Caesarean birth and the next generation of Australians

What is normal birth, and why does it matter?

“…Those who require emergency assisted vaginal or caesarean birth are substantially more likely to experience complications than those who had planned caesarean sections. Indeed, as Robson discussed in a recent edition of this journal, a substantial proportion of maternal and neonatal morbidity occurs in those whose attempts at normal birth are complicated, with such births inflicting significantly more physical, psychological and financial morbidity than either uncomplicated vaginal birth or planned caesarean section 6 …”

“…Indeed, as Robson discussed in a recent edition of this journal, a substantial proportion of maternal and neonatal morbidity occurs in those whose attempts at normal birth are complicated, with such births inflicting significantly more physical, psychological and financial morbidity than either uncomplicated vaginal birth or planned caesarean section. 6 Several Australian jurisdictions currently or previously have developed overt policies aimed at increasing the rate of normal birth. While successful normal birth may be the ideal in many respects at a population level, attempts at normal birth, even in the absence of medical contraindications, will predictably have adverse consequences for a small but significant minority of women or their babies.…”