Westside Doula

C-Sections / Cesareans / Oh-My-Goodness-My-Baby-Is-Going-To-Come-Out-Of-My-Belly (Can I still call this a birth?)!

First of all, a cesarean birth is still a birth, so yes, of course you can still call it a birth.

Now, let's talk turkey.  You're having a c-section, or think you might end up with a c-section, or want to make sure that if you do end up with a c-section that you don't miss out on the birth process.  Good planning with your partner, your doctor, and your doula, can help you make this time special and meaningful to you and your family.

1. First of all, be as knowledgeable as possible about the procedure.  Don't wince at the pictures or use euphemisms to talk about it.  Watch youtube videos that show how a cesarean is preformed and in what environment.
2. Make sure you know why you are having the cecarean.  Does it have to be now?  Can you wait until labor begins?  Can you choose to have a VBAC in the future?
3. Get a second opinion.  Different doctors have different levels of comfort, getting a second opinion is not only your right, but your oblication.  Cesarean is major surgery.
4. Employ a doula. 
5. In partnership with your doula and doctor, create your birth plan.  Find out from your doctor what leeway you have.  Will you be strapped down?  Can he lower the curtain so you can see the baby being lifted out?  Can your doula/partner take pictures?  Video?  Can your doula be in the room?  If not, can she come into the room immediately after? How long can he wait to clamp the cord?
6. Be prepared.  Be adamant in your choice to breastfeed, and repeat to the nurses that no formula or pacifier is to be given. 
7. Find out if you wait until labor begins before going in for the cesarean. That way, you will feel secure that your baby has had the full benefit of gestation. 
8. Take a tour of the operating room (if possible).  Does it have a CD player? 

Why should you employ a doula?

1. During and after the operation, she will be the only person whose sole responsibility it to look after your well being.
2. If your baby needs, for any reason, to be taken out of the room (or even to the other side of the room), your partner will go with him/her.  That means that while you are being sewn up, without a doula you could be all alone.
3. When the baby is lifted out, it is taken to the warmer.  Your partner should go with the baby (it will hlep keep baby calm since he/she knows your partner's voice).  Which leaves you alone while the rest of the operation is completed (1/2 hour-ish).  Your doula should be by your head to catch your vomit, talk to you, tell you what's going on, keep you company, and help you touch your baby when your partner brings him/her to your side.
4. Your doula can be a sounding board during the planning process to help you figure out what will make your birth more meaningful.
5. She will stay by your side until after the drugs wear off and you have a chance to nurse your baby comfortably. 
6. She will be a resource for you and your family after you are released from the hospital.

There are a few more things that you can bring and do during the operation to help empower this birth.

1. Mom's arms may be floppy and un-corporative after surgery.  Bring a pillow (or nursing pillow) from home to support the baby during his/her first feeds.
2. When the baby is removed, have dad take off his shirt and have him initiate skin-to-skin contact. Dad will have to be assertive for this to happen.  Ask in advance for weight, cleaning, measurements, and other non-medical procedures to wait.
3. Bring music that you find soothing, and something to play it on.
4. Hold your partner's hand, and focus on your partner. 
5. Have your partner take a picture with a digital camera as the baby is taken out so that com can see him/her immediately. 
6. Bring something nice to smell, but check with the doctor first as some people have allergies. 
7. Ask (in advance) for the doctor to wait for the cord to stop pulsating before clamping.  If you plan on banking cord blood, ask for the doctor to let as much blood flow into the baby as possible.

Remember to Create a birth plan that is specific to cesareans.

After the birth,

1. Have a post partum doula help.  She will support your family post-partum as your doula supported you before and during your birth.
2. Make breastfeeding a priority.  If you are having difficulties, your doula or post partum doula should be able to help.  Don't wait.  A lactation consultant (your doula, post partum doula, nurse or hospital can refer you to one) should be able to make breastfeeding work for you and your baby. 
3. If you have an older child, make sure that he/she is cared for during this time.  You shouldn't lift him/her for about a month.  THAT IS A VERY LONG TIME.  Make sure that your son/daughter is receiving ample affection and individualized attention to compensate.  Plan for it in advance as much as possible.