National Caesarean Awareness Day, 11th September Annually

Background

Today we are fortunate to have choices in childbirth. However, we lack a full understanding of the impact of those choices and how they may effect the birth. Popular views are that caesarean section is a safer and easier option for birth. This may be so for a minority, but for the general population, major surgery of this kind can pose greater risks to mother and baby.

Many emotional issues surround caesarean delivery
The unexpected pain and length of recovery (even those without complications)
Bonding between mother and baby
Lack of support and understanding of the emotions women can experience such as guilt, violation, inadequacy

These issues may be acknowledged by health professionals, however their intensity is often overlooked. Society too is guilty of this. Commonly family and friends make misguided comments such as "at least you have a healthy baby", or worse, "you did it the easy way". This only compounds the feelings of confusion and isolation.

Vaginal Birth after Caesarean (VBAC) is a viable and safe option for most
The issue of VBAC is often confusing and contradictory. Vaginal birth after caesarean is proven to be a safer option for mother and baby than repeat caesarean section. Yet social and medical attitudes are slow in adopting a less fearful and unsupportive stance.
Women who chose vbac can feel demeaned by policies, terminology and precautionary interventions instituted by their caregiver. These are often neither evidenced based, nor woman-centered, during their implementation.

Philosophy of the National Caesarean Awareness Day

The philosophy of the day is support and understanding. Participants must agree to be aware, and respectful, of the strong emotions surrounding the fundamental life experience of birth - in it's many forms. Aim to increase understanding and acceptance of the psychological and physical difference between birth and the baby.

There needs to be an increase of positive attitudes (less focus on failure) and an acknowledgment of the individual's emotional needs as well as their physical ones. Change needs to be encouraged, from the individuals right to informed choice and up through all levels of government, in an attempt to improve maternity services for all.

The Aims of the National Caesarean Awareness Day

It is important for the day not to be perceived as 'anti-caesarean'. It is a vital necessity to support those making informed choice.

• Highlight to women and society the realities of caesarean birth
  - What actually happens
  - How it feels
  - Physical recovery and length of recovery
  - Limitations and medical risks involved to mother and child
  - Difference between emergency and elective caesarean
  
  
• Provide information to families, friends and professionals regarding:
  - The emotional issues a woman may be experiencing
  - Ways to support her after a caesarean and when seeking a vbac
  - Signs of depression and when to seek help
  
  
• Promote safety and viability of vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC)
  - Provide information of the options available to women
  - Understanding the risks and benefits of vbac
  - Outline the recommendations of the World Health Organisation and that of the Royal Australian College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  - Publicise the current world, national and state statisticswhere available
  - Highlight why hospital policies and professional attitudes based on fear and failure work against the above recommendations
  
  
• To question and raise awareness of
  - The difference between public and private statistics
  - The frequency of unnecessary caesarean
  - Cost incurred on society and patient