CG How Gentle Cesarean Birth and Family Centered Approach Can Influence Breastfeeding Outcomes -

How Gentle Cesarean Birth and Family Centered Approach Can Influence Breastfeeding Outcomes

With nearly a third of all U.S. deliveries occurring via cesarean section, it’s no surprise that healthcare providers and families alike are working to improve outcomes and the overall birth experience associated with surgical delivery. Gentle cesarean births (sometimes called family-centered cesarean sections) offer a solution that serves to improve the overall birth experience for parents and newborns.

Environment

The energy in an operating room can seem tense and serious. When you’re having a non-emergency cesarean, you may be offered your choice of music and sometimes even aromatherapy. It’s perfectly fine for you to request as much quiet as possible or to ask the doctor to narrate what is happening. You can also ask for the room lights to be dimmed, using only the overhead light for the surgery.¹

Clear Surgical Drape

During a traditional cesarean birth, a cloth drape is used to create a sterile surgical field. During a gentle cesarean, surgical staff can lower the cloth drape to reveal a clear, plastic drape. This allows you to witness the birth of your baby and to discover your baby’s sex if you don’t already know. You will not see your actual abdominal incision from this angle due to the shape of your belly and the location of the surgical site.

Skin-To-Skin

Bringing your baby to your bare chest as soon as they are born will allow for quicker bonding, stress reduction, regulation of the baby’s temperature and heart rate, and initiation of breastfeeding. In addition, immediate skin-to-skin after delivery helps to increase milk production by boosting oxytocin. Oxytocin is the hormone that triggers let down or the release of your milk from your breasts. Opting for snuggling your baby right after birth will ensure you are off to the best start with your breastfeeding journey. With a gentle cesarean birth, you can experience skin to skin as soon as your baby is born as long as both of you are medically stable.^1,2

Breastfeeding

The first hour of your baby’s life is known as the “Golden Hour” and is the best time to introduce your baby to breastfeeding. Babies are more eager, alert, and awake during the Golden Hour. In a traditional cesarean birth setting, your baby is more likely to be separated from you at this time which can impact breastfeeding. In a gentle cesarean birth, your baby is placed immediately on your chest and breastfeeding can begin even while your team is closing your surgical site. You may need additional support with positioning and holding your baby securely while in the operating room. Your support person or hospital staff can help.^3,4

Family Bonding

Childbirth is an exciting time for families, and a few simple changes to your cesarean birth plan will allow you and your partner to feel empowered and more in control of the birth of your baby. It’s a powerful experience when a mother and partner can hold and comfort their infant right after delivery. Babies cry less when they hear their parents’ voices and feel the warmth of their skin. Overall the family birth experience is enhanced, which can reduce the risk of postpartum depression and promote good health for your baby.⁵

Additional Options You May Wish to Include in Your Gentle Cesarean Birth are:

dimming lights that are not directly involved in the surgery
playing your choice of music
having more than one support person present during baby’s birth
placing IV lines, blood pressure cuff, and monitors on non-dominant side so you can have greater freedom to hold your baby with your dominant arm
monitors facing away from you if watching them causes stress
delayed cord clamping

When planning for any type of birth, it is important to discuss options with your support team (partner, doula, health care provider, etc.) in the event that further intervention and/or a cesarean becomes necessary. Having a health care provider and place of birth that are aligned with your goals and preferences is the most important factor in having your preferences respected. So have the “what if…” discussions at your prenatal visits and ask specific questions about policy and procedure on the hospital tour. It’s always good to ask follow up questions with specifics if you receive vague answers.

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

Birth and Breastfeeding Part 1
Birth and Breastfeeding Part 2

To register for these classes, log into your portal or click here.

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

https://www.hersourcehealth.com/aeroflow-care-guides/ ‎

References