FOR THE MOTHER:
| NORMAL DELIVERY | CESAREAN DELIVERY |
| · Reduced hospital stays hence you reduce chances of hospital infections and spend less money, | · Prolonged hospital stays- higher chance of getting hospital acquired infections and higher bills |
| · Low maternal mortality– as Labour is a natural process hence risks are low | · Higher maternal mortality– as a C section is an abdominal surgery categorised as a major surgery hence carrying all the risks. |
| · Quicker bonding with the baby after birth translates to Low chances of getting postpartum depression | · Delayed contact of mother and baby increases chances of getting postpartum depression |
| · Quicker and easier recovery period post-delivery- up to 6 weeks | · Prolonged recuperation post-delivery -10 weeks for the wound to heal |
| · Reduced post-delivery complications | · Increased risk of post-operative complications including wound sepsis, UTI, uterine wall infections and adhesions |
FOR THE BABY:
| NORMAL DELIVERY | CESAREAN DELIVERY |
| · Born when ready- Natural labour starts spontaneously when the baby’s lungs and organs are fully developed. This translates to less medical interventions | · Risk of premature baby is high Via C-section because there is no sure way of knowing the maturity of the lungs and organs hence more medical interventions needed later. |
| · No Respiratory problems after birth as the process of natural birth squeezes the amniotic fluid from the lungs | · Respiratory problems such as Asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis are more likely to occur |
| · Exposure to Protective bacteria in the birth canal boosts gut immunity | · No exposure to protective bacteria increases the risk of allergies, obesity and even asthma later in life |
| · Early engaging in breastfeeding (30 mins after birth)increases bonding, suck reflex development and faster milk production | · Delayed contact with mother prolongs the development of suck reflex and translates to poor milk production from the mother |