Women who have general anesthesia during C-sections are significantly more likely to experience severe post-partum depression resulting in hospitalization, suicidal thoughts or self-harm, according to a study published last week.
That might be because general anesthesia can delay breastfeeding and skin-to-skin interaction between the mother and infant, and often results in more acute and persistent pain after childbirth, researchers from Columbia University explained.
Not true. I had my last child outside the US where natural birth is heralded and c-section scorned. I had a c-section and suffered no postpartum depression. I had anger about being pregnant at all. And, I did not breastfeed my child. Used formula.
Not a surprise since the reason they have generals for a CS are often other comorbidities or complications. General for CS isn’t the standard at all.
Although not always possible to avoid cesarean, vaginal birth is the best! Don’t let OBGYNs bully you into submission with a c-section unless life is (truly) at risk.