The World Health Organisation recommends Caesarean births may be necessary in 10-15% on births.
However, in Australia the incidence of Caesarean births continues to rise and is currently 36%. Research shows that when the Caesarean birth rate goes above 10% there is no evidence of reduction in death rate for parent and child and the benefit is questioned. The most common reason for a Caesarean birth is a prior Caesarean birth. The current rate of vaginal births after a prior Caesarean birth is 12%, however successful rates of attempted vaginal births after prior Caesarean births in 70-87%. These statistics are important as understanding Caesarean incidence and being well-informed can aid having the birth you want and being able to discuss your ideal birth plan with your provider.
In Australia more than 1 in 3 parents are having a major abdominal surgery to meet their baby! The myth that a Caesarean birth is the “easy way out” is certainly untrue as a Caesarean birth involves cutting through 7 layers of tissue to get to baby, and therefore a decent recovery period is needed to heal from this.
Having a Caesarean birth does not spare your pelvic floor from having symptoms, you still carried a baby for 9 months! 43% of parents who had a Caesarean birth have pelvic floor dysfunction.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can include the following symptoms:
- Urinary and/or faecal urgency, frequency, and leakage
- Pain on voiding bladder or bowels
- Incomplete emptying of bladder or bowels
- A sensation of heaviness and/or increased pressure
- Painful sex
- Constipation
- Low back pain
- Hip pain
- Pelvic pain
Osteopathy and physiotherapy are here to aid your postpartum recovery! We highly recommend having a
pelvic floor check with our Physiotherapist Liz 6+ weeks postpartum and seeing an Osteopath for your bodily aches and pains. Our Osteopaths Lauren and Rea have an interest in treating these patients.
Working across the two providers we can aid reduction of pain and symptoms, decrease constipation, Caesarean scar sensation and mobility, pelvic floor rehabilitation, aiding return to activity and a supportive environment to recuperate postpartum.
Book in an appointment with one of our practitioners here.