My sister-in-law (bhabhi) is seven months pregnant and has been hospitalized. She had been given bed-rest last pregnancy, but she was able to stay at home. Either she didn’t rest enough this time at home, or the situation is worse.
Regardless, I’m reminded of Ricki Lake’s film “The Business of Being Born” and wanted to re-visit it, since I’m quite sure that things are taking a similar turn in India amongst the higher-income population. I think c-sections are viewed with less skepticism here than in the US, because it’s seen to be so much more technologically advanced compared to traditional birthing practices.
[youtube 4DgLf8hHMgo]
It’s an ironic contrast. The majority of women have very little access to doctors and hospitals in which to give birth, and there is a high rate of maternal and infant mortality. On the other end of the spectrum, wealthier women are getting pushed into ceseareans left and right, which also have their risks. I am sad to say, my husband’s cousin even died from one last year.
I used to be really fascinated by the growing unassisted childbirth movement, and have written about it in a couple of posts, see: Childbirth & Choices & Unassisted birth in India.
update, 22/5: She’s out of the hospital!
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