U.S. cesarean rate is down from 32.9% to 32.8%

According to this report by USA Today, the latest figures from the United States show that the country's overall cesarean rate fell from 32.9% in 2009 to 32.8% in 2010.

Why do some women prefer birth by caesarean? New research published

It's taken a few years to publish but it's finally here - my website survey results formally published in the British Journal of Midwifery:

Why do some women prefer birth by caesarean? An internet survey by Pauline Hull, Carol Bedwell, Tina Lavender

BJM, Vol. 19, Iss. 11, 02 Nov 2011, pp 708 - 716

Abstract: Caesarean section at maternal request remains a contentious issue, fuelled by reports of associated morbidity. To explore the motivations behind women's expression of preference for a planned caesarean birth, an internet survey was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires available via a UK-based international website, www.electivecesarean.com, over a 9-month period. A convenience sample of 359 pregnant women who stated that their preferred delivery method was 'elective caesarean section through my own choice' was included.

More NICE cesarean media coverage

Media coverage of the NICE draft guideline on caesarean section continues, and in the last few days, I have commented on the following:

Telegraph: Cruel cuts to midwives have made Caeasarean sections a cheaper option for NHS (3rd Nov)

Practical Ethics: The moral case for elective caesarean section (2nd Nov)

Marie Claire: All women will have the right to a caesarean, Hannah Thomas (31 Oct) 

Huffington Post: Midwives are Able to Help Women Make the Right Choice About Their Childbirth, Cathy Warwick, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives (31 Oct)

Huffington Post: Why didn't I have the right to a Caesarean, Sue Hedges (31 Oct)

Interview on BBC Breakfast Television

I was interviewed this morning on BBC Breakfast television, and for a short while at least, a shortened version of the discussion can be viewed here.

Sian Williams and Bill Turnball interviewed me and made the whole experience a very enjoyable one.

I must also thank

RCOG's response to the NICE guideline media reports

This is what the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has to say about the past few day's media headlines and stories:

"The RCOG does not comment on draft consultation documents since the content and recommendations are subject to change. 

However,

Comment posted on media NICE guideline stories today

So many stories, so many views.

The news that the draft NICE caesarean guideline supports maternal request for all informed women who want one has undoubtedly caused a media storm.

Here are a selection of links where I have registered (variations of) my comment below:

Express: Folly of caesarean births for everyone, Vanessa Feltz
Guardian: Caesarean sections should be life-saving, not a lifestyle choice, Louise Foxcroft
Telegraph: Childbirth finally leaves the Stone Age, Cristina Odone
Daily Mail: Now all women have the right to NHS caesareans in hugely expensive move, Tamara Cohen
AOL: All women to get the right to a caesarean birth on the NHS, Ceri Roberts

My Comment

The most important things here are