Curious about gentle C-sections? You’re in the right place!
So, you’re having a C-section. Maybe it was planned, maybe it wasn’t – but either way, you’re probably wondering what to expect. These days, more and more mamas are opting for a “gentle C-section,” a more family-centered approach that brings elements of a traditional birth into the operating room.
Let’s explore what that means and how it can make your birth experience even more beautiful and empowering.
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What is a gentle C-section?
A gentle C-section focuses on creating a calm and comforting environment while prioritizing immediate bonding between mama (or partner) and baby. A gentle C-section is a way that mamas, with their providers, are intentionally changing attitudes and the general atmosphere surrounding the operation. The idea is to make the whole experience feel less like an intimidating surgery for those involved.
Above all, a gentle C-section emphasizes mama as an active participant in the process. The goal is to create an atmosphere that’s calming and even tranquil. This is in contrast to the stark and sterile atmosphere that the OR is more typically known for.
A top priority with a gentle C-section is getting baby to you as quickly as safely possible after birth, just like with a vaginal birth. Your healthcare team can take small steps to make it easier for you to hold baby as soon as possible. And everyone involved is aware of making the atmosphere feel more calm and peaceful.
Related Reading: C-Section Hospital Bag List
Key elements of a gentle C-section
We have covered what a gentle C-section is, now let’s talk about specific ways to make your C-section more gentle. Some of these might not be offered at the facility where you choose to deliver so try not to get your heart set on any one thing. Here are some potential options:
- Limited separation: efforts should be made to keep mama and baby together as much as safely possible
- Music: it’s becoming more common for music to be played in the OR (as long as the patient is okay with it, of course). Some of my favorite C-section births have been ones where music is playing in the background. It just brings an overall sense of calm to the room
- Skin-to-skin: typically skin-to-skin in the OR does not happen as immediately as it does following a vaginal birth but that doesn’t mean it CAN’T happen. If baby is stable following the initial assessment and mama feels up to it, skin-to-skin should be able to take place. And if mama doesn’t feel up to it make sure the partner knows it’s an option for them!
- Delayed cord clamping: if medically safe for baby, delayed cord clamping can still happen in the OR. It should also be an option for the partner to “trim” the umbilical cord once it’s been cut on the sterile field by the provider
- Golden hour: ask if newborn care procedures can be delayed for the first hour. If baby is rooting or showing hunger cues, ask for help getting baby latched in the OR. The positioning might be a little tricky and awkward since you are flat but I’ve seen it happen many of times
How do gentle C-sections differ from more traditional C-sections?
During a lot of traditional C-sections, the entire birth experience feels like a sterile operation. Mamas might be treated similarly to any other person coming in for abdominal surgery. The piece of excitement about meeting their baby is often missing from the entire process.
What’s more, mom is often a passive participant and may not even be walked through what’s happening as it’s happening. And it’s not uncommon for mama to not see her baby for up to 30 minutes after birth at some facilities.
I’m not saying that every hospital’s ‘traditional’ C-section protocol is quite this stark. But for many, it is. I truly think that raising awareness about gentle C-sections and having more moms inquire and advocate for them during their own C-sections can bring about widespread change to the standard practice!
Benefits of a gentle C-section
A lot of research is emerging surrounding the idea of a gentle C-section vs. a more traditional approach. The good news? There is virtually no increased risk or issue with the practice.
A 2017 study that compared conventional C-sections to gentle C-sections found that the average operation time was roughly only about 5 minutes longer during a gentle C-section. The recovery time (time spent in the PACU) was actually around 15 minutes shorter (source).
Additionally, Brigham and Women’s Hospital shares research surrounding the benefits of skin-to-skin care moments after C-section delivery.
Some of the benefits mentioned include:
- Increased attachment and parental bonding
- Better overall transition for baby
- Quicker stabilization of baby’s temperature
- Better regulation of baby’s heart rate
- More successful breastfeeding rates
- Improved recovery and increased empowerment for mom
- Reduced stress
Lastly, there was a literature review done in 2014 that looked at the research surrounding immediate or early skin-to-skin contact after a C-section.
These researchers found that it may increase breastfeeding initiation, decrease time to the first breastfeeding, reduce formula supplementation in the hospital, and reduce newborn stress, among other benefits. The benefits are endless!
Is a gentle C-section right for you?
Now that you know what gentle C-sections are all about and the benefits (when it is safe for you and baby of course), it’s time for you to bring this conversation to your provider.
A gentle C-section is a beautiful way to bring your little one into the world, honoring the importance of connection and creating a more empowering birth experience. The main takeaway I want you to get from this article is that no matter how your baby enters the world, every mama has a voice in their birth! ❤️
Don’t forget to check out our C-section specific birth class!
If a scheduled C-section is on your horizon, I want you to know that you deserve and can benefit from childbirth education specific to C-section birth!
You’ll learn more about this topic and lots of other information that will help you be an informed participant in your birth. You will feel prepared and confident for your C-section. Learn more about MLN’s Birthing Class Bundle today!
