Whether you are having an elective Cesarean Section or you are at high risk for one, you should consider hiring a doula for a surgical birth.
To that I say emphatically, “yes!” Not only should you hire a doula trained to help you through this type of birth, but hiring a postpartum doula in the days and weeks that follow will be overwhelmingly helpful to you.
The first thing we do when you contact us is not judge you. This is your birth and we’ll do it you your way. Then we will make a birth plan together, because yes, even with having a cesarean section birth, you have options. Your doula will meet you at the hospital and be with you every step of the way getting ready. Some hospitals even allow doulas into the OR, so be sure to let your care provider know you are hiring one. Ask if they allow doulas to be by your side during the surgery. Even if the hospital doesn’t allow doulas in the operating room, we will be waiting for you post op immediately after.
Emergency Cesarean Section
In the event of an emergency C-section the same goes: we may be allowed in or we will be waiting for you in the ICU. If the situation arises that your baby needs to go to the NI-CU, your partner will be free to go with the baby while your doula stays with you. This is the way neither you nor your baby are left alone.
Your doula will be by your side in the hours following surgery.
Without having a shift change or need to care for other patients, your doula is focused on you. After your cesarean section your doula will care for your needs as they arise. She can assist you in breastfeeding your new baby or help you begin bottle feeding. She will be there to help you get up and moving and help you go to the restroom once your catheter (a hollow tube inserted into the urethra for draining the bladder during surgery) is taken out.
What does a postpartum doula do?
A postpartum doula actually shows up at your home to come alongside you during your recovery. We will be helping you care for yourself and your newborn. Bringing the baby to you for breastfeeding or warming bottles for you to give your baby will allow you to continue resting and healing. Some of the things your doula is doing while you bond with your baby or rest are:
- Changing diapers
- washing pumping equipment
- doing household chores
- preparing meals
- helping care for the other children in the home
This kind of help makes for a smooth transition from surgery. As you move your family forward towards your new normal, you’ll have the highest standard of care.
Processing your birth
Both the labor doulas and the postpartum doulas at Breathtaking Birth Doulas will help you process your birth by listening to you and validating you. Negative feelings you may have about how your birth went are manageable when you have someone to talk through them with you. We see you and we hear you. Additionally, because you have been afforded the opportunity to process all of your birth, it is possible you will experience less postpartum depression.
The doulas at Breathtaking Birth Doulas will never judge you. We will support your choices whole-heartedly, because this is your birth. Your opinions always come first and foremost. We know that you will carry your birth experience with you your entire life. Not even a thought that you have failed will enter our mind. Never will we think, “Man, you really could have done it a better way”. The choices you made were the right ones for you. During birth you are faced with difficult decisions. We know that supporting you in making the best choices for you is ultimately what is best for you.
That is the kind of unwavering support you deserve. Have a dependable doula in your corner for your birth and recovery. It is worth hiring yourself a doula, no matter what kind of birth you have. You and your family are worth it.