08/01/2026
Morecambe Bay Babies – What These Statistics Really Tell Us 💛
(September 2025)
Every month the maternity stats give us a window into the experiences families are having locally and more importantly, where we can strengthen informed choice, personalised care and birth support.
Here’s what stands out this month:
1️⃣ Mode of Birth
• 47.55% vaginal births
• 10.78% assisted (ventouse/forceps)
• 52.45% caesarean births (all reasons)
Cesarean births being slightly higher than vaginal births isn’t good or bad, it simply reflects the mix of needs, decisions and circumstances. What matters is:
➡️ Were families fully informed?
➡️ Were alternatives explored when appropriate?
➡️ Did people feel supported and respected?
2️⃣ Induction Outcomes
Of those who were induced:
• 65.22% had a vaginal birth
• 13.04% had an assisted birth
• 34.78% had a caesarean birth
Induction statistically increases the chance of interventions, this data reflects that reality. It highlights how important it is to understand:
💡 Why induction is being offered
💡 All alternatives, including waiting and monitoring
💡 Your personalised risk picture
3️⃣ VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean)
Only 2.78% of births were VBACs.
This low number might reflect:
• Lack of clear, balanced VBAC vs repeat caesarean information
• Limited continuity of care
• Fear-based messaging
• System pressures
Many people who want a VBAC can safely plan one — but support and accurate information are key.
4️⃣ Positive Highlights 🌿
• 86.76% skin-to-skin after birth, excellent start to bonding and breastfeeding.
• 58.82% breastfeeding at birth, a strong early figure, showing good feeding support.
• Only 1.96% of babies were born exactly on their due date, a great reminder that due dates are not deadlines.
5️⃣ Birthplace Data
• Royal Lancaster 117 births
• Furness General 82 births
• 5 home/other births
Home births remain a very small proportion often due to staffing, lack of awareness, or misconceptions about safety. Many families don’t realise a home birth is a valid, protected, and supported option.
So… How Can We Improve Birth Choices Locally? 🌼
1. Better antenatal preparation
When families understand:
✔ physiology of birth
✔ induction alternatives
✔ pain relief options
✔ VBAC evidence
✔ their rights in maternity care
they make clearer, more confident decisions.
2. More continuity of care
Having the same midwife or small team improves outcomes, reduces intervention, and increases birth satisfaction.
3. Balanced, evidence-based language
Families deserve discussions that include:
💛 absolute vs relative risk
💛 “wait and see” pathways
💛 personalised risk, not blanket policies
💛 options outside the typical medical pathway
This helps people avoid feeling pressured into interventions.
4. Protecting undisturbed, physiological birth
For those who choose it:
• movement
• water
• positions of choice
• dimmed lights and calm environment
• uninterrupted support
These dramatically reduce intervention rates.
5. Strengthening the home birth service
More awareness, more staffing, more confidence = more birthplace choice.
Final Thoughts
These numbers don’t tell us if someone felt respected, heard, or empowered but your birth experience matters.
With the right preparation, support, and personalised care, families can navigate these statistics to make choices that truly align with their values.
I work with and support families antenatally to prepare for their individual journey. Get in touch if this is of interest to you.
Leanne x
