✨Avoiding a Caesarean When It's Preventable: What You Can Do in Berlin ✨
- Anne Matei
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 27
As a doula, I often hear people say, “I want to avoid a c-section if possible.”
The World Health Organization recommends a c-section rate of 10–15%.
In Germany, the rate is around 30%. While caesareans can be incredible, life-saving procedures when truly needed (as Dr. Michel Odent says: wonderful rescue operations), the reality is that they are sometimes overused.
So, what can you actually do to lower your chances of a non-essential caesarean?
Of course, this is not really controllable... As a doula, I am not a medical professional. Ultimately, the decision for making or not an in-labour C-section will come down to your care team and yourself. I am only sharing here some evidence-based strategies that can support you.
Choose your provider and birth setting wisely:
Not all hospitals and care providers have the same approach to birth. Some have significantly lower C-section rates than others.
Have a look at my map of Berlin birth settings. But, understand that some places simply have higher C-section rates because they have planned C-sections, or cater for many high-risk pregnancies. This is an important aspect that you can discuss with care teams upon registering for birth, so that you can get an idea of their birth setting's culture and realities.
Also, home births and Birth Center (Geburtshaus) might be the right place for you to give birth
Stay mobile:
Movement helps labor progress naturally. Dance, sway, walk, your body knows what to do.
Avoid lying flat on your back during labor:
Instead, rest on your side, try hands-and-knees positions, or use a birth ball or peanut ball. These positions help the baby descend and reduce stress on your body.
Ask for intermittent monitoring instead of continuous CTG:
Unless there's a medical reason for it, continuous monitoring can restrict your movement and increase the risk of interventions. More on this here
Stay at home until labor is active:
Going to the hospital too early can sometimes lead to unnecessary interventions.
Stay hydrated and fuelled:
Your body needs energy and fluids for the marathon of labor.
Make a birth plan and communicate clearly:
Know your rights, express your preferences, and share your boundaries early on. As your doula, I help you prepare and advocate for your choices with clarity and confidence.
Have continuous support from a doula:
Multiple studies have shown that having a doula by your side can reduce the likelihood of a c-section, because of their continuous support and understanding of birth physiology. As your doula, I offer emotional support, physical comfort techniques, and advocacy, before and during your birth.
If you're planning a birth in Berlin and want support to stack the odds in your favor for a positive, physiological birth experience—I'm here.
Reach out to learn more about how I can support you.
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