I'm going to start off by saying, I'm not anti-cesarean! Doula's are hired for a variety of reasons. We are hired to support natural vaginal birth, we support medicated birth, we support cesarean birth. What do all of these things have in common? They are all BIRTH! Now I'm going to blow your minds, and let you in on a little secret. There is such a thing as a gentle cesarean( also called family centered cesarean.)
This type of cesarean has been around since 2005. It was created by Dr. Nick Fisk who practices in the UK. Dr. Fisk observed the benefits of immediate skin to skin contact after birth. In 2013, he began placing infants born during a cesarean birth, on their mother's chests. The benefits of skin to skin contact include increased blood sugar stability, temperature regulation of the baby, more stable breathing, easier time breastfeeding, and sooner bonding of mother and baby. It makes sense that a child immediately placed with their mother would have a better outcome than a child whisked away to a warmer and separated from their family.
Gentle Cesareans are more about the BIRTH and less about the PROCEDURE.
* The birth/surgery is typical slowed down and peaceful music can be played
* Mom can see baby being born with the help of mirrors or the sheet being lowered so mom can see baby directly.
* Moms hands do not have to be strapped down
* The umbilical cord is not immediately clamped and can wait to be cut until it stops pulsing.
* Immediate skin to skin after the cord is cut
* Breastfeeding if baby desires
Not every mom has to choose everything on the list, i just want you to know that you have OPTIONS!
Now, although this practice is becoming more and more popular, it's still not considered the norm in cesarean births. This is where YOU come in! ( Your doula will also help).
You can increase your chances of having a wonderful cesarean birth experiences by:
*Having a concise cesarean birth plan written down and given to your Dr.
*Discussing your options with your Dr. as far in advance as possible, and then reinforcing your desires at every visit.
* Researching your local hospitals and finding out their views on gentle cesareans. (*** See below on hospital policy).
* Hire an amazing doula with first-hand experience on gentle cesareans!
Just because a Dr. has never done a gentle cesarean before, doesn't mean that they can't. If your provider is unwilling to follow your wishes for birth, it's time to find another provider that will.
These are wonderful, safe options for a normal, non-emergency c-section!
*** A side note about hospital "policy". A hospital may have a policy of doing things a certain way, however; it does NOT mean that you have to abide by it. You have RIGHTS as a patient and your wishes need to be respected. Just as you have the RIGHT to decline any sort of treatment or intervention. Not many hospitals will tell you that. It's up to you. Just because the hospitals have been doing xyz for a long time, doesn't mean they need to keep doing it that way.
Bottom line is this. If you are planning a cesarean, you have OPTIONS. You do not need to have a cesarean "performed." You can be an active part of the birth. Cesarean birth is still a BIRTH! Embrace your rights and wishes, know your options and you will have the best outcome!
Happy Birthing! :-)
This type of cesarean has been around since 2005. It was created by Dr. Nick Fisk who practices in the UK. Dr. Fisk observed the benefits of immediate skin to skin contact after birth. In 2013, he began placing infants born during a cesarean birth, on their mother's chests. The benefits of skin to skin contact include increased blood sugar stability, temperature regulation of the baby, more stable breathing, easier time breastfeeding, and sooner bonding of mother and baby. It makes sense that a child immediately placed with their mother would have a better outcome than a child whisked away to a warmer and separated from their family.
Gentle Cesareans are more about the BIRTH and less about the PROCEDURE.
* The birth/surgery is typical slowed down and peaceful music can be played
* Mom can see baby being born with the help of mirrors or the sheet being lowered so mom can see baby directly.
* Moms hands do not have to be strapped down
* The umbilical cord is not immediately clamped and can wait to be cut until it stops pulsing.
* Immediate skin to skin after the cord is cut
* Breastfeeding if baby desires
Not every mom has to choose everything on the list, i just want you to know that you have OPTIONS!
Now, although this practice is becoming more and more popular, it's still not considered the norm in cesarean births. This is where YOU come in! ( Your doula will also help).
You can increase your chances of having a wonderful cesarean birth experiences by:
*Having a concise cesarean birth plan written down and given to your Dr.
*Discussing your options with your Dr. as far in advance as possible, and then reinforcing your desires at every visit.
* Researching your local hospitals and finding out their views on gentle cesareans. (*** See below on hospital policy).
* Hire an amazing doula with first-hand experience on gentle cesareans!
Just because a Dr. has never done a gentle cesarean before, doesn't mean that they can't. If your provider is unwilling to follow your wishes for birth, it's time to find another provider that will.
These are wonderful, safe options for a normal, non-emergency c-section!
*** A side note about hospital "policy". A hospital may have a policy of doing things a certain way, however; it does NOT mean that you have to abide by it. You have RIGHTS as a patient and your wishes need to be respected. Just as you have the RIGHT to decline any sort of treatment or intervention. Not many hospitals will tell you that. It's up to you. Just because the hospitals have been doing xyz for a long time, doesn't mean they need to keep doing it that way.
Bottom line is this. If you are planning a cesarean, you have OPTIONS. You do not need to have a cesarean "performed." You can be an active part of the birth. Cesarean birth is still a BIRTH! Embrace your rights and wishes, know your options and you will have the best outcome!
Happy Birthing! :-)
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