C-Sections: Trying to Avoid an Unplanned C-Section
The US C-Section rate is 32%, more than double the recommended rate. The WHO research has shown that C Section rates above 20% do not improve birth outcomes, yet the US remains with a very high rate. Iceland has a C-Section rate of 14% and the lowest global maternal and infant mortality rates. Finland has a C-Section rate of 19% and has a very low birth complications rate.
So maybe many C-Sections aren’t life-saving or even necessary. Maybe they’re part of a broken system. While it’s important to have access to care, that can be life saving in some situations, it’s important to not interfere too much with the natural process.
75% of C sections are from labor arrest, fetal heart monitoring, or baby in a non-ideal position. All of these things can usually be changed or helped. Baby responds to mom’s movement, so there are positions that many doulas, midwives, and other birth workers know what can help baby move into a better position.
What can you do?
Move around. Movement in labor helps keep things going. There are positions and movements you can do that may help baby into a better birth position, like the Miles Circuit. You can do these in labor or even before. Changing positions may also help improve baby’s heart rate if it has become slightly concerning.
Educate yourself, or find childbirth education. Read other birth stories. It can be so fun to hear what helped other women if their labor stalled. It may also help give you an idea of how much labor timelines vary. Look into positions and movement that can help during labor. When you know how your body interacts with your baby, you can set more realistic expectations of your labor and birth. This may help avoid any unnecessary interventions that may increase your chances of having an unplanned c-section.
Labor at home — Birth isn’t linear. While many places will tell you each stage of labor with a listed time, it may be longer or shorter for you! By waiting at home before going to a hospital, you may avoid some added pressure about how long it’s taking. Sometimes, hospitals want to hurry things along, they have their guidelines as to what time frames you should fall into, and if you don’t, they may encourage other ways of getting baby out quicker.
Hire a doula — A doula can help you slow down to make decisions while you’re in labor. While doulas are not there to advocate on your behalf, they can offer you additional insight. Your doula may also be able to help you with position changes depending on what you need in the moment.
C-sections are a major surgery, and should not be taken lightly. There are times when they are completely necessary, life-saving, and beneficial. They are an amazing medical advancement that we are lucky to have today, but we should also be aware of over-doing it, and know how we can better equip ourselves to plan for the best outcome.