Mums blast doctor who claims birth by C-section is ‘too sterile’ a way to begin life
MUMS have turned on a doctor who said delivering a baby by caesarean was “too sterile” a way to begin life. Dr Bill Frankland, 107, was speaking about allergies – his speciality. He claimed babies not passing through the birth canal or being breastfed could create problems in the future, as they were not picking […]
MUMS have turned on a doctor who said delivering a baby by caesarean was “too sterile” a way to begin life.
Dr Bill Frankland, 107, was speaking about allergies – his speciality.
He claimed babies not passing through the birth canal or being breastfed could create problems in the future, as they were not picking up essential bacteria which could prevent allergies in the future.
He added 70 percent of allergies were not genetic but environmental.
“How long is breastfeeding taking place, if at all?” The Telegraph reported him as saying.
“The obese child is unhealthy. Does the family live near a road and therefore breathing in pollution?”
He continued: “How many children are born by caesarean which is too sterile a way to begin life?”
But mums have said Dr Frankland ignored the fact that many mums need c-sections for health reasons.
Around 15 percent of births in the UK are by emergency C-section.
There are many reasons why a mum might need one including a placental abruption – when the placenta breaks away from the baby – and if the baby is breach.
Other reasons include if you have pregnancy-related high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia) or if you have excessive vaginal bleeding.
Ali Cooper, 38, from Kent, has had five natural births and a c-section with her twins.
“My babies made it thanks to the c-section,” she told Fabulous Digital: “In a life or death situation a c-section is needed.
“I had traverse twins [when the baby is lying sideways, rather than downwards] and there’s was no way I could have had them naturally.”
My babies made it thanks to a c-section. In a life or death situation a c-section is needed.
Ali Cooper
She continued: “I’m not so sure that women who just choose a section for the sake of it should be allowed as recovery after a natural delivery is so much better.”
Belfast mum Sharon Bridges added: “I don’t think there should be a choice, of course natural is always best and I was lucky enough to have four natural births, but I know friends and family who needed a section or they or their babies would not have survived.”
Tasha Woodward added: “Babies die of Strep B passed through a vaginal birth.”
Streptococcus B infection (GBS) is a bacteria that can be passed from mum to baby during labour – if a woman shows symptoms of it, an emergency c-section could be needed.
What is a C-section?
A C-section is an operation that allows babies to be delivered through a cut made in the belly and womb.
The procedure is often carried out if a vaginal birth is deemed too risky.
Around one in five babies born in Britain are delivered by a C-section.
To carry out the operation, a cut is made across the tummy, allowing surgeons access to the womb.
Caesareans can be life-threatening, so doctors will only recommend it if it’s the safest option for pregnant women and their babies.
The NHS says a c-section is “generally a very safe procedure”.
While some women choose to have a Caesarean for non-medical reasons, the delivery method is often recommended by doctors.
The NHS reveals the reasons why doctors may prescribe a C-section…
- your baby is in the breech position (feet first) and your doctor has been unable to turn them by applying gentle pressure to your tummy, or you would prefer they didn’t try this
- you have a low-lying placenta (placenta praevia)
- you have pregnancy-related high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia)
- you have certain infections, such as a first genital herpes infection occurring late in pregnancy or untreated HIV
- your baby isn’t getting enough oxygen and nutrients – sometimes this may mean the baby needs to be delivered immediately
- your labour isn’t progressing or there’s excessive vaginal bleeding
An epidural anaesthetic is given to pregnant patients to help numb the pain, although they may be able to feel some tugging during the procedure.
Although the women are awake, a screen is placed across their body so they don’t have to watch the surgery.
Doctors cut around 10-20cm along the lower belly and womb, allowing an opening for the baby to be delivered.
Following the 40-50 minute operation, parents are able to hold their baby as soon as they’re delivered.
Mums are often required to remain at the hospital for three to four days to help them recover from the surgery.
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