Cesarean Birth
Cesarean Birth : And so it happens, your provider says, “we need to talk about c-section.” Those sometimes-dreaded words may dash hopes and dreams of actively birth. The provider might follow up with a brief explanation and then a classic: “do you have any questions?” At which time the mind goes blank while simultaneously rapidly firing questions like a marching band on game day. Surgery? Sounds scary! What will it be like? Will I be able to move and function after? Will I feel anything? Can I nurse? What about delayed cord clamping and skin to skin? Can my partner be there? How big is the incision? Needing time to process, you say “no” exiting the exam room bewildered with a marching band of questions parading on in your head. Sound familiar?
Unfortunately, Cesarean birth is often depicted in a negative light or as a consequence of less-than-optimal conditions. We often hear “if, then statements” such as:
Your baby is breech, IF they don’t shift to head down by ____weeks, THEN we’ll schedule your c-section
IF your blood pressure stays elevated, THEN we’ll have to induce you at 37 weeks drastically increasing the chances for a c-section.
Your _________ medical condition makes vaginal birth high risk, IF we see signs of ______ during labor, THEN we’ll have to transition to c-section.
This “if, then” language can create fear, resistance, feelings of failure, disappointment, and a host of other emotions toward cesarean birth. At MamasteFit we’re committed to helping you feel confident, empowered, and prepared for all birth outcomes.
Birth is a sacred first meeting between parents and their babies and cesarean birth is no exception. Cesarean births can be beautiful experiences and a bit of preparation can go a long way toward creating ease.
Physical, mental, and emotional preparation can be instrumental in creating an empowering experience. A scheduled c-section is not a reason to stop prenatal fitness programs as physical health prior to delivery can drastically support healing. In addition, deepening understanding of the process and preparing supplies for recovery can give parents some control over the situation thus reducing fears. While a cesarean birth is a major abdominal surgery that will be accompanied by decreased mobility and discomfort, understanding early breathing and rehabilitation exercises can help. We also always encourage scheduling a pelvic floor physical therapist consultation for ALL births (yes c-sections can still be accompanied by pelvic symptoms).
Early postpartum includes baby feedings and naps around the clock which require parents to transition in and out of bed and on and off the couch often. Supporting the c-section incision during these transitions is critical for comfort and incision protection. Having a strategy in place to meet the demands of early motherhood can drastically improve confidence. In addition, as the incisional wound closes, scar mobilization is a critical part of tissue healing and return to function.
At MamasteFit we believe all birth is sacred and we are committed to educating and empowering moms as they prepare for Cesarean birth.
Learn more in our online childbirth education course on preparation for a cesarean birth! We include an entire section on birth planning and what to expect during a c-section; and also offer a c-section specific recovery fitness program.