Promoting Vaginal Birth: A Data-Informed and Team Approach to Reduce the Cesarean Birth Rate

The U.S. is faced with an unacceptably high rate of cesarean births along with the associated short and long-term risks to both mothers and babies when these procedures are not medically necessary. Providers and nurses need insight into the factors driving these high rates, and access to effective strategies to promote vaginal birth and maintain cesarean birth rates at targeted levels.

• An overview of the national landscape of the cesarean birth rate
• Evidence-based strategies to reduce unnecessary cesarean birth
• The significant role nurses play to promote vaginal birth
• How to reduce variation and influence physician behavior