5 steps to a positive and empowering c-section birth
April is c-section birth awareness month.
With around 25% of all births in the UK being c-section births, it's really important to learn more about this type of birth and more importantly how to have a positive experience.
Having a c-section can feel like a scary and overwhelming thought for many people. As a hypnobirthing specialist and a mother of two, I understand firsthand the anxiety and worry that can come with the idea of giving birth via caesarean.
However, I want to reassure you that having a c-section birth can be a really positive and empowering experience.
Whether you’re planning a c-section or not, I would absolutely encourage you to read this blog post, fully research the procedure yourself and, most importantly, make a c-section specific birth plan that you feel happy with.
Why?
Because the truth is that birth can be unpredictable. Even with all of the prepping, planning, courses, podcasts and reading in the world, sometimes mother nature simply has other ideas.
This is why I encourage all of my clients to make birth plans for all types of eventualities, including c-section births.
Planning for birth in this way really helps you to build an unshakeable confidence and ultimately this is how you have a positive birth experience. Please remember that a positive birth isn’t how birth happens, it’s how you feel about it which matters the most.
In this blog post, I’m going to guide you through the top 5 steps to achieving a positive and empowering c-section birth.
1. Talk to your healthcare provider
A lot of people fear the unknown when it comes to thinking about having a c-section.
Talk to your healthcare provider about what to expect during the surgery itself, as well as the recovery process. Knowing exactly what to expect can really help alleviate some of the fear and anxiety surrounding having a c-section and ultimately can help you to feel more confident.
Here are some questions you might want to ask your midwife/obstetrician about a c-section:
· Who will be in the operating room with me?
· What kind of anaesthetic will I have?
· What happens during a c-section?
· How long will it take?
· Can I eat beforehand?
· Where will my incision be?
· Can I hold my baby straight away?
· What is the recovery process like?
You might also want to read some positive c-section birth stories to give you an insight into other people's experiences.
You can find more information about caesarean births over on the NHS website and the RVI here in Newcastle also have the below video to support you to understand more about the procedure:
2. Hypnobirthing magic
It might surprise you to know that Hypnobirthing can be used for c-section births too. Using Hypnobirthing can have a huge impact on how you feel about your c-section experience. Techniques such as deep breathing, visualisation and positive affirmations can really help you to stay calm and centered during your baby's birth.
Not all Hypnobirthing teachers and providers take this inclusive approach, so do make sure to do your research before signing up to a course.
I’m very clear that the Hypnobirthing I teach is for all births.
3. Understand your rights and options
This is your birth experience, and you have the right to have a say in how it unfolds. Your own personal preferences and individual needs are so important.
A c-section may be recommended as a planned procedure for a variety of different reasons, or you may want to request a c-section yourself. This is know as a maternal request
caesarean birth and you have the right to make this decision. Occasionally, c-sections are also performed in emergency situations.
You can read more about your caesarean birth rights here.
Many people are surprised to learn that they still have a wide range of choices with a planned c-section birth.
Did you know you can request:
A calm and gentle c-section
To have your own music playing in theatre
To watch your baby being born
To discover the sex of your baby yourself
To use aromatherapy oils
Immediate skin to skin cuddles
There are so many ways to make your c-section birth positive. It's worth talking to your health care provider about your own preferences.
4. Write a C-Section Birth Plan
I believe everyone should write a c-section birth plan, whether they're planning a caesarean from the start of their pregnancy or not.
Having a well thought through caesarean birth plan can make all the difference in feeling empowered and confident about your experience.
Sometimes birth can be unpredictable and no one can tell you exactly how your birth will unfold on the day. But by planning for a c-section early on in pregnancy, you're setting yourself up to have the most empowering experience no matter what.
It also gives you time to weigh up all of your own preferences, options and choices.
Here are some questions to ask yourself before you write your c-section birth plan:
· Under what circumstances would I opt for a c-section?
· Are there any alternatives I would prefer?
· Would I like to delay the decision about having a caesarean?
· What are the risks associated with a c-section?
· What are the benefits of a c-section?
· Who do I want with me on the day?
· Do I want to be talked through what is happening during the procedure or not?
· Which hand would I prefer the IV in?
· Do I want immediate skin to skin with my baby?
· Do I want delayed cord clamping?
· Would I like to discover the sex of my baby myself?
The visual birth planner guide is an amazing resource to help you start thinking about your c-section birth plan.
5. Celebrate Your Strength
Birth is miraculous no matter how it happens and a c-section birth can be just as positive and empowering as a vaginal birth. Whether you know you want a planned c-section from very early on in your pregnancy or you just want to make sure that you’re as informed as possible about all of your options for birth, please know that a c-section can be a truly fulfilling experience.
The most important thing is that you feel informed, listened to and supported in all of your decision making.
So there you have it, my 5 steps to a positive and empowering c-section birth.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this!
Come and say hello over on Instagram or leave a comment below.
Love Emma
xxxth
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Hi, I'm Emma, Hypnobirthing & Antenatal specialist, mother of two and the founder of Blooming Births Hypnobirthing.
I pride myself on offering 5* rated antenatal courses to families across the North East.
I am the regions only recommended Hypnobirthing specialist from Jesmond Natural Health and Fertility and after giving birth to my own two babies, I continue to work closely with the Newcastle Maternity units.
I'm also an affiliate member of The Royal College of Midwives and a breastfeeding peer support volunteer in Newcastle. I'm continually updating my knowledge, including undertaking training courses with the UKs leading midwives, doulas and birth rights consultants.
