With gentle C-section, we can provide an experience that incorporates important elements of a family’s birth plan – such as partner involvement and immediate skin-to-skin contact – in a more relaxed environment. Although the C-section surgery itself does not change, we are able to take steps to increase comfort, reduce anxiety, and make the experience as close as we can to labor and delivery.
Some aspects of a gentle C-section may include:
- Dimming lights and lowering our voices
- Inviting the significant other to sit close by (up top by head and shoulders)
- Playing the family’s prepared music play list, or playing a type of music they request
- Using clear drapes, so that parents can see the baby right away
- Bringing baby immediately to mom for skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding
Many patients who come in for a scheduled C-section have either had an emergency C-section for their first birth or have never had any type of surgery at all. This gentler experience can help mitigate trauma that can occur with any type of medical procedure – plus it gives parents the autonomy to choose how they want the birth to proceed.
Gentle C-section also greatly promotes bonding between mom and baby, allowing for that initial skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding that’s so important during the “golden hour” right after birth.
During prenatal visits, our providers and midwives will carefully review the plan of care for each family individually and tailor the birth experience to best suit preferences. Parents can opt for whatever aspects of a gentle C-section they would like as part of their plan.
Gentle C-section goes hand in hand with other programs The Family Center offers, such as lactation support and home visits, to offer collaborative and respectful care that is centered around each family’s needs. For more information about Family Center services,
visit our website or call us at
603-580-6365.
April Henry serves as Director of The Family Center/Center for Reproductive Care & Fetal-Maternal Medicine at Exeter Hospital.