Ok, There isn't conclusive evidence that c-sections are better. But then I'd argue the point that there isn't conclusive evidence that v births are better either. I think the deciding factor is the individual concerned and what is best for them. This is the point that everyone seems to forget in this argument.
With regard to the comments about no longer being able to psychically give birth v mentally, i'd argue two ways on this. Firstly, there are demographic changes that do make it more difficult for some women to give birth naturally. Firstly there is age, secondly there is obesity, thirdly birth weights are increasing and fourthly there is a a quirk due to populations mixing that hadn't previously - the is a study showing that asian women with a caucasian male partner are 3% more likely to need a c-section - the conclusion being due to the differences in pelvis size in their genetics. I do think there is every reason to believe that, scientifically, there is a strong chance that it more difficult for SOME women to give birth naturally than in the past. It may only be a small number but all of the above make a difference.
Secondly I would argue that the mental side of thing is a valid issue here. If women are more afraid, that is a natural reaction - a psychical one. Its isn't their fault and I strongly reject any suggestion whatsoever that these women are in some way weak. They are victims of circumstance to a degree. A culture which supports women who give birth naturally and seeks to do so by actively criticising intervention and making it more scary than it already is, is not a good culture for ANY women. This is why I grow frustrated at pro-natural birth lobbies and some of the tactics and language they use, which is often belittling, insensitive and at time borders on ignorant, rude and offensive. I do not see it as being truly feminist or in women's best interests. I think it is blinkered to how it affects other groups of women who don't pray at the church of natural birth for whatever reason.
I do think it is good to encourage women to make a choice and to empower them and help them relax and feel comfortable during birth and this is what pro-natural birth advocates do have to offer which is great. It helps a lot of women. But there is no balance to the equation. With the way the culture is going, it leaves those women who simply don't feel that is the way to go, feeling guilty and unsupported. And these are the very women that possibly need the most support and the most reassuring during childbirth. Where is the support for them?
Unfortunately, its almost got to the stage where it has become a very real problem that no one seems to be able to get their head around in the UK. Budget cuts are driving women to seek extra help privately if they can afford it as frankly, they are terrified of NHS wards, perhaps with good reason (In 2008-9 60% of NHS litigation was in the area of obstretics - this is from 20% of all claims, showing that claims are much more successful than in other areas, suggesting there is a real issue here). The result is women with the most power to complain, aren't because they are no longer part of the system or satisfy themselves by paying for it - with doulas, independant midwifes or going down the elective route; women who can't afford it are let down by the inadequacies and women are more afraid and as a net result are ending up with a birth experience that they find traumatic and possibly with unnecessary injury.
I have been horrified by the bans on elective c-sections on maternal request by some NHS trusts on cost grounds. There has to be a reason for women to be seeking them, and I firmly believe it has more to do with fear than being a lifestyle choice and being too posh to push. It is leaving some, like myself, feel abandoned and feeling as if their fears will be ignored, and just fuelling their anxieties further. It is fine if you can find a sympathetic consultant, but with the tide seemingly turning against you, for some it is a fight that is daunting and one they don't believe they can win. And ironically at the same time, there isn't the same sentiment to question the cost of homebirths and the extra stresses it puts on staffing resources. I certainly do not think that homebirths should be stopped, but people need to see the hypocrisy in this and how it is having a detrimental affect on some people. Fortunately, NICE at least seem to recognise that asking for a c-section should be respected, and hopefully their new guidelines will stay the same as the draft when it is published next month. And thank goodness NICE also dismiss the cost argument against c-section on the grounds that it really isn't as simple as that.
The real problem here is no one is really asking the right questions about why women are choosing c-sections, and feeling against it is driven by tabloid sensationalism. I've seen a few very good articles on the subject, but they are few and far between all the criticisms of celebrities and a witch hunt against those who don't go natural. I question just how many women who fall into the elective by maternal request category, would actually be termed as medical need by another consultant who might deem it as need based on a previous traumatic experience or fear.
All in all, I would just encourage women to be more weary of how they phrase things and how their beliefs and strength of feeling can affect others. It is understandable as their faith may well have aided their ability to have a birth that was a wonderful and amazing experience. But then, I also think that stops them being able to have greater empathy for others not in their shoes. I realise it is often well intentioned and well meaning. Shoving the natural birth down the throat of the wrong person, can be as bad as preaching religion. Having room to breathe is essential. Not everyone is the same and there may be understandable, justifiable and very real reasons why someone else might not have the same confidence in either their body or the medical profession, that are beyond their control. They are not weak minded in any way, and I find it dangerous to even imply that, even unintentionally. Ironically, if women feel more supported, they would be probably be more likely to end up with a better experience all round and thats good for everyone no matter what side of the fence you sit.
Obviously these doctors must have good reasons to make the decision they are. They are medics, and are by nature not risk takers when it comes to their own health. There is very clearly a fear of something going on, whether perceived or real and obviously their choice means there isn't a significantly increased risk with a c-section or they wouldn't do it. They are not uneducated people.
I guess thats my real point here. I simply want to get it 'out there' that there is something that doesn't seem to be being talked about properly. Fear should not be discounted, discredited, or dismissed.