Birth: Overview : SBS Insight

Overview

Why are more Australian women having Caesarean sections?

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The rate is up 50% over the last decade. But why? Are women themselves opting for caesareans over a natural birth?

A recent government review of maternity services found that women should have access to more choices as to how their babies are delivered.

One recommendation is that there should be a bigger role for midwives.

But this remains a contentious issue.

INSIGHT brings together a studio full of pregnant women to talk about their experiences and expectations together with the Federal Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, obstetricians, midwives and GP's.

So what real choices do women have, from elective Caesareans to
homebirth? What are the risks? And with the rising cost of healthcare, what can we really afford?

Ted Weaver, Clare Bowditch, Karen Guilliland and Hannah Dahlen participated in an online chat after the show to answer your questions.

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Meet the Guests

Nicola Roxon

Nicola is the Federal Minister for Health and Aging, who recently commissioned and received a report into improving maternity services in Australia. Nicola is mother to daughter Rebecca.

Ted Weaver

Ted is the president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the group responsible for training and accreditation of obstetricians. Ted also runs a practice at Queensland's Nambour Selangor Hospital and is a father to four adult children.

Karen Guilliland

Karen is the CEO of the New Zealand College of Midwives. In New Zealand, more than two-thirds of women see midwives as their primary carer during pregnancy and birth.

Clare Bowditch

Clare is a Melbourne singer/songwriter who was named best female artist at the 2006 ARIAs. Clare is mother to a girl and twin boys and believes women need more choice, particularly when it comes to accessing home birth. Clare says that if she weren't a musician, she'd probably be a midwife.

Miranda Ball

Miranda is mum to six-month old Rowan. Last year Miranda gave birth in a Canberra hospital via an elective caesarean section, an experience she says was empowering. Miranda says she decided she didn't want a natural birth from the age of 8.

Hannah Dahlen

Hannah is spokesperson for the Australian College of Midwives and an Associate Professor of nursing and midwifery at the University of Western Sydney.