How Can I Have A Gentle Cesarean?
While cesarean birth is rarely plan A, we can't ignore that roughly 30% of births in the United States happen via cesarean section with the cesarean rate in Texas being slightly higher at 34.8%. The vast majority of those cesarean births are unplanned, however for various reasons, some know they will be having a c-section and are able to plan around this knowledge.
When my patient who very much so was hoping for a vaginal birth found out she was going to need a cesarean due to her baby's positioning, she made a list of requests to her medical team for a gentle cesarean with the guidance of her midwife and doula. Up until her, I'd never heard of a gentle cesarean and I was so happy to learn from her. I'll be sharing part of her list of requests with you all below.
But first, what is a gentle cesarean? A gentle cesarean is mostly about an attitude change. While the surgery itself is not different, the treatment of the birthing person can be. A gentle cesarean centers the birthing person and their birth experience. This experience can allow birth to feel more personalized and less intimidating than a traditional cesarean birth. One major aspect of achieving this experience is communicating to the medical team what kind of birth experience you desire, in light of the c-section.
My patient fortunate and privileged to have a wonderful experience during which many of her requests and preferences were respected. Thanks to good luck (because you can never discount luck in birth), her very clear communication, and a supportive and wonderful birth team, she was thrilled with her outcome.
We can't control birth, but we can train and prepare for the unexpected. While most don't go into pregnancy hoping for a cesarean, this is an important outcome to consider for all birthing people due to high rates of c-sections internationally. With the permission of my patient, I wanted to share some of her requests with you all.
Gentle Cesarean Requests
I request my partner is in the OR with me.
Please position any monitors away from my body for easy movement.
Please insert IV lines in my non-dominant arm, so I can hold and touch my baby. My left arm is non-dominant.
I request vaginal seeding.
Please no extra drugs than what is 100% needed.
I request minimal extra chatter from the medical team.
May I please get a warm blanket if I get cold.
Please lower the drape so we can witness the baby's arrival into the world.
I request photos!
I would like delayed cord clamping.
I would like my partner to cut the cord.
I request Skin to skin ASAP. If I am unable to hold baby, please hand to my partner ASAP.
Please do not clean off the baby, keep all the vernix. I would like to rub it all in.
I request you perform as many newborn procedures as possible on my chest.
I would like all newborn procedures to take place in my or my partner's presence, while I or my partner is touching the baby. Preferably while I am breastfeeding
I request I breastfeed ASAP, in the OR if possible. Please help me with this.
Please take note of the position/shape of my uterus & pelvis, if possible.
I request to keep my placenta. I have a cooler for this!
I request only medications that are approved for breastfeeding.
I am aware pain medication is available. I request the minimum amount unless I ask for more.
I request the hospital staff suggest natural ways to manage pain.
I request the minimum amount of staff in the room as possible for post-op and the duration of my stay.
I request the lights stay dimmed in the room post-op unless needed to be on and bright.
If you have questions about preparing and training for birth and recovery, give us a call at 512-766-2649 to set up your free 15-minute phone consultation or contact us here. To learn more about birth preparation, perineal tear risk reduction, push preparation, pelvic floor relaxation for birth and more, check out our self-paced online Birth Prep course!
