NMR is the rate of deaths of infants in the first month of life, which is not solely dependent on the birthing process. In fact, within the last two decades, advances in neonatal medical care have brought the fetal age of viability (pre birth) to as early as 22 weeks gestation. This is down from the 28 weeks assumed during the Row v. Wade decision in 1973. In other words increased life saving procedures, unrelated to how birth takes place, has increased babies likelihood of living. Another relevant data point is that he US has the highest 'day after birth' death rate in the developed world (source). As death rates go there is no clear evidence that the drastic increase in c-sections is doing any good, and may be doing some marginal harm to mothers.

We can make one consideration regarding birth as it relates to it's natural danger. The birthing process is inherently life threatening. An important question to ask is; how dangerous is birth to the mother and infant if left to nature alone, without any medical intervention? The answer to this question should directly inform the rate of c-sections, and address the considerations of those who believe purely natural methods are the safest approach. One way to find a natural death rate for childbirth is to look at MMR and NMR worldwide. Cultural differences exist that allow for the observation of a natural ‘baseline’ where access to medical care is largely unavailable. The following maps show MMR and NMR by country around the world.

MMR (top) and NMR (bottom) per 100,000 births