Development of a co-designed, evidence-based, multi-pronged strategy to support normal birth.

Abstract

Australia's caesarean section (CS) rate has been steadily increasing for decades. In response to this, we co-designed an evidence-based, multi-pronged strategy to increase the normal birth rate in Queensland and reduce the need for CS. We conducted three workshops with a multi-stakeholder group to identify a broad range of options to reduce CS, prioritise these options, and achieve consensus on a final strategy. The strategy comprised of: universal access to midwifery continuity-of-care and choice of place of birth; multi-disciplinary normal birth education; resources to facilitate informed decision-making; respectful maternity care and positive workplace culture; and establishment of a Normal Birth Collaborative.