Many expectant families are unaware of the many benefits of having a birth doula present for a planned, or unplanned, cesarean birth. Perhaps the idea of hiring a professional birth doula for a C-section seems like an unnecessary expense in the midst of what might already be a financially stretched season. Maybe the expectant family feels Dad would be sufficient for support during the C-section.
As a professional birth doula with more than 25 years serving in the field of birth work I can assure you a birth doula is an INVALUABLE resource to have in your corner during a planned, or even unplanned, Cesarean birth. In my experience, having a cesarean birth, planned or otherwise, is an emotionally challenging event, and having the assistance of a highly trained professional specially trained in supporting the laboring family has proven to be a win win situation.
A doula can support the birthing couple through their C-section birth by being completely available to mom (physical recovery issues, hydration, nausea management, communication mom and medical staff, etc) while Dad is caring for their newborn.
In the midst of the emotionally challenging circumstances of a birth the labor doula can normalize the operating room setting to the birthing couple as the cesarean process is underway.
Giving mom a blow by blow account of what is taking place, the sounds that are ocurring, the smells present in the OR, the various medical staff in attendance, and explaining the equipment in the room are various ways the doula can help acclimate the family to what is happening in the midst of the surgery.
After the surgery has been completed the labor doula can join the family in the recovery area to help with the initial skin to skin phase that is so important to the newly delivered family. She is also available to help initiate breastfeeding if the family is planning on that. Perhaps Dad needs a break from the labor room after a draining day and your doula can be right by Mom’s side during that early bonding time.
Whatever the case may be as to the reasons your family may be anticipating a Cesarean birth don’t hesitate to hire a birth doula for what will be one of the most exciting days of your lives! You won’t regret it.
