C-Sections

The current c-section rate in America is 31.1% as of 2006. Nearly 1 in every 3 births in the United States is via c-section.

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), rates between 5% and 10% are best for mother and baby. Any nation above 15% has been deemed to do more harm than good (Althabe and Belizan 2006).

C-section rates have been on the rise for the 11th year in a row in the US.

Reasons for c-section are as follows:

1. 35% are repeat c-sections. Many of these do not need to be repeats though and could qualify for VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). Check out ICAN to find out about a VBAC!


2. 30% of c-sections are due to dystocia, or stalled labor due to abnormalities. Statistically, this means 1 in 10 births result in c-section because the mother is just unable to deliver the baby. This happens either because the baby is in a bad position (not necessarily breech), the mother's pelvic cavity is 'inadequate' or the contractions slow and/or stop (a possible side-effect of an epidural).


3. 12% of c-sections are performed because the baby is breech (studies show it is safer for a mother to deliver a breech baby vaginally rather than surgically).


4. 9% of c-sections are due to fetal distress. This is often brought on by the use of pitocin.


5. The remainder are due to a myriad of causes including muliples, cord prolapse, etc.

For information on breech presentation/deliver, click here. Also, here are some tips on turning the baby around.

It should be somewhat disturbing that the c-section rate is so high in the United States. It is uncalled for and women should be questioning why.

Here are some tips on how you can avoid an unnecessary c-section:

• Labor at home for a while, if possible. If you know you typically deliver your babies very quickly, you probably shouldn't wait. But if your a first time mom or you typically have lengthy deliveries, you can try the 5-1-1 method. Wait until your contractions are 5 minutes apart, last for at least 1 minute, and it continues that way for 1 hour.


• If possible, labor without the use of any drugs. Most drugs used in labor have been shown to increase the risk of a c-section. There are many other forms of pain management, such as Hypnobirthing, Hypnobabies, Birthing Tubs, massage, etc. You can also decrease pain by changing positions.


• Find a doctor of midwife that is NCB (Natural Childbirth) friendly.


• Get up and move around a little during labor. Again, this can help decrease discomfort and can help get things moving a little.


• Don't let the doctor break your water. Once your water breaks, you typically have a set time limit before they'll want you to get a c-section. Let your body break your water when necessary. Some babies are born in the sac without the water broken and this is completely normal! Having your water broken also unnecessarily opens your body and baby up to the possibility of infection.


• Hire a doula. Many studies show that a doula can greatly decrease the number of complications and interventions in labor and delivery. The use of a doula also decreases the frequency of requests for pain medication because the doula is there to support and encourage the mother in labor. They are there to speak for you when you cannot. They are there to comfort you.
• Write a bith plan that indicates your wishes and review it with your doctor before you go into labor. Make sure your doctor and hospital get a copy and have it on hand when you go into labor.

But above all, remember that emergencies DO happen. You can do your everything perfectly and to the "T" and a c-section may be unavoidable. We should be thankful that this intervention is available for emergencies, and pray for the wisdom of the midwife or doctor, that they would be able to discern if it should be used.

Click here to locate a doula near you. (see search box on left hand side).