Caesarean birth

Caesarean birth rates are soaring and many women choose to have one even when there is no clinical necessity for it. Doctors believe it is now becoming a lifestyle choice. There is no doubt, though, that for some mothers and babies a Caesarean is a life-saving operation.

 It’s worth knowing why and how a Caesarean is carried out, so you are prepared if one becomes necessary. Below, we answer all the main questions you might have about Caesarean births...

• Elective and emergency Caesarean
• What happens during a Caesarean?
• What kind of anaesthetic?
• The operation
• What will the scar be like?
• After the Caesarean
• Breastfeeding after a Caesarean
• Going home
• Your next baby

More on Caesareans ...

• Chat to other mums on our Caesarean discussion forum
• Feature: What happens after the Caesarean?