TOO many mums are having "lifestyle caesareans", according to a health body.

Now The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has spearheaded a campaign to tackle the problem and discourage women from opting for caesarean birth.

Nationally, there are fears that women are copying stars like Victoria Beckham and opting for pain-free births.

But health experts warn that having a caesarean is not the easy option many see it as.

The procedure is a major operation and carries greater potential risks.

Also women who have undergone caesarean births can usually expect to have longer recovery times.

Official statistics show one in every four babies is delivered by caesarean.

This is roughly in line with figures that have been recorded for Swindon.

Christina Rattigan, head of midwifery at Great Western Hospital, yesterday backed the campaign to persuade mums-to-be to opt for a natural delivery unless advised by medical staff otherwise.

Although the number of caesareans has dropped slightly over the past couple of years, she stressed efforts are ongoing to further reduce cases.

"Our caesarean rates have been decreasing for the past two years," said Mrs Rattigan.

"In 2002 the figure was 25.66 per cent. That has now fallen to 23.8 per cent.

"We are responding proactively to women's needs."

Bosses at the flagship hospital insist they do not cater for women who would "prefer" to go under the surgeon's knife.

Mrs Rattigan said: "All caesareans carried out at GWH are based on clinical need only.

"The consultant obstetrician discusses in depth the procedure with the mother and her partner, if appropriate.

"We never perform caesareans routinely or on demand.

"They are carried out in the interest of safety for mother or baby or both."

The National Service Framework, which hospitals must confirm to, promote strongly promote natural births.

Yet the RCM thinks many midwives are being swayed too easily by unreasonable demands from patients.

A new website www.rcmnormalbirth.net gives advice to midwives on what they can do to help women cope with labour.

The RCM says it wants to "inspire midwives to rebuild their confidence to support women to make choices for normal birth."

The campaign has also been welcomed by the Department of Health.

A spokeswoman said: "Midwives undoubtedly play the lead role in supporting women in their pregnancy.

"This new resource to help inspire and build confidence in midwives around the benefits of normal birth.

"It will also promote and spread best practice of normal birth and we view this as an exciting new development."

Kevin Shoesmith