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A Q&A with Dr. Michele Moore and Dr. Caroline de Costa

Does the United States have the highest rate of cesarean sections?
No, rates in some South American countries are in the high 90% in the middle and upper socio-economic class.

I've had a previous C-section and am pregnant again. Do I automatically have a repeat C-section?
This will be a topic to discuss with your doctor. If you want to have a repeat, no one would argue with you; if you want a trial of labor, you and your circumstances need to meet certain criteria. We have devoted an entire chapter to vaginal birth after cesarean section and think you'll find most, if not all, of your questions answered there.

Is a cesarean safe for my baby? For me?
Yes, a cesarean birth is very safe for both the baby and the mother.

If I have a cesarean section, can my husband be with me at the birth?
In most hospitals today, the answer is yes. There may be particular circumstances for you personally or at your hospital that would make this not true: ask your doctor about it.

My doctor says my baby is a breech. My sister says that if I sleep with my rump up in the air, the baby will turn. Is this true?
No evidence supports this, but it is a fairly common myth.

I'm pregnant for my first baby and he's a breech. My doctor says that I'll probably have to have a cesarean. Is this true?
Evidence from studies tells us that a cesarean section is the safest way to birth a breech baby, especially when the birth canal hasn't been used before.

Can I breast feed if I have a cesarean?
Yes.

How long will I be in the hospital after a cesarean section?
Usually 3 to 5 days. And enjoy the rest!

Will I be put to sleep for the surgery for my C-section?
This is a decision that will be made by you and the anesthesiologist. Usually in a planned C-section, you are not put to sleep, but have an epidural or similar anesthesia. There may be reasons for you to have a general anesthesia, so we can't give an answer that is specific to you.

How soon can I go back to work?
As a rule, we don't suggest earlier than 6 weeks, but again, this needs a personalized answer that best comes from your own doctor.

Michele Moore, MD, FAAFP, is a physician who emphasizes integrated preventive health care, focusing on chronic illnesses, allergies, environmental medicine, and acupuncture. She was written and lectured extensively on women's health care and holistic medicine, and is the author of The Only Menopause Guide You'll Need, also available from Johns Hopkins. Caroline de Costa, M.D., FRCOG, FRACOG, MPH, is a senior obstetrician at Cairns Base Hospital in Queensland, Australia.