Cesarean sections, perfecting the technique and standardizing the practice: An analysis of the book obstetrícia, by Jorge de Rezende

Abstract

This article discusses the development of techniques for cesarean sections by doctors in Brazil, during the 20th century, by analyzing the title “Operação Cesárea” (Cesarean Section), of three editions of the textbook Obstetrícia, by Jorge de Rezende. His prominence as an author in obstetrics and his particular style of working, created the groundwork for the normalization of the practice of cesarean sections. The networks of meaning practiced within this scientific community included a “provision for feeling and for action” (Fleck) which established the C-section as a “normal” delivery: showing standards that exclude unpredictability, chaos, and dangers associated with the physiology of childbirth, meeting the demand for control, discipline and safety, qualities associated with practices, techniques and technologies of biomedicine.