Lois Ujadu Francis
Cesarean sections account for approximately 21% of all births worldwide, a figure that continues to rise as more women face complications during labour. For many, this surgical intervention is a lifesaver; yet for others, it becomes a source of contention and fear.
In an interview with Correspondent Lois Ujadu Francis, Mrs. Francis Diata, who gave birth via a cesarean section last year, recounted her experience. Growing up, she believed that cesarean births were an abomination.
Diata explained, “I wasn’t expecting a C-section because during my antenatal visits, everything seemed normal. However, when I was in labor, I was fully dilated and crowning, yet progress stalled from 10 AM to 3 PM. The doctor ultimately recommended an emergency C-section because the baby was stuck and at risk.”
Mrs. Diata acknowledged her mother’s concerns regarding the financial implications of the procedure, as they had only budgeted for a vaginal delivery. “My mom is educated, so she didn’t object to the C-section. Her only worry was the cost,” she said.
Facing Stigma and Misunderstanding
Upon returning home, Mrs. Diata encountered stigma. “When visitors came, some would say, ‘Congratulations! Oh, you had a C-section?’ Others offered sympathy as if it were a bad thing.” One visitor reacted with horror, saying, “God forbid C-sections!” Mrs. Diata reflected on how this discourse made her feel, saying, “At one point, I felt ashamed for having a C-section, but I had to remind myself that I am proud of my child and my journey as a mother. The method of delivery doesn’t define my experience.”
She emphasized the notion that having a cesarean is sometimes seen as a failure or an indication of weakness. “There’s a common belief that giving birth through a C-section is a sign of the devil’s hand in it. I’ve heard women say they want to give birth like the Hebrew women,” she said.
The Urgency of Medical Decisions
Charlotte Boma’s experience as a universal donor further highlights the importance of timely medical intervention. During a Facebook Live session, she recounted being called to the hospital because a pregnant woman needed blood. The doctor informed her that the woman had been dilating, but the baby was unstable. Boma recalled the husband saying, “We made a budget for a normal delivery, so I do not have money for extra expenses for a delivery that requires surgery.”
Boma expressed her frustration with the husband’s mindset and urged women to strive for financial stability before and during pregnancy. She described the desperation in the delivery room. “I asked my friend, the doctor if there was any way to convince the woman to consider a cesarean.”
She explained that earlier, the medical team had attempted to convince the woman to consider a cesarean section. “The doctor said there was a need to open her up and bring out the child, but the wife refused to sign. Her husband insisted that it wasn’t necessary, claiming she could deliver the baby herself. Their baby weighed 5.2 kg, and despite her dilation, labor was not progressing. The baby kept turning back, and at one point, the baby’s position became critical. The best option was to perform a C-section due to the mother’s small pelvic size.”
Boma reflected on the stark realities of the situation, noting that this was the first time she had witnessed such resistance to medical advice. When informed that the baby’s heartbeat was no longer detectable, the husband finally asked, “Where do I sign?”
Tragically, after the C-section, the medical team did everything they could to save the child, but they were unsuccessful. “The woman suffered from internal bleeding and had to fight for her life after losing the baby,” Boma revealed. This underscores the urgent need for informed decision-making and awareness about the realities of cesarean deliveries.
Embracing the Reality of Cesarean Sections: Magdalene Eyo’s Perspective
Magdalene Kingsley-Eyo, a mother of two who has undergone cesarean sections, works in a health management unit. Reflecting on her experiences, she emphasized that choosing a C-section is not something most women initially consider. “You start by praying and believing that you will have a normal delivery, often aspiring to give birth like the Hebrew women mentioned in scripture,” she explained.
However, Magdalene’s professional background and extensive reading opened her eyes to the realities of childbirth. “Working closely with medical professionals allowed me to understand safe delivery options better. When I went into labor with my son, after several hours of stalled progress, the option of a C-section was presented. It was not a difficult decision for me to make; I embraced it immediately.”
Her husband supported her choice, readily signing the consent form, and today, she proudly has two healthy children.
Magdalene discussed the stigma surrounding cesarean births, attributing much of it to ignorance and misinformation. “Many people hold onto misconceptions, often influenced by financial constraints. When women lack financial empowerment, they may feel pressured to adhere to outdated beliefs about childbirth,” she noted.
She believes that if more women were educated about the medical reasons for cesarean sections, they would be more open to the idea. “If labor progresses normally, a C-section may not be necessary, but in cases where complications arise, it’s wise to choose this option. Often, the potential need for a C-section can be identified during antenatal care.”
Magdalene passionately advocates for shifting societal attitudes toward cesarean deliveries. “We are in the 21st century; the stigma around C-sections should not exist. The ultimate goal is for mothers to deliver safely, coming out alive with their babies. Anything that promotes life should be embraced.”
Describing her own C-section experience, she expressed gratitude for the support she received. “I had a positive experience, and I only hope that biases against C-sections will diminish, allowing women to embrace their choices and breathe easy with their newborns.”
The Consent Dilemma: Insights from Ruth Olamiriki
Pondering the issue of consent forms, Correspondent Lois Ujadu Francis spoke with Ruth Olamiriki, a UK-registered nurse and midwife. Ruth highlighted that financial stability plays a crucial role in why many women in Nigeria must wait for their husbands to sign consent for cesarean sections. “In most cases, if a woman decides on a C-section, her husband’s consent is typically required,” she explained. “The primary issue is that even if a woman wants a cesarean, she may not have the funds to pay for it. This is why they often wait for the man to come and sign the papers.”
Ruth shared her observations, noting, “I have a friend who underwent a cesarean section in Nigeria and was able to sign the consent form herself because she had the financial means. Unfortunately, many women lack that financial empowerment, which forces them to rely on their husbands for approval and payment.”
She emphasized that the financial responsibility often falls on the husband. “It’s not just a matter of signing; if a woman signs for a procedure she cannot afford, it creates further complications.”
Ruth also addressed a common misconception: “Many people question why they should pay for such an extensive operation when they can opt for vaginal delivery. What they fail to realize is that a doctor will not recommend a C-section without valid medical reasons.”
She explained that various conditions can necessitate a cesarean, including placenta previa, hypertension during pregnancy, diabetes, preeclampsia, previous cesarean deliveries, or issues related to the baby’s position. “A doctor cannot simply decide to schedule a cesarean without a medical indication,” she clarified.
While some women may choose a cesarean for convenience, “It’s important to understand that if a doctor recommends a C-section, it’s usually for the health and safety of both the mother and the baby.”
As cesarean deliveries continue to rise, it’s crucial to dismantle the stigma associated with this life-saving procedure. Education plays a vital role in empowering women and their families to make informed decisions about childbirth. By fostering open discussions and raising awareness about the circumstances that necessitate cesarean sections, we can combat the misconceptions that contribute to discrimination against mothers who undergo this surgical intervention.
Moreover, ensuring financial accessibility to maternal healthcare is essential. Women should not be forced to wait for approval or face undue stress due to financial constraints. Improved education about the risks and benefits of different delivery methods, along with enhanced financial support systems, can pave the way for healthier maternal and child outcomes.Ultimately, every mother’s journey to bringing new life into the world deserves respect, regardless of the method of delivery. A mother’s health and the well-being of her child should always take precedence over societal judgments. As we move forward, let us strive to create a supportive environment where all mothers can feel proud of their choices, celebrate their births, and embrace their roles with dignity and confidence
# Lois Ujadu-Francis, a broadcast journalist, writes this report as part of the 2024 Women in Journalism Fellowship requirement organized by the Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals in Port Harcourt, Rivers State
