Recovery from C-section varies considerably (although not as much variation as recovery from vag birth). Some women do report pain and suffering afterward, whereas others (like myself) have easy pain-free recoveries. So I advocate we continue to call C-sections c-sections rather than giving them an inaccurate and…

Yes, removing baby from the water immediately would greatly decrease the risk of drowning. The problem is that waterbirth advocates keep perpetuating myths such as that the birthed baby is still getting oxygen from the placenta or that the baby won’t breathe in. So now you sometimes see youtube videos of home…

“What, the anesthesiologist can’t walk down the hall? :)“

“It appears I have a much smaller chance of having my abs cut open here”

“I personally think it is a huge risk to not be in a hospital, at the very least for your first birth.”

“I’m taking my safety data from those Cochrane reviews,”

“The baby remains attached to the umbilical cord while in the water, so its getting oxygen that way!”

“The bath tub thing terrifies me. I know research says it’s OK”

“Not being in a hospital is like keeping cookies out of the house or putting your credit card in the freezer: You reduce temptation, but also make it harder to get to the credit card—or the epidural—when you really need it.”

“Props for using Cochrane reviews as sources.”

“Epidurals also have their risks, including a greater likelihood of a C-section, and possibly interfering with the baby’s ability to breastfeed in that critical first hour after birth.”

“Both of these are 1-in-10,000 risks.”