Going back to the original comment, it does seem that c-sections are increasing. Sometimes though it depends on the area. My local hospital in the North West does seem to use caesareans as a last result when you're acutally in labour and I don't know that many who have had a planned caesarean. Perhaps it's just me, but it may be down to different health authorities.

Hi Gill, My friend is 6 months pregnant and has said that it is even better than she thought so I ordered one at the weekend, but I will still enter as you can never have too many freebies! x

Hi Scrummy Mummy I've noticed that Mumknowsbest are doing a review of the Miracle Box and have got one in a competition this month too!

Hi there, I would just like to add that, as a first time mum, I was scared of the whole birth thing and hence did not read into much in fear of making my nerves worse, however, with 1 week left to go, after what was a very healthy pregnancy, I was told that my baby had turned sideways and that unless the baby was manipulated medically, I would need a C-section.....this was not something I wanted so i looked into how I could help move the baby round myself to enable a natural labour. It was a website called www.newbornfitness.co.uk that advised of using a birthing/fitness ball to sit on and also lean over so that your stomach was hanging free! this would help give the baby more space and encourage movement. I continued to do this every day for 2-3 hours in the evening whilst watching TV, by the time I went for my check-up my baby had moved and his head had engaged. Praise for the website as this was the most valuable information and to top it off I continued to use the ball during early labour and to get back into shape after, which I am now pleased I did! Since last year, they have teamed up with www.lifestylexperts.com and launched a product called 'The Miracle Box' which is a much needed and long awaited product for the mum-to-be. Whilst, c-sections are sometimes done by choice, some of us are put into the position out of sheer medical reason, so if more people take note of midwives and look after their body during pregnancy we may be able to reduce the numbers considerably. All cases are individual, and I admire anyone who enters motherhood...as we all know it gets harder as time goes on!!!! If you know of any friends/sisters who are pregnant, the box is a great gift as I just bought one for a friend and it also has loads of goodies and vouchers so well worth it! Good excuse to have another baby! Good luck

I think most people who request caesareans births do so through fear and a lack of understanding about pregnancy and birth and the risks of a c-s birth compared to vaginal. Is it surprising that many women are scared about labour and birth when so many stories about it emphasise the lack of care and nurturing we get from health professionals? How can most midwives give the level of care women need when many units are so understaffed.In my view it is this lack of continuity in midwifery care that gives rise to the ever increase in elective and emergency caesareans

I had two caesarian sections - 20 and 22 years ago - and must admit my recovery was excellent, I even returned to work on light duties 5 1/2 weeks after the proceedures. I have never regreted having both my children by section as they are both fit and healthy and no I did not request the surgery. For some it is a matter of needs and not wants, mine were done for health reasons and because of all the bad press about c-sections I did initially feel guilty and not a worthy mother as I did not go through labour. I am still special to my children although I did not give normal birth to my two "little ones". So please do be careful - my two were bought into this world un-naturally, but at least they have had a loving mother - where they would not have done if the proceedures were not available - and no I did not go into labour. There are two sides to every issue.

Hello Victoria.Well for a start more people are 'booking in 'for elective caesarians.If you insist enough,and of course go to the right places,you can have a C-section.Also look at how many people-especially celebrities, understandably dont fancy labour and book in their babies' birth date privately.It really annoys me that to suit a busy work schedule, ot to suit a time when both parents can be at the birth regardless of how due the baby should be, things are paid for so are done regardless.There is then an insistance that the C-section was necessary to prevent a problem that' may' have happened at a natural birth-or even worse the explanation for a pre-booked C-section is that the baby was breech. When I was expecting my twins,I assumed I would have a C-section.I just assumed that surely more than one baby would automatically require a procedure.I had them naturally,full-term,no problems,and was obviously extremely proud,but also extremely surprised as one twin was breech throughout the pregnancy,and entered the world upside down too!. I am so grateful I had them naturally,as the time spent recovering in hospital was far less,and healing was quicker,as I had my 2 year old to get home to.I cant understand the number of mums I hear say 'oh he/she was breech so I had a C-section'as if a natural birth wasnt even an option. I recently abandoned reading an autobiography where the author insisted on a C-section as she was petrified of the prospect of labour.Isnt that more of a reflection of the way things are here today?If you have enough money, or stamp your foot and demand loudly enough most if not all things are possible? I just think its a shame as the whole experience of pregnancy,birth and recovery should surely be how the body is designed to be.