Publication Date
Fall 2024
Abstract
Cesarean section (C-section) rates remain a global concern, reflecting variations in maternal care practices, healthcare access, and systemic biases. While essential in certain cases, the overuse of C-sections is linked to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, reinforcing medicalized approaches to childbirth. This study explores disparities in C-section rates across regions in Switzerland (Zug and Jura) and the United States (Mississippi and Alaska) and examines the role of doulas in addressing these disparities.
Using a mixed-methods approach, qualitative interviews with doulas and quantitative regional data highlight systemic and cultural influences on C-section trends. In affluent Zug, convenience and elective procedures drive high C-section rates, while resource-limited Mississippi faces challenges rooted in systemic inequities and defensive medicine. Conversely, Jura and Alaska benefit from community-centered, non-interventionist care models that align with cultural traditions and reduce medicalization. Doulas in these regions advocate for physiological births, challenge systemic barriers, and provide personalized support to empower birthing individuals.
The findings highlight the need for expanded doula programs, the integration of culturally competent care, and policy innovations such as the use of the C-model alongside initiatives supporting community doula work. By addressing systemic barriers and promoting patient-centered practices, these efforts can reduce unnecessary interventions, improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes, and advance equity within maternal care systems.
Disciplines
Physical Sciences and Mathematics | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Verghese, Lina, "Bridging the Birth Divide: Doula Perspectives on Cesarean Trends in Switzerland and the U.S." (2024). Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy. 1.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/szh2/1