Should I Hire a Doula for a C-section?
If you’re familiar with the role of a doula, you may know that we aim to provide emotional and physical support as well as advocacy during labor and postpartum. Our services include a number of prenatal appointments to discuss labor, birth, and postpartum. We can discuss labor positions, interventions, pain management, all in preparation for bringing your baby earth side. If you are familiar with doula work, you may also know that studies have shown that having a doula as a member of your birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of pitocin by 40%, and requests for epidurals by 60%.
If doulas and their continuous support during labor reduce the need for c-sections and support labor and delivery, what about when you know you are having a cesarean section, either elective or medically indicated? Should you hire a doula then? How would they even help? (If you are not familiar, a cesarean, or c-section is a procedure to deliver a baby through surgical incisions in the abdomen and uterus. Here is a short explanation of the process using felt craft to represent the process).
Before we get further into this conversation and because we haven’t focused on this topic before, let’s put a few things on the record about what we believe about c-sections here at Big Fat Pregnancy.
A surgical birth is a birth.
C-sections are not “the easy way out”.
C-sections do not mean you care less about your baby or the delivery experience.
C-sections do not mean that “you failed at giving birth.” Your baby is still leaving its home in your womb and making its way into the world, you are birthing, just through your belly instead of your pelvis.
Your choice to have an elective c-section is your choice, we respect that.
Here are a few reasons why you may want to consider hiring a doula for a cesarean birth:
Doulas provide emotional support regardless of how you bring your baby earthside
Doulas can help you navigate the medical system, explain the process of a cesarean and each step of the procedure.
Doulas can provide practical support during the recovery period, staying with you immediately after surgery.
Doulas can help you process the birth experience after the fact, especially if a cesarean was not your first plan.
Let's explore these reasons more in depth!
One: doulas provide emotional support. While a cesarean is a common procedure, it can still be a very emotional experience. A doula can provide comfort and reassurance during the surgery, helping you to feel more relaxed and grounded. Additionally, a doula can help you process any emotions or feelings that may arise during the cesarean, whether it be disappointment, fear, or anxiety.
Additionally, doulas can stay with the birthing person in the case where a baby needs to be taken to the NICU. Often the birth partner or support person will go with the baby to the NICU and that leaves the birthing person alone. A doula will stay with the birthing person and can assist with video chats, and getting pictures of the baby while the surgery and recovery are still being done.
Second: doulas can help you navigate the medical system. A cesarean can be an intimidating process, especially if you are unfamiliar with the medical system. A doula can help you understand what is happening at each step of the procedure, and can advocate for your wishes and needs. This can be particularly important if you have any concerns or questions about the surgery or postpartum recovery.
Third: doulas can provide practical support during the recovery period. Recovering from a cesarean can be a challenging process, both physically and emotionally. A doula can provide practical support during this time, helping you with tasks such as breastfeeding, diaper changes, and getting in and out of bed. This can help to alleviate some of the stress and strain of the recovery period, allowing you to focus on bonding with your baby.
Fourth: doulas can help you process the birth experience after the fact. A cesarean can be a complex and sometimes difficult experience, and it can be helpful to have someone to talk to about your feelings and emotions afterwards. A doula can help you process the birth experience and any emotions that may arise in the days and weeks following the surgery.
Overall, while a doula may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning for a cesarean birth, they can provide a wealth of support and resources during this important time. Whether you are looking for emotional support, practical assistance, or someone to help you navigate the medical system, a doula is a valuable support during a cesarean birth!
