Do you know what the most commonly performed major surgery in the United States is?

It’s not back surgery or tonsillectomies or knee surgery.

It’s C-sections.

In 1970, about 5.5% of pregnant women had cesarean sections. Fast forward to 2017 and that rate approaches 30%. That’s almost 1 in 3 pregnancies!

Since 1985, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a C-section rate between 10%-15%. The WHO states that research shows when the rate rises toward 10%, maternal and newborn deaths decrease. However, when the rate grows beyond 10% there is no change in mortality. In fact, maternal death rate in the United States has been rising.

According to a recent Consumer Reports investigation, do you know what a woman’s biggest risk factor is that leads to C-section?

The biggest risk factor is what hospital she walks into and how busy it is.

Absurd!

But don’t get discouraged. If you’re pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant and you want to avoid a C-section, you can do something about it.

Take childbirth education classes.

I offer two options for parents who are planning a hospital birth: Training for an Amazing Hospital Birth or The Comprehensive: Preparation for an Amazing Birth.

Training for an Amazing Hospital Birth is designed for couples who want information on interventions, including medicated and cesarean birth, relaxation and labor practice as well as how to make informed decisions as your birth unfolds.

The Comprehensive class is excellent for first time parents or parents planning a VBAC. This class prepares you physically, mentally, and emotionally. We cover exercises & pelvic floor health, nutrition, comfort measures, labor practice, common tests & procedures, C-section, birth plans, relaxation and parenting a newborn. Truth be told, this is my favorite series.

Both of these classes come with beautifully designed workbooks filled with additional information to help you navigate pregnancy and the birth process.

Do you have friends, neighbors or co-workers who are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant? Please send them to our site to explore all of the childbirth education classes we offer. We can help them prepare physically with chiropractic and exercise by making sure her spine and pelvis are in line and balanced. And, we can help them prepare mentally by offering exceptional childbirth education so they can make informed decisions throughout pregnancy and delivery.