April is Caesarean Awareness Month. For some people, whether planned or otherwise, a caesarean may become the way their baby makes their arrival into the world, and so it is always worth considering how you might feel about this should it become your reality. There are many reasons someone may make the courageous decision to have a caesarean. Anyone who does is so strong and so very brave for doing so, it’s not an easy decision to make and it is major surgery at the end of the day. So how can you prepare yourself and your birth partner for it? There are many things worth considering in pregnancy such as:
Having a birth plan is always a good idea, and doesn’t need to be forgotten simply because you are having a belly birth. You may have heard of ‘gentle’ or ‘natural’ caesareans, which are a wonderful way to incorporate some of your original wishes – think soft voices, immediate skin to skin, delayed cord clamping, music etc.
Do some research into what can be offered during and after birth to help make your baby’s birth an empowering and positive experience. It could be a good idea to consider this in pregnancy, as a ‘back up’, just in case it’s needed.
Consider a postnatal plan too. Think about the support you may need postnatally, particularly at the moment where we are not able to receive visits from friends and family. Discuss with your partner what help you will need from them for both yourself and your baby while you recover. An unexpected caesarean can occasionally bring up some unexpected feelings, so consider where you could find emotional support to help you work through any difficult feelings you experience, such as your hospital’s birth reflections service.
Mental preparation is so beneficial. Positive affirmations, hypnobirthing relaxations, watching videos of gentle belly births and reading some of the many wonderful birth stories available online can help you feel more confident and in control.
When you feel confident that you are bringing your baby into the world in the best way for them and for you, you will absolutely rock it! You are already an incredible parent and the moment you meet your baby will be powerful, beautiful and magical.
For more info on preparation for caesarean feel free to email me, I even have a Hypnobirthing course tailored specifically for belly birth-just get in touch to find out more. Charlotte xxx