Having a C-section can be a daunting way of giving birth and at times very traumatic. If you’re anything like me, you’re reading this in the event that you are scheduled to have a C-section or you are prepping for it in case your vaginal birth does not go as planned. By the grace of God, all will go well for you.
Although this was my first pregnancy, I had already prepared myself mentally for a C-section since my OB/GYN had advised that it would be the safest option for me due to the two major uterine fibroid surgeries I’ve had previously. Throughout my pregnancy, my search bar consisted of all things C-section (along with all other pregnancy-related topics you can think of). I wanted to make sure I could advocate for myself by all means.
As I got closer my delivery date, I received a preparation call from the labor and delivery nurse and I used that opportunity to ask as many questions that I had jotted down throughout this journey. I made sure to ask about the gentle C-section process and what that looks like at their particular hospital. The nurse was kind enough to explain in detail what to expect. I told her that I had drafted my birth plan and if they will actually abide by it. She said that all nurses that will tend to me will review it but if there is any instance where they cannot stick to the birth plan to the T, I should be open to accept their own policies. After I read the details on my plan to her over the phone, she reassured me that everything I had on the plan were asks they can make happen. In fact, the majority of my plan consisted of their regular SOPs with not many new or unusual asks. This was definitely what I needed to hear ahead of me actually checking into the hospital.
What exactly is a gentle C-Section birth?
A gentle cesarean birth focuses on the family and the baby. This may seem obvious to us, but to doctors, they have one mission in a cesarean: Get the child out quickly and safely.
While the family’s experience does play a part in the birth, it is not their first concern. This is why it’s so important to be educated and informed when it comes to your delivery and birth options to largely reduce the trauma stories we hear/read about. I would advise that all women should have a birth plan in place — regardless if you are birthing your child vaginally or via C-section. It’s a very important way to make sure that your needs are met in this precious moment.
An example of things that can be requested and should be included in a birth plan for a gentle cesarean would be:
- asking that everyone in the room introduce themselves before starting the procedure
- a clear drape to see the baby being born
- not having arms tied down
- immediate skin to skin in the OR
- allowing doulas to be allowed in the OR as an additional support person
- low lighting
- special music to be played
- A support person always with baby, even in the nursery if extra precautions/testing is necessary
- Request delayed cord clamping
- Request that baby is removed from the uterus slowly, mimicking vaginal birth
- Requesting that you are the first one to announce your baby’s gender if you wanted to wait to find out
- Ask that all routine newborn checks and procedures are delayed until after you are in your recovery room, skin to skin has been completed, etc.
- Include if you will be breastfeeding baby – this will allow for more skin to skin in the OR and possibly even nursing baby in the OR.
There are a ton of different options you can request to fit your needs throughout your hospital stay. Here is the template I created and used for my birth plan. Feel free to make it yours as well: Birth plan template.
How Can I Prepare for my C-Section?
If you’re like me and like to be prepared, you might want to have your birth plan ready to go ahead of your delivery date—I’d say at least two weeks prior to baby’s due date. This will give you some time to make changes as you get closer to the date if needed.
As some C-sections are planned, there are also those that are not. If you find yourself on the side of an emergency C-section, it’ll be great to know that you already have a plan in place, just in case. Most c-sections are either scheduled, repeat cesareans from mamas that have had a previous one OR urgent c-sections that occur due to complications during vaginal births. It’s very important to talk to your OB or midwife to explain what items you would like to have in the case of a C-section. Remember to be your best advocate. If it’s on your mind, please do not hesitate to speak on it. This is truly a life changing event and your voice 100 percent matters. Talk to them about what’s important to you and what kind of birth you are looking for. Your doctor should be able to provide you with a detailed description of what the hospital’s policies and procedures are surrounding a C-section.
After the C-Section Delivery
I applaud the nurses and staff at the hospital we chose to deliver our baby. They followed my birth plan and were very comforting throughout the stay in the hospital. I hope the same or even better for you all as you become stronger from birthing your child in such as miraculous way. Go mama! Let me know what else you will be adding or have added to your birth plan!
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