"We are all pushing for vaginal births, the obstetricians and midwives. We all want women to try to have a vagina birth but it obviously depends on the circumstances."
Ms Mitchell said natural births were best but caesarean sections were sometimes necessary to ensure the health of mother and child.
"A caesarean section has way higher risks but sometimes they are needed.
"Every woman who will undergo a c-section or is thinking about it will have the risks and options discussed with an obstetrician. Even in an emergency situation, they are explained the risks," she said.
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 in the number of caesarean sections would be a positive thing.
"It is very positive if rates are going down. C-sections have their place and can ensure the safety of mother and baby. But when there are large increases or high levels of c-sections, that means there are more risks to mother and child," she said.
"Caesarean sections carry risks. For the baby, there is 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 was an issue 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 c-section. [Caesarean operations] have a place for some women. We don't know what level is the optimum level but obviously c-sections are vital in some instances to ensure the health of a mother and her baby but it is a balance," she said.
