Planning For The Unexpected: C-Sections

First, let me be clear that there is NO ROOM for us to shame or guilt anyone about C-Sections. Birth is birth. However your baby enters the world, I’m here to support!

Okay, let’s dive into the good stuff.

What is a C-Section?
A cesarean or c-section is a surgical delivery of a newborn through a series of 7 incisions through the abdomen and uterus.

C-sections can be a life saving surgery and sometimes the safest delivery method, but for low-risk pregnancies, c-sections actually pose greater risks to maternal health and life. Most pregnant people rightfully want to avoid them. The US levels for c-section are currently too high (about 32% of all births).

Did you know Doulas decrease the risk of cesarean by 39%?

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Pros

• When valid reasons are present, c-sections can save lives - for both pregnant person and baby.
  
  
• Can be scheduled in advance
  
  

Cons

• Longer hospital stay
  
• Urinary incontinence
  
• Issues with incision and muscle healing
  
• Placenta issues in future pregnancies
  
• Hemorrhaging, need for hysterectomy, infection, blood clot
  
• Risks associated with pain medications (epidural or general anesthesia for emergencies)
  
  

The 615 Doula Co Approach
With all my clients, we sit down together and create a c-section plan in case that becomes the route for your baby to be born. Even with a c-section, you have options, and I am here to help you understand those options and feel confident in the plan that we’ve established.

Sources // CDC, Evidence Based Birth, ACOG