How Can A Doula Benefit Me During a C-section?

I don’t know many people that dream of having major abdominal surgery. I’m sure a few people out there would love it, but for the vast majority of people, it’s not on their list of biggest desires. That said, the United States’ cesarean rate is on the rise again, up to 32.2% as of 2022, and that means that someone you know has had a cesarean birth. While having a doula can help to decrease your chances of having a cesarean birth anywhere from 40-60%, emergencies happen. And if it does, it’s best to know that you have options and that your doula is there to help you. Below are four ways that having a doula will benefit you during a cesarean section:

1. Your doula stays with you before, during, and after the birth.

   
   It is not always the case, but sometimes after a C-section, your baby will need to head to the NICU or be taken away quickly if they are in distress. Your partner will likely follow the baby, and if that’s the case, having someone by your side can help to ease a little bit of anxiety in a chaotic and stressful situation
   

2. Your doula can offer non-medical postoperative comfort measures.
   
   Postpartum belly wrapping for cesarean incision, postpartum yoni steams, positioning suggestions, nursing positions – postpartum knowledge is sacred. Your doula holds more of it than the average person or a Google search. They are a resource for your recovery, use them!
   

3. Your doula supports you during procedures such as IV insertion, epidural placement, cervical exams, and surgery prep.

   
   Oh, you’re afraid of needles? You and 25% of the world’s population. They hurt, they’re scary…it’s normal to be scared! Do you know what’s helpful when you inevitably encounter needles in a hospital birth setting? Nonjudgmental support from your doula.
   

4. Your doula can help keep your birth plan sacred and in place
   
   Transparent drapes, your music playing, immediate skin-to-skin, attempting to breastfeed in the OR, pulling your baby from your own womb – dream wildly about your perfect cesarean, and your doula can help you to navigate how to make that dream a reality.

These are just a few ways that a doula can help you during such a vulnerable time in your life. There are few words that can describe unending support and care, but that’s what you’ll receive when you have a doula present during your C-section.

XO, Lo