Download my free Gentle Cesarean guide below
As a two time Cesarean mother I completely understand the overwhelming and emotional feelings and fear that accompanies a cesarean surgery. Many are unplanned but there are many high risk pregnancies that may be safer for mom and babee with a cesarean surgery. Regardless of how you bring your babee Earthside, EVERY birth experience deserves the support of a doula. I can honestly say my postpartum support helped guide me through not only the physical but emotional pain of a C-section. I had the privilege of having family to surround me after having two cesareans in one year but knowing the education I have trained for I could have benefitted from having doula birth and postpartum to support me with my transition into motherhood.
How you prepare for the birth whether vaginal or cesarean can affect postpartum recovery as well. Look at the difference in my two cesareans and my preferences for cesarean care.
My first cesarean…
Completely out of it. This cesarean took me completely by surprise with an unexpected admission to labor and delivery and a diagnosis of preeclampsia.
My second cesarean…
Unfortunately, the hospital has a saying “once a esarean always a cesarean”. But that’s another post at another time. This time around I was prepared with the knowledge of the type of birth I wanted mainly because I knew what to expect.
In the USA, over 32% of births end with a cesarean procedure. While this rate is slowly declining over 50% are still unnecessary. Having a doula can help support families in these spaces as well. The World Health Organization has continuously stood by its stance that a 10-15% rate saves lives and reduces the harm.
Research continues to show how effective the emotional and physical support a doula brings that changes the environment for a positive birth and increases the emotional bonding with your babee.
Welcoming a new life into the world through a cesarean section can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. While the focus often lies on the medical aspects of the procedure, the emotional and psychological support during a C-section is equally important.
Cesareans absolutely need doula support too whether planned or elective. Here’s how we bring a positive support experience to your birth.
Here's where a doula can help!!
-Provide reassurance and comfort
-Helping reduce anxiety with procedure
-Ensure preferences, like gentle C-sections or immediate skin-to-skin, delayed cord clamping and delaying bathe
-Guidance and support to the partner during the surgery (if hospital policy allows) and after
-Assist with mobility and self-care
-Breastfeeding support/positioning post surgery
-Encourage early bonding between babees and moms
-Non Medical Pain Management
-Help process feelings about the C-section experience
-Information on wound care and recognizing signs of complications.
-Help mothers adjust to their new routines
-Advice on infant care (diapers, bathing, umbilical cord care)
-Referrals to additional resources if needed
-Lite household duties like baby laundry, bottle prep, meal prep/planning
See we absolutely provide needed care through this life changing procedure.
Having a doula by your side can make a significant difference. In this blog post, we'll explore the invaluable role of a doula in supporting women and pregnant bodies through C-section births and share some tips on how to make the most of this partnership for a positive birthing experience.
TIPS FOR HAVING A DOULA
1. Role of Your Doula in a C-Section
Despite common misconceptions, doulas aren't just for vaginal births. We provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to birthing individuals, regardless of the mode of delivery. We offer reassurance, advocacy, and comfort measures to help ease anxiety and promote a sense of empowerment throughout the procedure.
2. Choosing the Right Doula
When seeking a doula for your C-section, prioritize those with experience in supporting cesarean births. Think of the benefits of having one, risks of not having one, what alternatives do you have for suooort, is your initiation telling you need more care and what would happen if you just didn’t have one. B.R.A.I.N. is the acronym we use to teach parents how to advocate for themselves. So use this phrase to find the importance of a doula too. Look for someone who understands the intricacies of the procedure and can adapt their support accordingly.
I am familiar with the space and it's my motivation to prevent unnecessary ones and to make those that are necessary are as positive as can be. Conduct as many interviews to ensure compatibility and discuss your expectations, birth preferences, and any concerns related to the C-section.
3. Collaborating with Your Healthcare Team
Communicating openly with your obstetrician and other healthcare providers about your decision to have a doula present during the C-section is important too.
Emphasize to your provider the role of the doula in providing emotional support and advocating for your preferences, while respecting the medical guidelines and procedures. Also ask if your doula can be allowed to attend the surgery. Some hospitals have updated policies and family centered cesarean births.
4. Creating a Birth Plan
A gentle cesarean birth plan should be completed as well to define your space in the procedure to keep you calm and relaxed. My Gentle Cesarean Birth Guide can help you detail a comprehensive roadmap to tailor your needs and preferences for the C-section experience.
Your plan should include details such as who will be present in the operating room, preferences for anesthesia and pain management, and any special requests to enhance your comfort and sense of control.
5. Practicing Comfort Measures
As in birth, breath is everything and can be helpful with cesareans too. As your doula, I can teach you relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and breastfeeding positioning options to help manage discomfort and promote a sense of calm during the C-section.
We will practice these comfort measures beforehand, so they become familiar and accessible when you need them most on the day of the procedure.
6. Embracing Postpartum Support
Beyond the birth itself, as your doula I can provide valuable postpartum support as you recover from the C-section and adjust to life with a newborn. Stacking care for the crucial 2 week period during your healing is imperative to your care. Mobility is your biggest source of discomfort. Having someone to assist you with movement and picking up your babee.
Wound and scar massage is an option as well as lymphatic drainage. Swelling can happen from fluid IV medications and may take some time to lessen. Compression garments help to ease symptoms along with gentle home based modalities such elevating legs above the head and more.
Belly binding is an option after clearance within 2-4 weeks to give you abdominal support.
From breastfeeding assistance to emotional support and newborn care tips, as your doula and Certified Breastfeeding Specialist with TOTs specialty training (tethered oral tissues such as lip and tongue ties) I can be a trusted companion on your journey through the early days of lactation providing education and skilled support with latching and pumping if necessary.
While a birth may not always go as planned, having a doula by your side can empower you to navigate the experience with confidence, compassion, and grace.
By forging a partnership with me as your doula and healthcare team, you can cultivate a supportive environment that honors your preferences and fosters a positive birthing experience, regardless of the mode of delivery.
Trust in the wisdom of your body, the expertise of your medical team, and the unwavering support of your doula as you embark on this transformative journey into motherhood.
So what does cesarean support look like for you!
Package includes:
Virtual Gentle Cesarean Birth Preparation Visit
Gentle Cesarean Guide
In Person Prenatal Care Visit (35+ weeks)
In Person Breastfeeding and Pumping Class (37 weeks)
Monthly virtual check-ins throughout your pregnancy
Text/email throughout pregnancy & postpartum
Day of cesarean support before and Golden Hours Afterbearth care (1-3hrs)
2 Postpartum Visits include lactation visit by day 3
Infant Massage Session
Virtual Check Ins between 4-6 weeks
Cost: $1700
Are you looking for birth to breastfeeding support for a planned cesarean birth? Let's book a consultation and see how I can support your new family!!
***This blog post is not to replace medical advice.***
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