Delivery method choice in the South African private sector
James, S.; Wibbelink, M.; Muthige, N.
British Journal of Midwifery 20(6): 404-408
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0969-4900 Document Number: 552166
The high caesarean rate in South Africa is five times higher than the World Health Organisation recommended rate. This is a matter of concern and urgently needs to be investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to find out why South Africans have such a high caesarean section delivery rate by exploring decisions made with regard to the choice of mode of birth. This study found that in South Africa, the advice comes from the obstetrician not the midwife. The pregnant women in this study did not have antenatal health education related to the available different modes of delivery and were denied the opportunity to make an informed decision despite them having attended the antenatal care clinic, being well educated and able to understand concepts explained to them. It was found that the private doctors were still in the forefront of the patient pathway and that the midwife was often left to prepare the woman for the caesarean section even though they perhaps did not agree.