4 Ways a Doula Can Support Your Cesarean Birth
Planned or unplanned, a cesarean birth can cause confusion and anxiety for many people. Working with a doula to help you prepare for what to expect and know what options you have can help lead you to an empowered birth. There are lots of opportunities to list your birth preferences when having a cesarean and working with a doula can give you the confidence to ask for what you want and need so your story truly feels like your own. Here are just four reasons to consider having a doula for your cesarean delivery.
1. A doula helps you prepare for birth and know your options.
I often tell my clients that doulas are experts in options. We bring a wealth of knowledge from the countless births we’ve attended, the continuing education we are required to do, and more. We are here to help you think through what to consider about your desired birth experience and equip you with ways to discuss this with your healthcare provider. Helping you have a satisfying experience is super important. You want a clear drape during the surgery so you can see your baby as soon as possible once they’re born? Okay, I can help you with that. You want to have a specific playlist on during the birth of your child? Sure, that’s doable. There are so many ways to try and make a surgical birth calm and inviting and doulas are here to help you figure out what’s feasible for where you will be having your baby.
2. A doula can tell you what’s normal (and what isn’t).
Hopefully, your doula will be by your side both during your surgical procedure and afterward. (At the time of writing this though, most doulas are not permitted into the O.R. in Central Ohio which INFURIATES me. Perhaps another blog post about that one topic will come at a later date.) When a doula isn’t allowed into the operating room, they can pare you in the moments before and can meet you in recovery right after. In the recovery bay you might have questions about what you’re experiencing. Your doula can be with you to help you know what is normal and put your fears to rest. They can also be there to ask for help if something seems out of the ordinary.
3. A doula can help calm you (and/or your partner).
Having the love and care of a trusted doula when you are preparing for a cesarean birth can make all the difference. Whether the surgery is something you’ve planned for or comes about more urgently, you can know that there’s a trusted presence by your side who’s familiar to you, knows your story and your preferences, and will be there to help as much as possible. Doulas can be a wonderful distraction in addition to providing relaxation suggestions both during surgery prep and during the actual procedure itself. Going into a birth like this with confidence and knowing that someone truly has your back can help a great deal. And sometimes, the birthing person is cool as a cucumber, but their partner isn’t. Doulas offer them support too!
4. A doula will be there to help you process your birth.
Your doula is a great sounding board as you process your birth experience. They can answer questions you may have about the birth and share the unique things about your story that they observed. These postpartum check-ins are one of my favorite parts about being a doula. Getting to see you on the other side with your baby in your arms is such a gift and to help you piece together how that baby came into the world is truly an honor.
A doula offers numerous benefits to those giving birth - no matter how the baby makes their debut. From reducing anxiety to enhancing the overall birth and beyond, the presence of a doula can help make the birthing process more positive, comfortable, and empowering over all.
