Elective C-sections

OBGYN Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD, explains benefits and risks associated with a woman choosing to have an elective c-section for childbirth
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Elective C-sections

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I have had many patients over the years ask me about having an elective cesarean section and I find it to be a great opportunity for us to discuss what’s going on. There are patients who are making choices and should be allowed the room to make those choices about their childbirth. But sometimes, there’s something else behind it, whether it’s a fear of the body, a fear of a loss of control, somebody who has a really tight schedule. If I can address that head on with a patient, I can explore what’s going on. And they may make the exact same decision, but at least we’ve had the discussion. I think my job as a physician is to deliver a healthy baby to a healthy mommy and to provide information on the risks, benefits and alternatives. The benefits of a natural childbirth are great. There’s a lot of physiology that we don’t understand that may be required to happen. But the risks of a cesarean section – it’s surgery – are not that great. It can be exaggerated how great the risk of a cesarean section is. So if I can have an open conversation with a patient, then I’m comfortable with helping them make that decision.

OBGYN Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD, explains benefits and risks associated with a woman choosing to have an elective c-section for childbirth

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Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD

Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz completed her undergraduate education at Wesleyan University and post-baccalaureate pre-medical studies at Mills College. She earned her medical degree in 1996 from the University of Southern California School of Medicine, completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and has been in private practice of obstetrics and gynecology in Los Angeles, CA since 2000. After many years of a personal yoga and meditation practice, she completed her Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist degree at California College of Ayurveda in 2010 and was board certified in Integrative and Holistic medicine in 2008.

Suzanne is involved in women’s empowerment and public education, and appears frequently as an expert in women’s and integrative health on TV, online and in print. She is co-founder of Cedars Sinai Medical Center's Green Committee and is deeply committed to the promotion of healing that involves individuals, families, communities and the planet.  She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children in a "green" renovated home with a sustainable native plants garden and organic “urban mini-farm”.

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Transcription: 
I have had many patients over the years ask me about having an elective cesarean section and I find it to be a great opportunity for us to discuss what’s going on. There are patients who are making choices and should be allowed the room to make those choices about their childbirth. But sometimes, there’s something else behind it, whether it’s a fear of the body, a fear of a loss of control, somebody who has a really tight schedule. If I can address that head on with a patient, I can explore what’s going on. And they may make the exact same decision, but at least we’ve had the discussion. I think my job as a physician is to deliver a healthy baby to a healthy mommy and to provide information on the risks, benefits and alternatives. The benefits of a natural childbirth are great. There’s a lot of physiology that we don’t understand that may be required to happen. But the risks of a cesarean section – it’s surgery – are not that great. It can be exaggerated how great the risk of a cesarean section is. So if I can have an open conversation with a patient, then I’m comfortable with helping them make that decision.