A maternal assisted caesarean section enables the mother to play a more active role in the birth of her baby by reaching gloved hands to her abdomen and helping lift the baby to her chest for skin-to-skin contact. The caesarean section is done under careful medical supervision and is expected to lead to a more personalised birthing experience for mothers.  

Grampians Health Ballarat’s Birth Liaison Midwife Team and Theatre staff members also played a key role in the procedure, with the former facilitating the planning of the caesarean section while the latter helped in its execution.   

“We are delighted to have completed our first maternal assisted caesarean at the Ballarat Base Hospital. The caesarean was conducted under the expert guidance of our skilled medical team, ensuring the utmost safety and care for both mother and baby,” said Dr Natasha Frawley, Clinical Director – Women and Children’s Services, Grampians Health.  

“Shared decision making and women centred care are very important standards that staff apply to pregnancy care when working at Grampians Health. This achievement underscores our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of maternal and neonatal care in the region.”  

The introduction of maternal assisted caesarean sections at Grampians Health Ballarat is part of the efforts to provide expectant parents with more informed choices and improved satisfaction in their parenthood journey.   

According to the latest statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the proportion of births by caesarean section have risen to 38% in 2021, compared to 32% in 2011.  

A maternal assisted caesarean section has eligibility criteria, including that it is only offered during elective caesareans due to requiring longer preparation time, and when the baby is expected to be in good condition at birth including being 37 weeks or more. It could have several benefits, including a more positive birth experience if the mother chooses this, increased skin to skin contact and delaying cord clamping in line with the World Health Organisation guidelines.  

"A positive birthing experience is likely to lead to positive outcomes for both mothers and children. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to providing mothers with choices and exceptional care during the birthing process,” said Dr Stephanie Teague, Obstetrician at Grampians Health, who was the obstetric lead for the birth. 

“We understand that every birth is unique, and our team is dedicated to supporting mothers in achieving the birth experience they desire while ensuring their safety and the health of their newborns."  

Grampians Health is excited to continue offering maternal assisted caesarean sections to mothers choosing to give birth in Ballarat. We are committed to patient-centred care, and we look forward to providing expectant mothers with a range of options and support throughout their birthing journey.