02/04/2024
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April ~ Caesarean Section Awareness Month â¤ď¸
Firstly I just want to say Big love to all c-section mothers. This topic can evoke significant emotions, and itâs absolutely okay to feel a range of emotionsâwhether itâs sadness, disappointment, anger, or any other sentiment. Hold space for yourself, allowing yourself to experience and process these feelings with compassion. Remember, you birthed your baby, and you are incredible â¤ď¸
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Cesarean sections are undoubtedly life-saving surgeries in certain situations, but the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests that no country should have a c-section rate exceeding 10-15%. Research indicates that beyond this threshold, higher rates of c-sections do not necessarily lead to better outcomes for mothers or babies.
In Australia, the c-section rate stands at a staggering 38%, far exceeding the WHOâs recommended range. Whatâs even more alarming is that the primary determinant of a womanâs likelihood of having a c-section isnât her medical risks or personal preferences, but rather the place where she gives birth and the individuals providing her care. This highlights the significant impact of birthing environment and healthcare providers on birth outcomes.
Many women may not realise that while some c-sections are indeed medically necessary, a substantial proportion are the result of a cascade of interventions that disrupt the natural course of physiological birth. Avoidable c-sections often stem from routine and unnecessary interventions offered to women during labour, ultimately interfering with the natural progression of childbirth.
Itâs essential to recognise that the consequences of a c-section extend beyond the immediate birth experience, affecting all subsequent pregnancies. Women who have undergone a c-section are typically labeled as high risk, which can pose challenges for those seeking a vaginal birth after cesarean in the future.
Addressing the overuse of c-sections requires a multifaceted approach, including promoting evidence-based maternity care practices, reducing unnecessary interventions, and supporting womenâs informed decision-making throughout pregnancy and birth.
With love,
Chloe â¤ď¸