Cesarean Support Groups

Abstract

In the context of the natural childbirth movement and a recent sharp rise in the cesarean birthrate, an unexpected cesarean can be a source of acute psychologi- cal stress. Cesarean suppon groups provide information, peer emotional suppon, a reference group and role models, and an opponunity to help others, as well as increas- ing consumer activism in the health care system. Illustrations are drawn from partici- pant observation in two suppon groups and interviews of selected participants.