Have I ever prevented a C-section?

“Have I ever prevented a C-section?”

I recently met with some expectant mothers, some of whom were just learning about doulas.  I was asked the above question. 

So…have I ever prevented a C-section?  The short answer is I’ve been present when a C-section has been avoided.  Doulas are associated with reducing C-section rates.  The knowledge a doula brings with her into the labor area, her continual presence, her emotional support, and her relationship with the laboring couple are parts of the puzzle that can help labor progress.  But, she is one part.

Birth today is so much more complicated because of the tests and interventions.  Your doula can be your guide providing resources for your education about each test you may encounter and each intervention you may be offered.  She will remind you that you may refuse anything you are not comfortable with.

Your doula may guide you through your choices associated with birth and newborn care in the hospital to formulate your care plan.  Does your idea of birth fit into the policies of your hospital?  Does your birth plan fit into your care provider’s way of practicing?  What is the C-section rate for your hospital?  What is your care provider’s C-section rate?  Who will be their back-up if they are not on call?  What is their C-section rate?  And importantly, who will back-up your doula – your one constant labor support person?  Will you be able to meet them before labor if you desire?

Another perhaps surprising consideration is do you know how familiar your hospital and care provider team are with unmedicated birth?  This may seem like an unnecessary question especially if you are unsure about medicated vs unmedicated birth at this point.  But, because interventions are so commonly used, there are nurses and doctors who have seen very few and sometimes no natural unmedicated births.  How comfortable are they supportig unmedicated labor?  Getting through early labor and into active labor without interventions may play a key role in avoiding c-section and having a nurse and hospital familiar with what that looks like will be invaluable.

We cannot have this discussion without also mentioning the importance of a solid childbirth PRIVATE preparation class.  Private means a class that is offered outside of the hospital by a trained childbirth educator.  Hospital classes will help couples become familiar with birth in that hospital – rooms, equipment,etc., but are not usually in-depth enough for preparing for birth.  Think of preparing for a marathon.  A few hours of instruction and a tour of the race path will not very likely be enough to get you through to the end.

What other things may reduce the chance of e-section?  Read.  Read lots of good books on natural birth.  Pass them on to your partner to read.  Listen to good birth stories.  Keep discouraging stories at bay.  Good exercise and healthy eating are very important, too.

Recently, a doctor was very amazed that a client was able to labor her very high baby down and have a beautiful birth.  He expressed to the mom that if she had been medicated, her baby would not have been able to move down.  She would have ended up with a C-section.  Yes, she had a doula.  She had the supportive care provider and hospital, private childbirth classes, and a very supportive spouse.  The relaxation and breathing she learned through her prenatal yoga classes were also helpful, and she was very conscious of eating a healthy diet.  All of these things prepared her for her marathon of birth.

Wow!  There is a lot to birth these days.  But, all of these things will also help to empower you in your mothering, and they are good for you! Win-Win!

So can a doula prevent C-sections?  She along with other factors can help reduce the chances of C-section.

But, there are times no matter what you have done that a C-section becomes necessary.  For those times, we are very grateful for this life-saving surgery.  Your doula will still provide valuable service.  She will be your witness, your listening ear, and your constant support.