Doula Support for Cesarean Birth

There is a general misconception that doula support for cesarean birth is unnecessary. This is unequivocally untrue.

Doula support for cesarean birth begins during our pre-birth appointments with your chosen doula team. We have learned that giving you and your partner the room to discuss all the potential options for how birth may play out, including cesarean birth, helps you feel more prepared for what is to come. It also gives you time to process your feelings about the options and develop a list of questions you may want to ask your provider before labor begins.

Whether a cesarean birth is planned well before labor begins or becomes necessary during labor, our job is to help you stay calm, stay present, and ask any questions you may have about this birth experience.

We aim to create a space that allows you to express your feelings free from the pressure of judgment, bias, or personal agenda.

The space we create is also beneficial for you to ask questions, clarify the process, or discuss any special requests you may have. When you are in the midst of labor, it can be difficult to remember or focus on the things that matter most to you. As your doulas, we help you navigate all of this in real-time as it is happening.

After the birth of your baby, we continue our support for a few hours as you recover and settle into what it’s like to have your baby in your arms.

This is the best time to ask questions about your infant feeding choices and newborn care options or even to process your birth experience. This is an exciting time when you enjoy the fruits of your labor and be a family.

April is Cesarean Awareness Month.

As we work to normalize cesarean birth, we remind people that each birth takes its own path. If your baby needs to be born via a planned or unplanned cesarean, remember that it does not define your body’s capabilities or your ability as a parent or define you as a person. At the same time, it is normal to have feelings of disappointment, regret, and even grief over the change in plans from your ideal birth. 

As your doulas, we are by your side every step of the way, helping you navigate this journey step by step.