Doula in Cesarean Births

How do doulas help support a Cesarean birth?

I like to think of us as the birthing person’s extra hands, companion, & cheerleader. OK, you’re right, that’s what we are during a vaginal birth too.

Let’s look at what doulas actually can do during a Cesarean birth…

Extra Hands:

• Taking photos of baby, time of birth, partner and birther with baby; then bringing those new photos to birther to allow the bonding to begin.

• Holding the emesis basin for birther to vomit in (not always happens), and clean birther up after

  Assisting with skin-to skin or even breast/chest feeding while still in surgery.

Companion:

• While your partner is getting acquainted with your baby, you are left by yourself (with a bunch of nurses and doctors) in the operating room. Your doula can stay with you, so you are not alone.

Cheerleader:

• Birthing people still need encouragement during a Cesarean! We make sure you know what is happening, letting you know how baby is doing, and let you know you are not alone.

At Dauphin County Doulas, we pride ourselves on our clients knowing their choices should they need a Cesarean. We create a visual birth plan for you with your Cesarean preferences. This plan is not to be given to anyone! (Please put it in your hospital bag and we will hope to not have to use it.) It is important that you know you have a few choices should you need a Cesarean, and it is best to talk about and understand your choices BEFORE you find out you need one. Being prepared will ensure you still feel in control of a seemingly uncontrollable situation.

After the Cesarean, we are there for you to assist you with skin-to-skin, breastfeeding, pain management, or any other needs you may have during this time. We want to make sure that you get as immediate as possible skin-to-skin with your newborn to ensure the oxytocin needed to help with milk production gets restored quickly, so that you are able to breast/chest feed without issues. (Should you have issues, we can help with that too.)