A high rate of caesarean sections in an affluent section of Chennai: is it cause for concern?

While rising Caesarean section rates have been the subject of much attention and debate worldwide, there is not much information available on this rate and its potential adverse impact in India.

Our survey was a standard Expanded Programme on Immunization 30-cluster design, carried out in an urban educated, middle/upper class population in Chennai. Mothers of 210 children aged 12-36 months were interviewed and data collected on immunization and breast-feeding practices. Since the mode of delivery was one of the questions, we could generate population-based data on the Caesarean section rate and its influence on breast-feeding.

Of the 210 babies, 95 (45%, 95% confidence interval: 39.1-51.3) had been delivered by Caesarean section. Two hundred and six of 210 babies (98%) had been breast-fed at some time. However, babies born by Caesarean section tended to be started late on breast-feeds were given prelacteal feeds more often, and colostrum less often when compared to babies delivered vaginally (all statistically significant).

Our study revealed a very high rate of Caesarean section in the selected metropolitan population. On purely scientific grounds, a rate of 40% to 50% is extremely difficult to justify. Though not conclusive, the data also suggest that Caesarean section may be adversely affecting some aspects of breast-feeding. There is a need for more data and audits on Caesarean section rates in India, and a wider debate on its potential adverse impact on the health of mothers and newborns.