chance to dialate, making a c-section necessary where it would not have been. Gisele is looked up to by women in Brazil, so perhaps it will make a difference. There was a big campaign years ago about breast feeding showing a lot of celebs breastfeeding, so maybe this will help.

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    1. RachelJanuary 17, 2012 at 1:19 PM

      Doctors here are horrible about explaining anything! Once I had to take my son to a different Ped bc we were out of town. This guy told me he had a throat infection. I asked which one. He replied to not worry because it is a common childhood illness and that he was going to prescribe antibiotics. I then informed him that he wasn't going to give my child anything until he told me what he had. It was Strep. The doc was shocked I was familiar with the name. Of course I am! Annoying.

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  10. SNJanuary 17, 2012 at 2:11 PM

    Rachel whats up with our babies not wanting to go natural?? Mine ended via c-sec at the 41.4..... ahhhh she is a Brazilian in the heart and was late to her own party :)

    I could talk forever on this subject and all the things I have seen as a result of c-sec. I will spare everyone the lecture for now!

    Sara

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    1. RachelJanuary 18, 2012 at 12:42 PM

      we should get together talk about it over beers :)

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    2. SNJanuary 21, 2012 at 5:33 PM

      Absolutely! Just got moved into our new place and internet was hooked up this morning. I really could use a night or afternoon out!

      Delete
  11. AlexJanuary 17, 2012 at 4:26 PM

    Did you guys know I'm actually the father of La Bundchen's firt-born?

    Score.

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  12. --jennaJanuary 17, 2012 at 4:48 PM

    I seem to remember one of the other Rio bloggers mentioning that in her natural birth, half the hospital staff came into the birthing room because they'd NEVER SEEN A BABY COME OUT OF A VAGINA. That is horrific. I'm planning a natural birth and wouldn't you know, everyone thinks I'm a weirdo. Also because I didn't turn into an invalid when pregnant and I still (gasp!) carry groceries home.

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    1. RachelJanuary 17, 2012 at 5:40 PM

      I was at the store the last weeks of my pregnancy with my 2nd. I was alone and had my oldest (who was 2) in the stroller. Two older ladies started talking about me (they didn't think I spoke Portuguese because I was speaking in English with my boy). They were totally saying that I was careless and should be on bedrest. That I was obviously in my 8th month at least and that this was just unsafe. I turned to them and informed them that 1. I speak Portuguese 2. I was already 39 weeks along 3. it is not unsafe 4. to mind their own business!

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    2. The Gritty PoetJanuary 17, 2012 at 7:41 PM

      Yes, but did you remember to pick up the yogurt? :-)

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    3. RachelJanuary 18, 2012 at 12:43 PM

      of course ;)

      Delete
  13. TiffanyJanuary 17, 2012 at 6:38 PM

    One of my Brazilian girlfriends here in the US moved here while she was pregnant, and started talking about how they had already picked out the babies birthday (at like 4 months!) and how they needed to go the doctor here to see if they could get the same date. She was horrified when I informed her that no way was any doctor going to schedule her a C-section. In the end she had the baby via natural birth and everything was OK, but they chose to go all the way to a major teaching hospital "to make sure it was safe".

    My husband (raised on the ideas that C-sections are the way to go) could not understand why I will have that as the back up, emergency plan... that is until I had a nurse friend who works in the delivery room sit us down and tell step by step how a C-section works. I think she was at something like, "And then they tug and pull the muscles and clip them back..." when he said, "Ok, when we have babies do it the real way!" ;)

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    1. RachelJanuary 18, 2012 at 12:45 PM

      Man, my stomach can attest to the muscle cutting :(

      Delete
  14. AnonymousJanuary 17, 2012 at 7:15 PM

    That's sad when healthcare "professionals" haven't even seen a vaginal birth! I think I'd get the h*** out of that hospital...well if I could. =D

    My doctor had a very "old school" approach to child birth. He would NOT schedule me for a c-section, unless it was a medical emergency. Be it baby or myself.

    Don't get me wrong for some c-sections are the best option, BUT be informed.

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    1. RachelJanuary 18, 2012 at 12:46 PM

      Exactly! Run from OBs who don't know where the Vag is! ;)

      Delete
  15. RachelJanuary 18, 2012 at 12:44 PM

    A week? Try 3!

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  16. RachelJanuary 18, 2012 at 12:47 PM

    Don't be afraid to stand up to your doctor. I have a Norwegian friend who switched doctors at 8.5 months along because he was suddenly saying that she may need a C-section. She told him that seeing that her son wasn't in distress, sitting (not that it necessarily matters at that time), nor with any other issues there was no reason he should be discussing C-sections. Docs here will sometimes pressure you at the end.

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  17. NatalieJanuary 18, 2012 at 1:21 PM

    Do they have professional midwives in Brazil? Are they considered part of the medical community?

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    1. RachelJanuary 18, 2012 at 1:29 PM

      There are professional midwives, more every year. It's a growing area down here so there aren't nearly as many as in the states.

      Brazil is a very doctor/hospital loving country, in the big cities anyway. I'm not sure how midwives are seen by the medical community.

      Delete
    2. NinaJanuary 18, 2012 at 5:54 PM

      A brazilian posted a whole bunch of links on my blog recently for doulas and midwives, I got all excited because I thought they were in my area. Which they are in Sao Paulo city and must brazilians do consider that my area. But I won't drive to sao paulo to see a doctor. I would give birth in the car from the stress of traffic. But there seems to tons of options in Sao Paulo.

      Delete
  18. MarcioJanuary 19, 2012 at 6:15 AM

    Great initiative, and you are all correct Brazilians relies on C-section way too much...

    But answering your question if this will make a difference. I'm afraid it won't make a significant change. I mean, Brazilians who are into natural life style will look for natural birth and there are more choices these days, but I really doubt it will make a huge difference.

    As you know birth in Brazil is a health issue (as in Doctors and Hospital domain) so I really doubt someone will take advice on how to deliver you baby from a model instead of your OB-GYN...

    You would have to change the mentality of the health/medical professional to have a significant change. and that is easier said than done, I know a few OB-GYN who opted for C-section because they believe it is safer for the baby! how do you change that?! (if you go to an OB-GYN who opted for C-section herself or did one in his wife I doubt you will go for something different...)

    A documentary on why Brazilians OB-GYN believes C-setion is safer and if their belief is holds water (an OB-GYN in my family said that Brazil lacks equipment to monitor the baby during V delivery) would be more productive is starting a debate if the Brazilian collective mind can spear some moment to something other than BBB and "Luiza está no Canada" instant phenomenon.... :(

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  19. MarcioJanuary 19, 2012 at 6:47 AM

    I decided to check in the Brazilian OB-GYN association had any guide lines on either way to deliver babies, I was surprised to find this: http://www.febrasgo.org.br/arquivos/diretrizes/032.pdf it is clear that at least the association sees V delivery as the better choice :)

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  20. BarbaraJanuary 19, 2012 at 1:11 PM

    What a great initiative. Comparing my births in Europe to my friends' births in the US I'm amazed at the disparity. It seems like even American doctors are very surgery happy when it comes to births to as where Europe is still very pro-natural.

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  21. Skarrlette's HammerJanuary 21, 2012 at 4:21 PM

    I told my husband if I get pregnant while in Brazil I am buying a plane ticket back to Massachusetts to stay and have my baby in the US even without insurance once in labor they can't turn me away. At least that way I can be sure that I will have a natural birth unless there is an emergency.

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