Reduce your chance of having a Caesarean section by 50%

By: Cheryl Sheriff - Registered Doula

Beautiful newborn babies are quick to put a smile on everyone’s face but the statistics for normal birth in this country are nothing to smile about. Birthing women today are probably the most prepared and well informed they have ever been but still they have to cross their fingers and hope for the best when it comes to achieving normal birth.

Ruth Pollard: Health reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald was reported as saying in January of this year ""The number of caesarean births in Australia is reaching unmanageable levels, placing lives at risk and tying up thousands of hospital beds, operating theatres and health workers with a costly procedure".

What can we do individually and collectively to make a difference and turn these figures around?

"One on one care in labour is known to reduce the number of emergency caesareans and is recommended for all women, in Maternity Matters-the Government’s blueprint for maternity services-yet at present it is not always available" Cathy Warwick the deputy secretary of the Royal College of Midwives was reported saying in September.

Employing a birth support professional (doula) whose only focus is assisting you in achieving your ideal birth will make a difference. Someone not affiliated with individual hospitals or other Health Carers can provide unbiased assistance and care.

How can this work? Will they be accepted by your Doctor or the hospital you are attending? Why would this change the outcome?

The relationship begins well before birth when she spends time providing balanced, unbiased information so you are able to make informed birth choices for yourself. At no time does she make decisions for, or on behalf of you but may be instrumental in conveying your birthing desires to health care professionals during labour. An experienced doula becomes respected as an individual and is able to nurture and support your emotional wellbeing at all times.

Feeling safe, private and undisturbed during labour and birth can be achieved in a hospital setting when your environment is maintained to support you. Our current health care system places pressure on our health carers, particularly midwives. They are usually unable to stay with a woman for her entire labour, much as they would like to.

Studies have shown the presence of a doula doesn’t in any way displace the father, but rather enhances his role. She assists in decreasing the father’s anxiety, giving him support and encouragement and guiding him in specific tasks, allowing him to reach out to his partner in a more caring and nurturing way.

Other studies show a 50% reduction in Caesarean section rates when continual doula care has been given. Surely this alone is indication enough to investigate this option for all birthing women. Being proactive and taking responsibility for our own well being is a necessary step required in today’s medical environment if you want to avoid being a statistic.

There is often a strong need for both parents to be cared for during the challenging and demanding event of birth. Few other occasions in the life of a couple bring them together in such an emotional and complex way. The experience whether positive and empowering or negative and traumatic will remain with them always.

A positive result builds confidence and expectation as a new family is created an moves forward meeting new challenges as they arise.