Celebrating Cesarean Awareness Month: Your Crash Course on Cesarean Birth
- Eva Monhaut-Jenkins
- Apr 14
- 4 min read
April is Cesarean Awareness Month, a time to educate, empower, and support those who have had or may have a cesarean birth. Whether you’re preparing for a planned cesarean, recovering from a past one, or hoping for a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) or even a Home Birth After Cesarean (HBAC), knowledge is power.
As a birth doula, my role is to guide and advocate for you, ensuring that you feel informed, supported, and confident in your choices—no matter how your birth unfolds.
Understanding Cesarean Birth: The Basics
A cesarean section (C-section) is a surgical procedure where a baby is delivered through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. In the U.S., roughly 1 in 3 births are cesareans, making it one of the most common medical procedures. However, these rates are alarmingly high so understanding you options when it comes to birth is important to advocate for yourself. While some cesareans are planned, others are performed urgently due to concerns for the birthing person or baby.
Common reasons for a cesarean include:
Fetal distress (e.g., an irregular heart rate)
Placental complications (such as placenta previa)
Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) (suspected mismatch between baby’s size and pelvis)
Multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.)
Previous cesarean with a uterine incision that may not support vaginal birth
Breech or transverse presentation
However, you always have choices and options and any of these propose reasons for a Cesarean birth does not mean you have to choose that route. For example, many cesarean preformed due to concerns of a "Big Baby" are unnecessary given the accuracy of fetal measurements and other contributing factors playing a larger role in a smooth vaginal delivery.
Advocating for an Empowered Cesarean Birth
A cesarean birth can still be informed, empowered, and respected. Here’s how:
Ask about gentle or family-centered cesareans. Many hospitals now offer options such as:
Clear drapes to see the birth
Delayed cord clamping
Immediate skin-to-skin contact in the OR
A calm, quiet environment for the first moments with your baby
Know your rights. You have the right to ask questions, delay non-emergency interventions, and discuss options that align with your preferences.
Have a birth advocate. Having a birth advocate and/or doula by your side to protect your wishes and emotional well-being can make all the difference.
VBAC and HBAC: Options After a Cesarean
Many people are told, “Once a cesarean, always a cesarean,” but that is outdated and not always true. Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) is a safe and evidence-based option for many, with a success rate of about 60–80% depending on various factors.
VBAC Considerations:
The type of incision from your previous cesarean (low-transverse incisions are safest for VBAC).
Your reason for the initial cesarean (was it due to a non-recurring issue, such as breech presentation?).
Your provider’s VBAC policy (some hospitals and doctors are more supportive than others). Find one which aligns with your desires for a VBAC and has a high VBAC rate if this is your goal.
Some families even opt for a Home Birth After Cesarean (HBAC) with a skilled midwife, depending on their history and risk factors. This can be a deeply empowering choice for those who desire a more intimate and controlled birthing environment.
Healing After a Cesarean: Physical and Emotional Recovery
Recovery from a cesarean can take longer than vaginal birth, but with the right support, healing can be smooth and empowering. Here’s what can help:
Physical recovery:
Rest as much as possible, but incorporate gentle movement to prevent blood clots.
Support your incision with a pillow when coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
Stay on top of pain management while listening to your body’s cues.
Emotional recovery:
Some people experience grief, disappointment, or trauma after a cesarean—this is valid. Seek support from your birth doula, therapists, or postpartum groups. I do a lot of birth processing with all my clients including Cesarean birth clients.
Journaling your birth experience can help process emotions and reframe your story in an empowering way.
Resources for Cesarean Parents & VBAC Seekers
If you’re looking for more guidance on cesareans, VBACs, or HBACs, these resources can provide valuable information and community support:
🔹 International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) – www.ican-online.org (Great for VBAC/HBAC information and support groups)
🔹 Evidence Based Birth® – www.evidencebasedbir th.com (Research-based information on birth choices, including cesareans and VBACs)
🔹 The VBAC Link – www.thevbaclink.com (Podcasts, courses, and VBAC success stories)
🔹 Spinning Babies® – www.spinningbabies.com (Techniques to help with baby positioning for VBAC and optimal labor progress)
🔹 Cesarean Recovery Support Groups – Facebook and other community platforms have groups dedicated to cesarean healing and VBAC preparation.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve Respect and Support
Whether you’re planning a cesarean, hoping for a VBAC, or recovering from a past birth, you deserve to feel informed, heard, and supported. Your birth story is uniquely yours, and you have the right to advocate for the experience that feels best for you.
As a doula, my role is to stand beside you—whether in a hospital OR, a birth center, or at home—making sure you feel empowered, respected, and deeply cared for.
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