Ms Mills said caesarean sections presented more issues after birth but they were necessary at times to ensure the health of mother and child.
"Caesareans do cause, often, more problems afterwards. It takes longer to recover from it and to heal and to basically still handle the baby.
"Most women I look after prefer not to have a caesarean. But they are also really important and it is very good that we can do them. Caesarean sections are definitely needed at times and it is really good we can do them so safely."
Nationwide, the number of caesarean sections in 2014 have not been collated, however midwifery adviser at the New Zealand College of Midwives, Lesley Dixon, said any decline would be a positive thing.
"It is very positive if rates are going down. Caesarean sections have their place and can ensure the safety of mother and baby. But when there are large increases or high levels of caesarean sections, that means there are more risks to mother and child," she said.
"Caesarean sections carry risks. For the baby, there are increased risks of mortality and ill health. For the mother, there is an increase in bleeding, and risk of infection and blood clots. There is also more difficulty bonding with their child and breastfeeding initiation."
Ms Dixon said there was a time and place for the procedure when there were issues during pregnancy or during birth.
"Most women are able to have a natural birth but clearly there are some women who need to have a caesarean section. [Caesarean operations] have a place for some women. We don't know what level is the optimum level but obviously caesarean sections are vital in some instances to ensure the health of a mother and her baby but it is a balance," she said.NZME.
