A Gentle Cesarean - How to Advocate for One

Nearly one third of childbearing women in the United States end up having a cesarean delivery. The United States has one of the highest rates in the world!

If you find yourself facing a cesarean, but would like to make it as gentle and natural an event as possible, here are some points to consider and discuss with your provider.

      Would you like more than one support person with you? A midwife, doula, or another relative or friend?

      Would you like time to discuss each procedure or intervention with your support person before the doctor proceeds?

      Would you like to avoid vaginal exams once your membranes are ruptured to lower the risk of infection to you and your baby?

      Would you like to have your provider communicate with you throughout the surgery, explaining to you what he/she is doing at any given moment?

      Would you like to have music – your playlist – playing during the surgery?

      Would you like lights dimmed if possible?

      Would you like to watch your baby being born? If so, ask if it is possible to switch to a clear drape when it’s time to deliver your baby.

      Would you prefer a double layer uterine closure and to have your peritoneum closed to decrease future risk of rupture and other complications?

      Would you like to have your support person take photos of your baby’s birth?

      Would you like to delay cord clamping if possible before clamping? If so, how long?

      Would you or your partner like to cut the cord if possible?

      Would you like to keep as much – or all – of the vernix as possible on the baby during the first hour after birth?

      Would you like immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby (assisted if necessary) and/or for the baby to have skin-to-skin contact with your partner – rather than being whisked away?

      Would you like to delay the newborn exam (or have the nurses perform an initial assessment while you are doing skin-to-skin) so you can begin bonding with your baby?

      Would you like to discuss vaginal seeding with your provider, to give your baby’s immune system a boost?

      Would you like to try breastfeeding while still in the OR – with assistance if necessary?

      Are there other thoughts or ideas you would like to discuss with your provider in the event of a c-section?

A cesarean birth is a beautiful, miraculous thing. It is your right to have as gentle a cesarean as possible – and only YOU can define what that will look like. Don’t be hesitant to discuss, stand firm on, or refuse any intervention that doesn’t safely fit into your joyful birth.

You can get a printable checklist of this Gentle Cesarean Birth Plan by clicking this link.

You can also download an Informed Consent checklist at this link to make sure your autonomy is being legally honored.