Now, before I proceed, I want to make something clear: the rising number of cesarean rates, I believe, are money & fear driven. The power of abuse are the culprits. And I am well aware that the majority of cesareans are most definitely not necessary. I also need you to be aware that the risks of a cesarean far out weighs the risks of most vaginal births, even with some breech babies. And, above all, I believe a cesarean can most definitely save the lives of mother and/or baby. Oh, I wish it was that easy! With all that been said, lets carry on.
It has taken society some time now to realize that the “knock ’em out, drag ’em out” approach probably isn’t the most mother-baby-friendly. Grassroots organizations, such as CIMS, have been advocating for mothers and babies, fighting for the human element when it comes to hospital births. Fight the good fight because vaginal hospital births indeed lack that human element thing, that I love to refer to. But what about the ones that, you know, go through the vaginal bypass: cesareans?
I’m not talking no Victoria Beckham or Britney Spears birth. Absurd! I am referring to the cesareans that are available for emergencies. Remember those? Cesareans are performed for endangered mothers and/or babies. Giving life to what could be death. Bringing conscious care to what could be a medical disaster. What can a mother do when she faced with a cesarean? Where is the human element in the cold OR? How can she have a positive experience? Is it possible?
I believe it is possible. And not just because I heard about it and read it some book. Because I have been a part of a beautiful cesarean birth. Now, if you flinched when I said, “beautiful” and “cesarean” in the same sentence, you need to check yourself and trade in your judgement for someone else’s story other than your own. There is no such thing as a perfect birth…but they are beautiful ones, even in the Operating Room. Congratulations if you’re still reading with the rest of us. I am positive that we lost some readers just now.
Carrying on…
When it comes to having a positive experience in a cesarean, there needs to be a few factors aligned. I am no expert, but perhaps these “factors” could contribute to a better birth experience during a cesarean. Lets break them down: LANGUAGE, BIRTH TEAM, SUPPORT TEAM, AND BIRTH PREFERENCES.
Lets talk language for a minute. Read these words and give them time to simmer…section……surgical………spinal…………cut.
How does that feel? Not so hot, eh? Now, lets take those words and give ’em some face….c-section…surgical birth…spinal block…well, you get it. These cold words are too often used to describe a mother and baby born (yes, when a baby is born, so is a woman, into motherhood). The language we throw around tends to give label to what should be the most moving day of a woman’s life. This label might convey that perhaps it was the easy way out. This label might leave one thinking that perhaps it wasn’t a birth at all.
Unfortunate and sad, society has left mothers feeling incompetent and invalidated. Our words bleed judgement through language. And most of time, we are unaware of that issue. It’s like when people say, “Oh that’s retarded!” What’s up with that? Ever know of anyone that is retarded? Ever been in the same room with a parent of a retarded child (doesn’t matter the age) when that has been said? With all sensitive issues, unintentional wounds have been afflicted with our use of careless language. My encouragement to you is call it for what is: it’s a cesarean. And by all mean, IT IS A BIRTH! It would be appropriate to say cesarean birth.
Now with cesarean births, it’s very crucial that your birth team understands that the birth calls for extra sensitivity. For an example, it is insensitive when the doctors are discussing their golf plans for weekend during the birth. What doctor has an open discussion on their leisure time when a mother is crowning during a vaginal birth? The same sensitivity and validation should apply to a cesarean birth.
It is encouraged when your birth team is on board with hospital policies that create a peaceful, compassionate atmosphere. We all realize a peaceful, compassionate atmosphere can really tailor a mother/father who might feel stressed or anxious during the birth. Reassurance, tending to the emotional and psychological needs of a birthing mother during a cesarean is very often not addressed. Most of the times it’s only the physical needs that are asked (ie can you feel this poke?).
Another important factor is your support team. Normally, in the event of a cesarean, a mother is only allowed one support person to accompany her. This leaves the doula right out of the picture. The doula upholds the emotional support during a cesarean birth. Having her by the mother’s side will enhance the birthing experience. Also, having two support persons is vital because often times the father will accompany the baby in the OR and out of the OR, leaving the mother alone. This is a rather lonely time if no one is there supporting the mother. A doula stays with the mother, never leaving her side while the father is with his son/daughter.
Lastly, it’s birth preferences that allows you to personalize your birth. It is clear that a mother relinquishes a large chuck of participation during her cesarean birth. Here are some birth preferences and preparations that I have created for my clients that can enhance the experience and make it more positive:
Before: Have IPOD ready for chosen music to be played during the birth. Pack your nursing pillow; have it ready for the Recovery Room. If possible, get a relaxing prenatal massage the day before the birth. And make your evening special the night before your baby’s arrival.
During: Have your music low in the background. Know that the shakes, nervousness and pressure/tugging are normal reactions. You can work through it with slow, relaxed breathing. If possible, make sure one arm is not strapped down so that you can greet your baby with it. Voice any physical discomforts to the anesthesiologist. He or she will be able to help. A light massage to the mother’s head/neck/shoulders will help relax you. Even the use of soothing tones of voices or holding your hand can guide you into further relaxation. See if the drape that screens your view of the surgery can be lowered so that the baby can be laid right on your chest. Still photography is a great way to celebrate the birth; pictures of the parents, the baby, first meeting, etc.
After: Talk to your baby because he or she will recognize you! Hopefully your birth team will let you have your arm free to greet your baby and, ideally, let you soak in your baby while he/she rests on your chest. Have the father/partner videotape the baby when you are not able to be there. Since the doula will remain with the mother, the father can videotape the initial procedures and will be present with the baby. Remaining calm and relaxed through this exciting process is key to ensuring a satisfying birth. Of course, you are aware that holding your baby as soon as possible and breastfeeding is a wonderful way to bond with your little one. This is highly encouraged. Take pain medications and don’t skip them just because you feel well. Hydrate yourself and be mindful of your nutrition. Walking when you can and standing straight up will help with pain & recovery. Have a postpartum plan in place (meals, childcare, household chores, lactation assistance, postpartum doula, etc.) for the days to come. The doula shall also create “The Birth Story”. It will have documented the events leading up to, during, and after the birth. “The Birth Story” will be given to you during your postpartum meeting, which will be scheduled somewhere between week 1 and week 3.
This photo is being used with permission.
The Cedar Reader 