I vote a a great big NO.

Firstly, I agree with those that point out that you are not told why the CS is performed. Of course some hospitals will have a higher rate of CS because not all hospitals are able to do them. If you have a high risk pregnancy you will be sent to a hospital that has the facilities and so those hospitals will naturally have a higher rate. The statistic will be skewed before you even start.

I also have to agree that the stigma attached to CS doesn't need any further promotion either. I am currently 30 weeks pregnant and have been diagnosed with vasa praevia, a condition that, unless things change in the next 4 weeks, will require a planned CS. When I tell people I am having a CS I am either grilled about why, given a disapproving look and a tsk tsk or lectured about having an 'elective CS'. Now I feel I have to give a full explanation of my condition every time someone asks in order to avoid the harrasment.

Because my CS is planned and not emergency, it is referred to as 'elective' even though I would have given anything to have a natural birth and have no choice. So even dividing the CS's into 'elective' and 'emergency' won't give an accurate picture.

This all leads to the main principal, it is no-one's business but mine how I have my baby. There is evidence to support the assertion that a natural birth is better for the baby, just as there is evidence to suggest that CS is better. As long as my child is healthy and happy it should be no-ones business but mine how my child is born, and while we're at it, whether it is breast or bottle fed. When judging people for the choices, take a moment to think about the possible reasons behind that choice. Sure, some peoplemay make the decision lightly, based on fear or vanity, but who are we to judge what a valid reason truely is. More importantly, why make every woman suffer because you disagree with the reasons for a decision made by a few.

Some say that hospitals 'encourage' CS for their own convenience. Well this may happen and if you think this has happened to you, there are avenues for complaint. If you are worried about the attitudes of hospital staff when choosing your hospital, if you are lucky enough to have a choice, most maternity wards have a time you can tour through and ask questions. Ask your friends where they went and what their experiences were like, or, get on a forum. If you can afford it, hire a private midwife or doula to attend your birth.

Pregnancy and child birth are all about what's right for you and your child, other people judging you for your decisions or the outcome of your child's birth is an unnecessary added stress.