Natural Childbirth Vs C-Section. Which is more Beneficial to the Newborn and Mother?

A mother and her newborn baby

When I was growing up, I think more pregnant women gave birth to their babies through natural childbirth. Historically, this was how women used to give birth to their babies. In fact, in those days, children were born at home. I was born at home. Caesarean-section (CS) was not as common a practice as it is today. 

In Nigeria, for instance, the rate of C-section is rising. Based on a five-year study done at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu, between 2005-2009, the incidence of CS stood at 27.6 %. This is higher than the maximum CS rate proposed by the Word Health Organization. According to WHO, CS rates higher than 10% are not for the intention of reducing maternal and newborn death rates. Perhaps, they are for other reasons.

But what is the cause of this rise in CS in Nigeria? Could it be due to complications associated with pregnancy? Or could it be that women are just tired of feeling the pain that comes with childbearing, and are now opting for CS? Or are medical doctors using CS as means of making so much money, so that they can build skyscrapers in one day or travel to Barbados for a cup of coffee and return on the same day?

While we try to answer these questions and many more that may arise, let me explain what CS and natural childbirth mean, and also give you some of the reasons natural childbirth is more beneficial to the newborn and to its mother than CS.

What is Caesarean- section?

Caesarean-section is the delivery of a baby or placenta by making a cut on the abdomen and uterus of a pregnant woman. It was named  after Caesar, who was delivered through the procedure in 1610. It is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures on women, and it is surely one of the oldest operations in surgery.

What is natural childbirth?

Natural childbirth, also known as vaginal delivery, is the natural process by which a pregnant woman delivers her baby through the vagina. No anesthesia (loss of sensation); no cuts made on the abdomen or on the uterus. She just delivers her baby using her own efforts and the support of the midwives.

Why is natural childbirth more beneficial to the newborn and mother?


Natural child birth is more beneficial to the newborn and mother than CS for the following reasons:

• No risk of harm being done to the baby because no surgical equipment will enter into the baby's house (the womb). 
• The baby's immune system will rise because there are bacteria in its gut which are transferred from mother to child through  natural childbirth or breastfeeding.
• Despite the pain of childbirth, many women have a strong feeling of empowerment during labor and a sense of accomplishment afterward.
  
• According to a study done, babies born through CS and fed with formula milk are at a higher risk of asthma, because of a reduction in the amount of gut bacteria which are transferred from mother to child. Researchers believe there is a link between key bacteria in a baby’s gut and their chances of developing the illness.
  
  

What does the WHO say about CS?

These are the conclusions of the World Health Organizations on CS:

• Caesarean sections are effective in saving maternal and infant lives, but only when they are required for medically indicated reasons.  
• At population level, caesarean section rates higher than 10% are not associated with reductions in maternal and newborn mortality rates
  
• Caesarean sections can cause significant and sometimes permanent complications, disability or death particularly in settings that lack the facilities and/or capacity to properly conduct safe surgery and treat surgical complications.
  
• Caesarean sections should ideally only be undertaken when medically necessary.
  
• Every effort should be made to provide caesarean sections to women in need, rather than striving to achieve a specific rate.
  
• The effects of caesarean section rates on other outcomes, such as maternal and perinatal morbidity, paediatric outcomes, and psychological or social well-being are still unclear. More research is needed to understand the health effects of caesarean section on immediate and future outcomes.

Conclusion

Before you request for a CS or allow your doctor to talk you into undertaking the procedure, ensure you ask him/her if CS is the last resort. Do not request for CS when you can push your baby out by yourself.


Sources: 

1. www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/10/babies-born-by-c-section-fed-formula-milk-are-at-higher-risk-of-asthma/
2. http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/161442/WHO_RHR_15.02_eng.pdf;jsessionid=387B5F941547B29D6D6997213E053813?sequence=1
3. https://www.babycenter.com/natural-childbirth