The current c-section rate in the United States is 32.1%. There are over 1 million cesarean deliveries each year. It is the most common surgery performed in the U.S. C-sections are performed so frequently that with little to no regard to how this will affect mothers for the rest of their lives, especially in their childbearing years.

We believe that childbirth education plays an important role in improving birth and changing statistics. We want families to educate themselves, to know their options, use their voices, and demand better care.

Hollie Hauptly and Cherly Amelang teaching the Childbirth Education Class

In September, our CEO, Hollie Hauptly, and Certification Coordinator, Cheryl Amelang, had the amazing opportunity to present at DoulaCon in Denver, Colorado. The presentation was titled, “Harnessing the Power of Childbirth Education to Foster Positive Birth Experiences and Improve Maternal-Infant Outcomes.” Here at Birth Boot Camp, we firmly believe that childbirth education can create positive birth experiences! With the knowledge and confidence parents can gain from a childbirth class they can make informed choices during childbirth which will help improve maternal-infant outcomes. In this 10-week series, we will break down and discuss the statistics and how childbirth education can either help improve birth outcomes. This week we will cover C-sections.

RELATED: Navigating Inductions: The Power of Childbirth Education

Risks and Benefits of C-Section Deliveries

The World Health Organization recommends that the c-section rate be 10-15% for optimal maternal and infant outcomes. When rates go above this, there isn’t evidence that shows that mortality decreases. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends preventing the primary (first) cesarean. 

Cesareans are a major abdominal surgery that comes with risks as well as benefits when truly needed. Understanding and navigating the risks and benefits is so important in ultimately having a powerful birth experience.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Care Provider

These questions are great to consider when interviewing your care provider. Take them with you and watch for “Red Flags” that concern you.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a care provider:

• Are you healthy and low-risk?
• Do you have a health condition that could make a cesarean delivery a safer option?
• What is your care provider’s c-section rate? 
• Do they support VBACs for women who have had a previous c-section?
• Do they equally weigh the risks and benefits of VBAC and repeat c-section?
• Can they help move malpositioned babies to avoid the need for a c-section?
• Under what circumstances would a c-section become necessary?
• What items can I keep from my birth plan even having a c-section? (Keep baby close, breastfeed immediately, delayed cord clamping, etc.)

These questions can help families make informed decisions about their care provider and health care.

When/if  a cesarean becomes necessary, understanding all of the options and how things progressed to this point, can oftentimes decrease the chance of birth trauma and increase the feeling of being the driving force and decision maker along the way.

RELATED: Childbirth Education Helps Lower C-Section Rates

The Impact of Childbirth Education on C-Section Rates

Theresa Morris, a professor and researcher who wrote the book Cut It Out: The C-Section Epidemic in America, stats that taking an independent childbirth class helps families to be more informed about labor and birth, and this step can immediately help reduce their chance of having a c-section, largely because women who take such classes are more knowledgeable about and can therefore avoid interventions that increase their risk of c-section.

Do you want to help families make informed decisions to help them have an amazing birth?

Enter your info below to get our FREE “Guide to Becoming a Birth Professional”

Learn more about certifying as a Childbirth Educator with Birth Boot Camp!