top of page

Gentle Cesarean Birth: A Mother-Centered Approach With Doula Support

Writer's picture: Eva Monhaut-JenkinsEva Monhaut-Jenkins

Birth doula support and a gentle cesarean birth.
Photo by Muhamad Harun Rabiyudin on Unsplash

The current rate of Cesarean births in the United States is approximately 32.4% as of April 2024 documentation. In the Indiana/Michigan area where I serve as a birth doula, the rate ranges from 30-33%. These high rates of cesarean births raise significant concerns that need to be addressed. It is crucial for mothers, whether they choose a cesarean birth or require one, to receive care in an environment that upholds respect, body autonomy, and sacredness, which are fundamental rights during childbirth.


Gentle cesareans, also known as mother or family-centered cesareans, are a modified approach to standard cesarean births. They are designed to create a more soothing, family-centered environment and experience. When combined with the supportive presence of a doula, this approach can empower women and help them feel more in control of their birth experience. Let's explore the key components of a gentle cesarean and delve into the role of birth doulas in the operating room.


Key Elements of a Gentle Cesarean Birth

  • Mothers Active Involvement: Mothers and family members are encouraged to actively participate in their birth experience. In practice, this looks like everything from allowing birthers to choose the time of procedure, to the music played in the OR. Furthermore, mothers are given step-by-step directions of what is happening in the procedure as it unfolds.

  • Immediate Skin-to-Skin Contact: After delivery, the baby can be placed directly on the mother's chest, fostering an early bond. This skin-to-skin contact helps regulate the baby's temperature and heart rate, while also supporting breastfeeding initiation. Furthermore, research indicates a significant relationship between skin-to-skin contact and the establishment of a newborn's gut microbiome health.

  • Minimized Disruption: Gentle cesarean practices aim to reduce the bright lights, loud noises, and rushed atmosphere that can often accompany traditional surgical settings. A more tranquil environment can help mothers feel more relaxed and connected to their newborns.


Learn more about gentle cesarean births and doula support.
Photo by 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič on Unsplash

The Role of a Birth Doula

Birth doulas can help play a vital role in supporting gentle cesarean births. Here’s how:


  • Advocacy and Education: Doulas help mothers understand their options and rights regarding the cesarean process. They can advocate for the mother's wishes in the operating room, ensuring that her preferences are respected and encouraging her to find a provider prenatally which aligns with her birth preferences.


  • Emotional Support: The presence of a doula can alleviate anxiety and fear. They provide continuous reassurance and comfort, helping mothers stay focused on their breathing and maintaining a calm demeanor. They can help explain the steps of a cesarean birth in prenatal education and walk the mother through the process in the OR.


  • Postoperative Care: After the birth, doulas can assist with immediate breastfeeding and bonding, guiding mothers through the early stages of recovery. They can also help with pain management strategies and offer tips for navigating postpartum challenges. Follow up postpartum visits to help moms recover, help with tasks around the house, and help them process their birth also occur.


The Benefits of a Mother-Centered Approach

Choosing a gentle cesarean with doula support can lead to numerous benefits:

  1. Increased Birth Satisfaction: People who feel more in control of their birthing experience often report higher satisfaction levels, regardless of the delivery method.

  2. Improved Emotional Wellbeing: The supportive presence of a doula can help reduce feelings of isolation and vulnerability, enhancing emotional health during the transition to motherhood.

  3. Strengthened Bonding: Early skin-to-skin contact and uninterrupted bonding time can positively impact both the mother's and baby's emotional connection.

  4. Facilitated Recovery: A gentle cesarean can contribute to a smoother recovery process, both physically and emotionally, leading to a more positive postpartum experience.


The gentle cesarean approach, combined with the supportive presence of a doula, represents a shift toward more mother-centered cesarean experiences. By prioritizing the emotional and physical wellbeing of mothers, we can redefine surgical births as opportunities for connection and empowerment. As awareness grows, more women can explore the options available to them, ensuring that their birth experiences, even in the operating room, align with their values and wishes. Embracing gentle cesarean births not only honors the unique journey of each mother but also lays a strong foundation for the precious bond between mother and baby.


Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Stay Updated

Join Our Community Today

Don't Miss Out

bottom of page