How do doulas support with c-sections?
You may hear people say, wait “Why would you hire a doula for a c-section? What would they even do?”
This is a common misconception. Truth is, doulas support ALL types of birth. Having a doula for a cesarean birth is just as beneficial as having one for a vaginal birth.
My mom, who had all four of her babies via cesarean section, has said “I wish I had a doula.” My twin sister and I were born via emergency cesarean after my mom developed preeclampsia. My two brothers were born via cesarean births two and four years later. Every birthing person deserves to feel safe, heard, and supported.
Why should I hire a doula if I’m having a c-section? Do doulas support with cesareans?
Check out the reasons why you should hire a doula for a c-section, according to Nina Spears, longtime birth and postpartum doula and childbirth educator. Check out this Verywell Family article about the benefits of having a doula around for a c-section. Or keep reading for some of the ways that doulas support planned, unplanned non-emergent, and unplanned emergent cesarean births:
❤️Birth is an emotional process, not just a physical one. Doulas create a sense of calm. We listen. We affirm how you’re feeling every step of the way-- whether that be excitement, nervousness, or anything in between. We reassure you.
❤️At prenatal sessions or personalized childbirth classes, doulas help you understand what to expect.
❤️On the day(s) of your labor and birth, doulas explain what is happening, what is happening next and answer questions.
❤️At the hospital, we help you manage pain using breathing or relaxation techniques during administration of IV or epidural placement. We also help you navigate choices and options for medical pain management and interventions.
❤️We accompany you to the OR and stay by your side during surgery, as permitted by the anesthesiologist.
❤️We encourage birthing persons to ask any and all questions and to ask for anything that may bring them comfort or enhance their birth experience.
❤️After your cesarean, we stay with you if your partner goes with the baby to nursery or NICU. We get updates on your baby/babies if you are ever separated from your baby in the immediate postoperative period.
❤️Family members also benefit from having a doula. We acknowledge and validate the feelings of family members before, during and after a cesarean birth. The presence of a doula also allows your partner to step out for a moment to take a breather, or attend to kids or pets.
❤️After your cesarean birth, we explain post-operative comfort measures and breastfeeding positions to comfortably accommodate your incision, if you choose to breastfeed.
❤️We educate you and your partner about newborn care procedures (what they are and why they’re done).
❤️When you get home from the hospital, postpartum doulas offer help with physical and emotional recovery, and with anything you need to help you and your baby adjust to the “fourth trimester.”
If you or someone you love is having a baby, reach out to Boston Area Doulas to schedule a chat to learn more about how we support families with cesarean births.
For more help navigating the seismic shift into parenthood, reach out to the Boston Area Doulas team.
www.bostonareadoulas.com
