Could a caesarean birth make your baby sick?

Amy Corderoy Babies born by caesarean are much more likely to be admitted to hospital with gastrointestinal disease or chest infections in their first year of life than those born naturally, a study of NSW births has found.

A question of delivery

Caesarean births a better option for mothers?

Julia Medew A controversial new study suggests caesarean births may be a better path for mothers and their babies.

Having a Caesarean section

Brooke Wells Everything you need to know about giving birth by C-section.

Natural births better for babies

Danielle Teutsch and Kate Benson Babies born by caesarean section are more vulnerable to asthma, allergies and infection as they miss out on receiving their mothers' good bacteria during birth, a scientist says.

No caesarean for big baby: mother sues

Kim Arlington A woman who claims she suffered pelvic injuries while giving birth to a large baby at Westmead Hospital is seeking damages, alleging the hospital was negligent in failing to deliver the child by caesarean section.

Hospitals should have blood for caesarean mums: coroner

Harriet Alexander Court Reporter Hospitals should be forced to ensure they have adequate supplies of blood for every woman about to give birth by caesarean, a NSW coroner has recommended.

How to have a positive caesarean experience

Melissa Maimann Caesareans have been the subject of controversy for quite some time. The purpose of this article is not to debate the relative merits of a caesarean or a vaginal birth because for some women, a caesarean is the safest way to have a baby.

Tips for a VBAC

Melissa Maimann Are you planning or considering a vaginal birth after a caesarean (VBAC)? With the Australian caesar rate up to 31% more and more women are reconsidering a subsequent caesar. Read Essential Baby’s tips to help you put your plan into action.

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Work stress blamed for caesarean rise

Kate Benson Women who stop working at least a month before their baby is due are four times less likely to have a caesarean delivery because they are less tired and anxious, research has found.

C-section for one in three

Kate Benson First-time mothers are getting older every year, with one in seven babies now born to women over 35, but the nation's caesarean rate is still climbing and thousands of women continue to smoke while pregnant, the latest report on Australia's mothers and babies reveals.

Women shun caesareans

Kate Benson Pregnant women are much more willing than their doctors to accept the risks involved in having a normal vaginal delivery and most are prepared to risk even the most debilitating and painful outcomes rather than have an elective caesarean, Sydney researchers have found.

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Too posh to push?

Meredith Nash Behind the rise in caesareans is a fact - giving birth can be terrifying, writes Meredith Nash.