Did you know that doulas support our clients during and after cesarean births?
We know. Our profession has a reputation for being natural birth obsessed, but here at DC Metro Maternity, we believe that support is helpful for everyone as they transition into being new parents. It doesn’t really matter to us how exactly that transition happens.
Here are a few things that we want you to know, if you have a planned cesarean, or you’re reading this during your postpartum period.
You can still have choices, in your birth.
Ask your provider about your options. At many hospitals in DC, Maryland and Virginia, you can have a support person in the room (we’ve had clients request a partner, mother or doula join them) during surgery. You may also have options that create a more family-centered cesarean. Feel free to reach out to us with questions, and know that you can talk to your doctor as well.
Preparing your home can make for an easier recovery after a cesarean birth.
You’ll get instructions from your provider to avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby (or perhaps even the baby, depending on your little one’s weight) for a while. You’ll also be encouraged to take it easy, and stairs may be difficult.
Having things set up so that you can make only one trip up and down the stairs per day is helpful. A bassinet or Pack N Play downstairs, stocked with everything you need for feeding and changing baby, and taking care of yourself, will make a huge difference.
Know what to expect from your body.
Many of our clients are surprised at the time it takes to recovery after a cesarean birth. You will have an incision to keep clean, that needs time to heal. Your uterus is also healing internally, and you’ll also still experience lochia- postpartum bleeding. It’s a good idea to plan to take it very easy, after your birth.
Ask for help.
All new parents can use the support of a village. We think it’s fair though, to say that sometimes a cesarean birth requires a little extra TLC afterwards. Getting support with meals for both the adults and infant(s), and keeping the house running smoothly is huge. Maybe this is from a friend, family, or a postpartum and infant care doula. No matter who it is, please ask for what you need.
You get to choose how you feel about your birth.
Sometimes, people seem to think that all cesareans are a disappointment. We know that’s not the case for every family. We also know, that sometimes people feel judged if they had a certain hope for their birth, and ungrateful if they wanted more than a healthy mother and healthy baby. It’s okay to mourn your experience, or not.
We’ve heard all sorts of reactions to cesareans, and we’re happy to help support you through whatever feelings you have about your birth.
If you want to talk about support for any type of birth or postpartum period, give us a call.
