Birth is a normal physiological process in which the emotional aspects are essential and must be respected. It is an intimate and unique event in the life of a woman that we should take the lead role and not be reduced to a passive object of surgical practices. Women have the right to be consulted on interventions which will be submitted to and receive information about their consequences and alternatives. Learn how to avoid an unnecessary cesarean section.

"Caesarean section is a wonderful invention to give birth some babies with problems, but it is tragic that it becomes a common form of birth" Michel Odent.

A high percentage of cesarean performed worldwide are medically unnecessary. Find out in this text what you can do as a mother and woman in labor to avoid being subjected to this intervention, unless it is strictly necessary.

The group Public Citizen's Health Research in Washington, DC has estimated that half of the nearly one million of cesarean performed each year in the United States are medically unnecessary. This means, with more appropriate care during pregnancy, labor and delivery, half were preventable cesareans. Clearly there are many occasions when a cesarean is very necessary. However, a delivery by cesarean has increased risks to both mothers and their babies, and whether those risks can be avoided, both mothers and their babies will benefit.

The following suggestions are things you can do to help avoid an unnecessary cesarean:

• To prepare thoroughly, you can help ensure you have a healthy birth experience as positive as possible.

• Before your labor, read and educate yourself.

• Attend classes, groups and workshops both within and outside the hospital environment. Perform researches and prepare a birth plan. Give copies of this plan to your hospital or maternity clinic, doctor or midwife and support staff. Discuss this with the person who will provide you with health care before birth and ask them to sign. Discuss this with the staff of the maternity hospital or clinic when you arrive.

• Interview more than one health care provider. Ask questions and see their answers keys and how your questions influence their attitudes. Are they defensive or glad that you are interested?

• Ask your doctor if you have a time limit on labor and the pushing in the second stage. Notice what he / she believes may interfere with the normal process of childbirth.

• Learn more about a maternity hospital or clinic, note their differences and ask about their cesarean rate, what is their protocol about vaginal birth, then Cesarean, etc..

• Be aware of your rights as a pregnant woman.

• Find someone who can accompany you on delivery. Interview more than one, find someone who has attended several births and has experience with normal birth without intervention. A recent medical journal showed that support from other women in labor and delivery could significantly reduce the need for cesarean.

• Help yourself to ensure having a healthy baby and mother with a balanced diet. Eating foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals can prevent complications in pregnancy, labor and delivery. It is not recommended salt restriction during pregnancy. Spice up your food with salt to taste.

• If your baby is breech (buttocks down), ask your doctor or midwife about exercises to help the baby to turn, external version (turning the baby) and vaginal delivery in breech position. You may want to seek a second opinion. Question on breech deliveries during your first interview.

• If you had a previous cesarean, seriously consider and explore the option of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). According to the policy on VBAC in October 1988 from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, VBAC is safer in most cases than a cesarean, and up to 80 percent of women with previous cesareans can give birth via vaginal to their subsequent babies.

• During labor, stay home as long as possible. Do not come to the hospital too soon. If you are still in the early stages of labor when you get to motherhood, instead of signing up, walking in the hospital or return home to rest. Put yourself in the position most comfortable for you during labor. Walk and change positions frequently.