Cesarean Birth Preferences: Crafting Your Ideal Birth Experience
Planning a cesarean birth often means navigating a range of decisions to ensure that your preferences are met and that you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process. Whether your cesarean is planned or becomes necessary during labor, having a clear set of preferences can help you communicate your wishes effectively with your healthcare team.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you outline your cesarean birth preferences with your provider.
Introduction…
To start, you might want to include an introductory statement such as:
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to my care. I know that each member of my healthcare team is dedicated to ensuring the most positive outcome and experience during my surgery and our time at ____ hospital. I am deeply grateful for the roles each member of my healthcare team will play in my cesarean birth, including the OR staff and my doula, whose scope of practice, training, and experience focus on providing non-clinical care to enhance my overall experience, offering emotional and informational support, and ensuring a compassionate, empowering birth experience.
I respectfully request the following procedures during my planned cesarean birth or should a cesarean be necessary, assuming that my baby and I are healthy at the time of delivery and are not experiencing any unforeseen complications.
Support and Environment…
Creating a supportive environment is crucial during a cesarean. Here are some preferences you might consider:
Presence of Loved Ones: “I would like my partner, support person, or doula present in the operating room during the birth if possible.”
Music and Photos/Video: “I would appreciate it if music of my choice could be played during the procedure (if it is not an emergency cesarean).” “I would like my partner or support person to take pictures and/or video during the birth.”
Focus on Birth: ““Please focus the conversation in the operating room primarily on the birth. I will carry memories of this day for many years.”
Comfort and Awareness…
Ensuring your comfort and awareness during the procedure is important. Consider the following:
Positioning and Equipment:
“Please do not strap down my arms during the operation.”
“I would prefer the IV catheter, oximeter, and blood pressure cuff be placed on my non-dominant arm so that one arm remains free to touch my baby.”
“Please place ECG leads on my back to keep my chest free for skin-to-skin contact.”Medication and Visualization:
“If possible, I would like non-drowsy anti-nausea medication (e.g., Zofran).”
“Please avoid creating a ‘tent’ with the surgical drape over my head.”
“I would like to use a mirror or use a clear drape to see my baby being born.”Additional Comforts:
“If possible, provide a warm blanket during surgery.”
“Before starting, please ask me, ‘Are you ready to have your baby now?’ so that I am mentally and emotionally prepared for the surgery to begin and please explain the surgery as it happens.”
Delivery Preferences…
Your preferences during the delivery phase can significantly impact your experience:
Delivery Process:
“I would appreciate a slow delivery to simulate the ‘vaginal squeeze’ for the baby.”
“I would like my partner or support person to announce the sex of the baby.”Cord and Placenta:
“If possible, keep the umbilical cord long so my partner can cut it later on.”
“I would like to see my placenta and cord after the birth.”
“If possible, allow the umbilical cord to continue pulsing after birth so my baby may start breathing while still attached to the placenta.”
Immediate Post-Birth…
The immediate post-birth period is critical for bonding and first experiences:
Skin-to-Skin Contact: “I would like my baby placed near my face/cheek as soon as possible.” “Please perform all newborn tests, measurements, and procedures with my partner/spouse present at the warmer prior to administering to my baby.
“I would like my baby to be held near me/my face in the OR and will need assistance to do this. If I am unable, I would like my partner/other support person to hold the baby.”
Swaddling and Feeding: “Please do not swaddle my baby or put a hat on while skin-to-skin. I would so appreciate it if you would cover us both with a warm blanket instead.”
“I would like the opportunity to breastfeed in the OR and may need assistance. If I am unable, I would like my partner or support person to help.”
Post-Surgery Preferences…
After the surgery, consider these preferences to support your recovery and bonding:
Sedatives and Separation: “Please do not administer sedatives after the birth. I want to remember my baby’s first day.” “I would like minimal separation from my baby. If separation is necessary for medical reasons, I would like my partner or support person to accompany our baby.”
Bathing and Mobility: “Please delay my baby’s first bath until the second day of life to prioritize breastfeeding and bonding.” “I am willing to get up and walk as soon as possible.” “Please remove the catheter early the morning after surgery.” “I would like to eat and have the IV removed as soon as possible after surgery.”
Final Note
It’s important to note that not all providers or hospitals may be familiar with or comfortable with these preferences. It is crucial to discuss these preferences well in advance of your birth to ensure that your team can accommodate your wishes as much as possible.
By clearly outlining and discussing these preferences with your healthcare team, you can help create a birth experience that aligns with your wishes and supports your journey into parenthood.
By your side,
