I’m having a cesarean. Can a doula help?
I often get asked, “I’m having a cesarean. Can I still have doula support? Can a doula help?”
The short answer is YES!!
Having a cesarean birth does not need to equal a lack of support.
A doula can absolutely help if you have a scheduled, planned or emergency cesarean. Doula support is simply invaluable. It’s a kind of support that really can help across a broad spectrum of needs including mental, emotional, physical and informative support no matter what type of birth you have. in fact, I’ve created a list of 10 ways a doula can provide support to someone having a cesarean birth.
10 Ways a doula can support you during your cesarean:
A doula can help prepare and educate you and your birth partner on the cesarean process as well as the options you have available.
A doula can help you create a birth plan for your cesarean birth based on the options available to you and hospital policy.
A doula can help you mentally prepare for the birth through various exercises and activities so you can go into your birth with a positive mindset.
As a trauma and attachment practitioner, we can work through and process any triggers, fears, and previous birth trauma you may have. A doula can also help you lower the risk of birth trauma during your birth experience.
A doula can help prepare you for postpartum recovery after a cesarean.
A doula can help provide support for you at the hospital during your birth and post birth.
A doula can help with infant feeding options & infant sleep.
A doula can help provide you with information about resources for long term cesarean scar recovery such as cesarean scar massage, pelvic floor therapy, etc.
A doula continues to provide you with emotional, mental and physical support throughout your entire postpartum recovery during. A doula is always there to answer any questions you may have as well as provide tips and tricks to help make your recovery go smoothly and ensure you are well cared for.
As a doula and birth photographer, you can have your birth story photographed (some hospital restrictions may apply) to help you process your birth story and capture the moments you may have otherwise missed.
If you have a planned cesarean birth and are considering support I encourage you to reach out to see if doula support is right for you and your family. As a doula I believe no matter how you birth your baby, you should feel supported in your journey, respected in your decisions and cared for along the way. Having a positive and empowering birth experience is so much more than just having a good birth outcome. And you can absolutely have an empowering cesarean birth. Build your team of support.