| I wrote this a little while ago for a woman that | | | | your baby during your pregnancy!) |
| was interested in what she could do to make her | | | | *You can bring in some essential oils for |
| c-section more memorable with the help of a | | | | aromatherapy during surgery. Peppermint oil is |
| doula, or what the point of having a doula at a | | | | great for nausea, which is a common occurrence |
| planned c- section would be. She did not want to | | | | during cesarean. |
| have a c section, but unfortunately her child was | | | | *They will generally allow you to take picture of |
| breech and they had done everything they could | | | | the surgery if you wish. If you are unsure, I |
| to turn her, with no avail. It is very difficult to find | | | | would recommend doing it anyway. You can |
| a physician willing to deliver a breech vaginally, not | | | | always throw pictures away, but you can never |
| to mention something that some moms would | | | | get the moment back. |
| refuse to do anyway. | | | | *You can have your partner or a doula describe |
| I hope this can help women who are having a c- | | | | what is happening during the surgery if you are |
| section against their want, or even women who | | | | comfortable with that. It is sometimes nice to |
| choose to have a cesarean. I had to have one | | | | know right when the baby is being born, and that |
| after 60 hours of laboring without medication at a | | | | they can see the babies head, and what color the |
| birth center. I wish at that time I would have | | | | hair is, etc. |
| known more of this. I suggest even if you are | | | | *Once the baby is born, they will take he/she |
| not planning a cesarean birth to read this. | | | | over to a side table to do their normal routines. It |
| Here is a list of some things that can make | | | | is nice to have someone go over to the table |
| cesarean birth more comfortable/ special. These | | | | with the baby and talk to him/her and let the |
| things can be done by your partner, but I highly | | | | baby know- we love you, welcome to the world, |
| suggest having a doula. I think a lot of people | | | | you are beautiful, etc (don't forget pictures!!!) The |
| forget that this is a birth for the father also, and | | | | issue that arises when the father goes to do this, |
| when the father is expected to do all of the leg | | | | is that the mother is left alone for part of the |
| work, he can maybe feel like it's less about him | | | | sewing up process. Cesareans are not |
| and more about mother and baby (which are of | | | | comfortable, and it is good to have someone |
| course very important!) | | | | doing your focus/breathing exercises during this |
| *A doula can tell you what to expect during a | | | | (as well as throughout) surgery. |
| cesarean birth, which can be invaluable. As | | | | *A doula can advocate for you, and remind the |
| someone who did not know anything about | | | | staff that you would like the father to hold the |
| cesareans, I was deathly afraid of everything that | | | | baby while the repair work is being done. She can |
| happened to me because I did not know what | | | | also remind the staff that you would like to hold |
| was normal. Being in the know can make you | | | | the baby as soon as humanly possible. They |
| more comfortable with what is happening. | | | | should be able to get the baby to you as soon as |
| *Almost always they will let you play music in the | | | | you're out of surgery. |
| operating room (this is something that I was | | | | *A doula can also help you with breastfeeding if |
| completely unaware of until recently. I don't think | | | | you are a new mother. It can be trickier than it |
| that they will offer it to you unless you ask. | | | | seems. |
| Perhaps you can play a song that you've sang to | | | | |