A Positive Planned Caesarean Experience
Midwife Pip Podcast Episode 85.
1 in 4 women give birth in the UK via caesarean Section, which means we are doing
a huge injustice to 25% off the motherhood population if we do not discuss this mode
of birth. This week’s guest is mum, Georgia who has recently given birth to her
second baby via a Caesarean section that she chose as her mode of birth. Georgia
sent me a gorgeous video capturing the moment her little girl Luna was born via
caesarean that honestly gave me goosebumps…
Listen HERE
A Positive Planned Caesarean Experience
Caesarean Birth really has come a long way in recent years, it need not be viewed
as a clinical surgical procedure and can instead be an individualised, empowering
and positive mode of giving birth taking into account your birth preferences and
choices.
What is a Gentle Caesarean Section Birth?
The term ‘Gentle Caesarean Birth’ is becoming more familiar.
At the simplest level a Gentle Caesarean Section makes the experience feel like the
birthing experience that it is and allows aspects of a vaginal birth to be incorporated.
There is no one set way to have a Gentle Caesarean Birth as the wishes of each
family will vary just as they do during a vaginal birth and the principles can be
applied for both planned and unplanned Caesarean Births.
What may you wish to consider in a Caesarean Birth?
Delayed cord clamping- in just 1 minute your baby receives around 30% extra blood volume which has a whole heap of health benefits for them
Immediate, or as soon as possible, skin to skin contact- your team may be able to arrange drapes in such a way you can have immediate skin to skin during delayed cord clamping without impacting the sterile environment. If this is not possible then skin to skin once the cord is cut before any routine checks can be facilitated.
Dropping of the drapes- as your baby is born the drapes can be dropped so that you and your birth partner can see this special moment, some women may hold a mirror to see their birth clearer.
A calm environment- you may be birthing in theatre, but it can still feel like a relaxing and positive space. Mood and or dim lighting, an eye mask to block any bright lights, your choice of music playing, the presence of your birth partner etc. can all make a really big impact on the whole experience.
Although not always possible, some women choose to provide time for their baby to ‘walk’ out the caesarean incision in a gentler way than a surgeon guiding them out with their hands. This is generally safer in a planned than unplanned Caesarean Birth where there may be more haste needed for a baby to be born.
What to expect with a Caesarean Section Birth?
Of course, it is also a good idea to gather an understanding of what to expect before,
during and after a Caesarean Birth as the recovery is typically more than that of a
vaginal birth. I would recommend reading around this whether a Caesarean Birth is
top or bottom of your birth wish list so you are empowered with the information ‘just
incase’ here is a great resource to gain further insight into Caesarean birth and what
to expect: www.aptaclub.co.uk/midwifepip
For more on ‘A Positive Planned Caesarean Experience‘ listen to Midwife Pip Podcast Episode 85 HERE.
Available on all Podcast Platforms.
"This week’s guest is mum, Georgia who has recently given birth to her
second baby via a Caesarean section that she chose as her mode of birth. Georgia
sent me a gorgeous video capturing the moment her little girl Luna was born via
caesarean that honestly gave me goosebumps…"
p.s. have you checked out Midwife Pips Courses
The Author: Midwife Pip
Pip is a Mum, Podcaster and practicing Midwife in the UK, currently working as a Delivery Suite Sister she has a wealth of experience supporting parents-to-be through all aspects of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum. Pip has trained and worked in some of the leading maternity units, has completed a master's programme and is passionate about all aspects of women's health and wellness.
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