There’s nothing wrong with getting a C-section – our resident gynae explains why

Question: Hi Doctor, why is there such a stigma around C-sections? 

Hi there,

There is no shame in making the best choice for your self and your baby. The stigma around caesarian section dates centuries back, perpetuated by cultural and societal norms that are steeped at defining woman/motherhood by what our reproductive organs can or can’t do. Sadly it is often imposed by women on women , we dehumanize one another without taking into consideration facts and complexities surrounding each pregnancy . Historically mothers and children , used to die at childbirth before the invention of this procedure , in fact the very inception of C-section in the 19th century was as a measure used to save a baby from the womb of a mother who had died while giving birth. Most times if not all ,it’s not even a question of choice but rather a lifesaving decision made at the moment of crisis. To this day mothers with complicated pregnancies with no means to access an emergency C-section continue to lose their babies and sometimes their own lives ,no one should have to endure that kind of trauma. Whilst most pregnancies are uneventful and look like a walk in a park, so much can go wrong in an instant. An early separation of the placenta, a baby that gets tired before mom is fully dilated, a blood pressure that shoots up life- threatening to mom and baby are just some of the commonest reasons for emergency C-section. It is therefore crucial as a society that we are well informed , and be intentional at eradicating stigmas that leave so many woman with feelings of shame. Womanhood and motherhood has nothing to do with the type of delivery one has, but rather the bravery so many women display as they show up in the moment and fight for the best outcomes for themselves and loved ones.

Have a question for our resident gynae? Email it to editor@parenty.co.za

About Dr Mpume:

Obstetrician & Gynaecologist Special interest in Sexual & Reproductive Health and Sexual Medicine She is not only a passionate OB-Gynae ,but also Founder of Mics & Steths (Microphones &Stethoscopes) Legacy ,a health and information consultancy that seeks to provide solutions to Sexual and Reproductive Health & Wellness through connecting Media and Medicine. Her qualifications include:

• Undergraduate (MD): MBCHB Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine University of KwaZulu Natal
• Post-Graduate: Specialized in Obstetrics & Gynecology FCOG(SA) University of Witwatersrand

Recipient of International Society of Sexual Medicine attended ESSM School of Sexual Medicine programing Budapest (Nov 2019)

As if studying and helping women with their journeys isn’t enough Dr Mpume is also a  Sexual and reproductive Health and Rights Advisory – Gauteng MEC, Westrand District Health : strategies to deliver quality services  and Content Producer – Expert OB-Gynaecologist advisor and producer of content across all platforms, including print, tv and radio, social media, including Facebook, Areas of interest Women’s Health: hormones and family planning and teen health among others.

She is currently a Obstetrician & Gynecologist Morningside Mediclinic , works at DISA Private Clinic (part time)  and is a shareholder of The Birthing Team shareholder and specialist clinician, while also serving as a  Gauteng Region Committee Member: Southern Africa Sexual Health Association (SASHA) •

You can listen to her on Kaya FM : Co-host Home with Mapaseka Sexual Health

Career highlights include:

• Speaker at 6th Annual WE CAN Africa 2019: breast and cervical cancer advocacy summit
• Attendee : Women’s Health Summit 2019 Berlin Germany • Attended European Society School of Sexual Medicine November 2018 Budapest
• Winner Women of stature Woman the year in Healthcare 2018
• District (Clinical Specialist ( Obst & Gynae) West rand District : oversees mater nal health at district and primary healthcare , as well as school health • Member of MEC of Health Gauteng task team in O&G : focusing on Clinical gov ernance, Health Policy advisory and implementation

Find her on Instagram : @dr.gynae Twitter: @celebgynae