Umnotho Wosizo Clinic

15/04/2026

07/04/2026

In South Africa, C-section rates are far above what the World Health Organisation considers ideal (10–15%). Yet in reality, around 28–29% of births in public hospitals and up to 75% in the private sector are by C-section - with some facilities reporting even higher rates.

While C-sections are life-saving when medically necessary, these numbers raise an important question: Are we supporting birth - or over-medicalising it?

Birth is not a medical emergency by default. It is a physiological process that, in most cases, unfolds safely with the right support. When birth becomes overly medicalised, we risk taking power away from women, increasing unnecessary interventions, and impacting both short- and long-term outcomes for mothers and babies.
This month, we open the conversation.💛

We advocate for:
• Informed choice
• Respectful, evidence-based care
• Midwife-led birth as a safe and empowering option
• Antenatal education that equips mothers with knowledge and confidence

Because when women are informed, supported, and truly seen - birth changes.
Every mother deserves to feel empowered in her birth journey. Let’s bring birth back to where it belongs: in the hands of women, supported by skilled, compassionate midwives.✨