Very disappointed in Dr Mastersons answer to the woman who was 5 months pregnant and worried about pain in delivery..She answered that a woman has a choice to have an elective C-section. A c-section is MAJOR surgery and is NOT a choice to avoid pain. No wonder the national c-section rate is over 30% and rising with advice given like that!!! Shame on her!!!
A registed nurse and childbirth educator

Here here registered nurse and childbirth educator from a registered midwife in Ontario Canada. Shame on Dr. Mastersons for not supporting a woman’s self esteem and power. We are here in the year 2008 because we can. I agree women have the right to choose including choices in their pregnancy and childbirth experience but why through out the big guns first? Evidence has shown that the risk of vacuum extraction and forceps as well as emergency c-section increases when a woman uses an epidural. That is not to say I think there is no time that is appropriate for the use of an epidural but there are many other options that clearly were not mentioned such as, hydrotherapy, massage therapy, the use of tens machine (the discipline of psychology clearly understands the pain gate theory, why not use it?). What about nitrisoxide, or even a narcotic followed by nitris, even better, what about support in labor including much movement when able followed by the hydro therapy. Why the big gun first? Why not encourage women to find a care provider that they trust will give them ALL their options. So I close quoting above post, c-section is MAJOR surgery and is NOT a choice to avoid pain. No wonder the national c-section rate is over 30% and rising with advice given like that!!! Shame on her!!! Registered Midwife in Ontario.

I agree completely!  I just wrote to Dr. Masterson and told her how I felt about her irresponsibility.  I also was appalled that Dr. Ordon seems to think of C-section as a quick fix.  I am sorry Dr. Jim didn’t speak up about drug-free pain relief options,
since he leans toward a holistic approach (I suppose to counterbalance
Ordon and Masterson’s intervention-happy views).

I delivered my son without any pain meds whatsoever and I wanted to tell the lady that the pain will be bad, but it is bearable if she learns to manage it now.  Education is power.  But the point is there are so many non-drug options.  Movement, wather, counterpressure, among others.  Read The Pregnancy Book from the Sears Library, or even “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” by Ina May Gaskin.

My “gold star” was not having an epidural needle in my back, being able to assume any position, and the flood of hormones and endorphins that you experience right after the birth (what a feeling!).  I plan to deliver my future children naturally as well.

Do you think they actually read these threads and perhaps would consider allowing a voice to those of us catapulting the return to woman power? Ina May Gaskin is my hero, try the new video “Orgasmic Birth”. Well worth the watch Dr. Masterson. Let’s empower women not undermine their wonderful abilities. I know your education differs from mine but at least look at the other ways as I do your views regularly. And kudos to you mom and powerful woman enjoying her birth so much.

I think someone from the show does read these.  Hopefully Dr. Masterson will get the word.  Thanks for the kudos Cory!

The Orgasmic birth video is great…definately worth the look….Hopefully someone is reading these posts and gets the word to the powers that be!
Kdubs….thanks for you positive story.. congrats…Lets hear more!!!