We live in a world with many different perspectives on risk. Entire professions now exist to advise us on how to recognise, avoid and manage risk. And the maternity and obstetric professions are no different…
Overly optimistic expectations about the birthing process may taint the experience for many women.
Muus Creation/Flickr
Many women believe they’re likely to go through labour and give birth without medical intervention. But data from Victoria shows that, more often than not, labour does require intervention.
The disconnect…
Only half of all Qld women who chose to give birth by caesarean made an informed decision.
Sean Dreilinger
The proportion of Queensland women giving birth via caesarean section has increased by a staggering 74% in the past 20 years. This wouldn’t be of concern if more babies' lives were saved as a result but…
The frequently cited Netherlands study doesn't show it's safe to give birth at home in Australia.
Assy
We’re fortunate to live in a society where robust evidence forms the basis of the information health-care professionals provide to patients – and home birth should be no exception. But the evidence about…
Social realities have a bigger impact on when women have babies than "medical facts".
ECohen
It seems we have a new “barbecue stopper” about women and families, after comments last week by Perth obstetrician Barry Walters that it is selfish for older women to have babies.
Defending himself from…
More women are opting for caesareans but what are the risks?
Rowan Simpson
In Australia, as in most of the developed world, about one baby in three is now delivered by caesarean section. To put things in perspective, the rate of caesarean birth has almost doubled over the past…
Quality and safety in childbirth should not be equated with obstetric care.
AAP
How we are born, who supports mothers and the quality of the care provided during birth are vital to good public health and personal well being. But all is not well in modern birthing in spite of the advances…
