Response to The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry study

Released on 04/09/2008

Embargo: 4 September 2008

 NCT statement 

A new study in the The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry has found that mothers who delivered vaginally compared to caesarean section delivery (CSD) were significantly more responsive to the cry of their own baby, identified through MRI brain scans two to four weeks after delivery.  

Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive, NCT, said:  “This study provides an interesting link between the method of birth and the way a mother relates to her new baby.  

Bonding between a mother and baby is highly important and responding to a new baby’s cry is a key part of maternal attachment. Women who have a caesarean section should be encouraged to cuddle their new born against their skin straight after birth and be offered practical support to help them feed and care for their baby. 

A caesarean section is necessary in some conditions and can save lives, however surgery can create more problems than it solves.   

The NCT urges hospitals to look at reducing their caesarean section rate so that it is in line with the World Health Organization recommended rate of 10 – 15%. We also recommend use of the NHS Institute Toolkit to develop a strategy for preventing surgical intervention which does not benefit the mother or baby.  

A caesarean section can have an effect on how a woman feels. A caesarean is major surgery and there are risks involved for mother and baby. We want to give women every possible chance to have a straightforward normal birth.  

Women can be supported to have a straightforward birth through simple and effective measures including one to one midwifery care and good support in labour, access to a birth pool and keeping mobile during labour.” 

ENDS

 For further press information contact the NCT press office on 020 8752 2404 (out of hours 07722 839 428) or email: press@nct.org.uk 

Notes to Editors The NCT is the UK’s leading charity on pregnancy, birth and early parenthood – we’re with parents all the way from bump to baby. Each year we support thousands of parents through a life changing experience, offering information and practical and emotional support through 300 UK-wide branch networks and we campaign for better maternity care. 

Operating for over 50 years, the NCT is recognised as the voice of new and expectant parents. We work to make becoming a parent a more positive experience and provide information for parents to be the parent they want to be. We also work for better services and improvements to maternity care so that parents are valued, supported and gain the confidence to make the right choices and decisions for them. For further information call NCT Enquiries on 0300 330 0770 or visit www.nct.org.uk