More UK Doctors Opt for Elective Caesarean

Filed in archive Childbirth , Medical Issues on July 13, 2008

These days, more than ever, the debate between natural birth and Caesarean section are strong anywhere. Always midwives and the government are advocates of natural childbirth. Of course doctors and obstetricians will disagree. Natural birth isn't for everyone, it doesn't happen to each and everyone. I wish nobody should take it against anyone if at the last minute your doctor had to make a c-section with your agreement.


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Personally I believe that it isn't a woman's fault that she isn't cut out for natural birth. One that has well worked for one, doesn't mean it will for everyone. I should know. If my Ob-gyne did not make the c-section decision.? I would have died on the delivery table. Or my child would have died. Or both of us. I am not saying though that a caesarean method of childbirth is the best way to give birth. While it has its advantages, going under the knife even if you deliver your child isn't a joke. I dread the thought of another c-section. But that's another story.

In the UK, as reported by the NHS Maternity Care, more and more female obstetricians opt for a caesarean when they have their own children (elective caesarean). Now that is something new right? It looks like those that are in the medical field consider c-section as the best way to deliver a child.

Four years ago, Stephanie Sher had a decision to make. It was one many women face every year, though this does not lessen the stakes. Pregnant with her first child, Sher needed to decide how best to deliver her baby.

"Childbirth is a very personal thing. It's about weighing up the pros and cons for each individual. There are risks and benefits in whatever you do," she tells me.

Sher, 38, chose an elective caesarean. Not because she was too posh or too scared to push but because she decided it was the safest method. In fact, Sher makes decisions on delivery and surgery every day, and she understands the consequences more than most - she is a consultant obstetrician.

Tough call isn't it? But I have always believed in making the best out of any situation. Discuss your birth plan with your doctor and remember to have a fall-back, in case something goes wrong. The thing is, making sure of the safety of both mother and child should be the top priority. I've said enough.

Read more about the report above The Guardian (UK).