A 60% rise in C-sections since 1996 is prompting the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to fidget self-consciously in their white coats. A study revealing the prolongation of the second stage of labor thanks to epidurals has been influential in identifying the iatrogenesis – doctor-caused harm – at the root of the cesarean problem.
Epidurals have become common place but they are also responsible for the increasing use of forceps, suction and c-sections. With epirdurals the birthing Mom loses her connection with the spontaneous ejection reflex of the birth process. She just can’t feel it. Further more the self attachment sequence may be interrupted as the infant is often less able to connect with their legs and complete the breast crawl.