Caesarean births can leave mothers feel like they've been robbed of the experience of childbirth; of feeling and seeing their baby emerge into the world. There is also often a sense of disempowerment which results in mothers feeling disconnected, and sometimes traumatised by their experience.
A gentle Caesarean Birth offers a women-centred approach that aims to recreate various aspects of a physiological birth, and respect the needs and preferences of the mother in terms of care and environment.
You'll find below some options that can be considered while planning for a Gentle Caesarean birth. Though many of these will depend on your individual circumstances, you should always feel supported when discussing your birth wishes with your care providers.
The environment:
Dimmer lighting in the room (outside the operating field) - this will help you feel more relaxed, but will also allow a smoother transition for baby.
Your playlist as background music - most NHS trusts offer this option.
Reduced noises - you can ask that people in theatre speak softly and support a calm environment.
Quiet during the birth - so that you don't miss out on hearing your baby's first cry. This would also mean that your voice is the first your baby hears.
A less crowded space - by essence, a caesarean birth is always attended by more medical professionals than a vaginal birth. The people who are likely to be present are: an anaesthetist, an anaesthetic nurse or operating department assistant, the consultant obstetrician or registrar (lead surgeon), an obstetrician's assistant, a scrub nurse and one or two theatre nurses, one or two midwives, a paediatrician or paediatric team in some cases. However, you can request that any non-essential staff stay outside the room (e.g. medical students or student midwives).
The equipment:
IV line to be set-up in your non-dominant hand - so you can hold baby with your dominant hand when they are placed on your chest.
Less restrictive ECG equipment. Leads/ electrodes placed on your back instead of chest - for a more comfortable skin to skin experience.
Theatre staff to stand by your head whilst urinary catheter is inserted.
The birth:
Consultant, nurse or midwife to talk through what's happening. For some mothers, this is key to feel included in the birth process.
Consultant obstetrician to slowly 'guide baby down' while mimicking the way babies' lungs are massaged when travelling down the birth canal during a physiological birth.
Transparent drapes - for a better view of the birth. If this is not available, you can ask for the drapes to be lowered so you can see your baby being born.
Maternal assisted caesarean birth - while the screen (drapes) is lowered, you can be supported by the consultant obstetrician to gently lift baby out of the womb. You can see some lovely picture on this page.
Once baby is born:
Optimal, or at the very least delayed, cord clamping - you can find out more information about the benefits here.
Immediate skin to skin.
Sex to be discovered by mum or birth partner.
Not all of these will be your choice. Pick and choose what feels right for you and your baby.
As with all births, you should feel like you're at the centre of all decision-making. Trust the power of your maternal intuition and make sure your voice is being heard.
You can download my visual birth plan template here.
Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or if you would like to find out more about my birth preparation courses.
Photo by Hannah B Photography.