Unanticipated Cesarean Birth from the Father's Perspective

ABSTRACT: Despite the paucity of research on men's experiences of cesarean birth, fathers' attendance at cesareans has become well-established in some areas of the U.S. In this study, interviews were conducted with 46 fathers whose wives had an uncomplicated pregnancy culminating in an unanticipated cesarean birth with a healthy neonate and no major complications for mother and child. Interviews were tape recorded, transcribed and analyzed. Of these 46 fathers, 52 per cent attended the cesarean, and 48 per cent did not, primarily because hospital policy prohibited it. Fathers' predominant emotional reaction to the decision for cesarean was relief (52%); 27 per cent described their reactions as acceptance, 10 per cent expressed moderate disappointment, and 11 per cent were strongly disappointed or angry. Most negative reactions centered not on the cesarean itself, but on policies which excluded fathers from attendance arbitrarily, and on staff behaviors which reflected disregard for the fathers'need to feel included in the birth, whether they were permitted to attend the delivery or not. Seventy per cent of these fathers expressed some displeasure at physician or nurse behaviors, expressing disappointment and resentment about being excluded from discussions leading to the decision for the cesarean, having little previous contact with the obstetrician, the nursing staff failing to provide the father with adequate information and support during and immediately after the cesarean, and being denied access to the wife and infant after the cesarean for apparently arbitrary reasons.     

The character of premature baby's blood taurine concentration and urinary taurine excretion

The concentration of taurine in fetal blood and in mother's milk is very high. In the present study, in order to elucidate the nutritional role of taurine during fetal and neonatal age we investigated the urinary taurine excretion and the blood taurine concentration change in premature babies. 1. The blood taurine concentration of infants on the first postnatal day decreased along with gestation between 7-10 gestational months. On the other hand, there was no difference in the concentrations of blood total amino acids in infants on the first postnatal day in 7-10 gestational months. 2. The blood taurine concentration of infants decreased remarkably during one week after birth. This tendency to decrease was more prominent in premature infants--those at 8 to 10 gestational months. 3. The urinary excretion of taurine and total amino acids of infants remarkably decreased along with gestation between 7-10 gestational months. This tendency to decrease was the most prominent in infants between 7 and 8 gestational months.     

Pre-abortion counselling from women's point of view

Abstract

Objective The value of mandatory pre-abortion counselling for women seeking abortions has been repeatedly questioned. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives and feelings of almost 1000 women regarding pre-abortion counselling in Flanders.

Methods Participating women (N = 971) – all requesting an abortion at one of the five Flemish abortion centres – were offered a questionnaire prior to the counselling session and immediately afterwards. Both questionnaires measured their emotional and cognitive state as well as aspects of the content and the perceived value of the counselling session.

Results Prior to the counselling, women are hesitant regarding the value of the sessions, feel distressed, yet decisive about their abortion. After the counselling session, women assign an increased value to the counselling, are very satisfied, and experience less distress and greater decisiveness. During counselling the abortion procedure (89%), the use of contraceptives (83%) and the individual decision-making process (81%) are nearly always addressed. The sessions are tailored to each woman and to the needs they expressed with regard to the content of the counselling.

Conclusions Pre-abortion counselling in Flanders is standardised as well as personalised. The women in this study positively valued it.     

Birth Control and a New Birth of Freedom

The author analyzes Griswold v. Connecticut and other recent developments in the birth control movement and explains their significance for constitutional theory. The Griswold case raised the principle of voluntary family planning to the status of a constitutional right. It also recognized the standing of those in the helping professions to assert the rights of their patients and clients. The Court's recognition of a right of privacy and restoration of meaning to the ninth and tenth amendments may be a protection against the increasing threat of a “big brother” society. Recent administrative and judicial decisions emasculating the Comstock laws demonstrate the importance of constitutional checks and balances. The ultimate question posed by the Griswold case is whether it will be recognized that the government has an affirmative obligation to make the exercise of constitutional rights possible.