A gentle or natural cesarean, or gentle c-section is an emerging trend in childbirth because of its benefits for both mother and baby.
Medically reviewed by Mary Rani Cadiz, MD · Obstetrics and Gynecology
A gentle or natural cesarean, or gentle c-section is an emerging trend in childbirth because of its benefits for both mother and baby.
The procedure, also known as natural cesarean, is less like an abdominal surgery, and more like a natural way of giving birth.
Delivery is still by cesarean method, and surgery is still required. But women who give birth by gentle c-section report feeling more satisfied upon giving birth. The couple can witness the baby being born and have the baby brought close to the mother immediately after birth. The experience is somewhat similar to vaginal birth.
A gentle c-section checklist for parents interested in the procedure includes checking in with your hospital if they allow it, and consulting with your doctor.
Let this gentle c-section checklist guide you. A gentle c-section:
You can ask the nurses to prop you up a bit so you can see what is happening through a clear plastic curtain.
Or you can ask that the curtain be lowered earlier and further down to see what is going on. Having a clear view of the birth should be on your gentle c-section checklist. The medical team also cleans up the baby right there and then as the surgery continues.
Your baby will emerge from your uterine incision more slowly. This will allow time to equalize with that of the environment and the lungs to be cleared of fluid.
You will find your baby, swathed in a warm towel, on your chest right after being born. This promotes early breastfeeding. Your newborn may even be with you during the remaining moments of surgery, and go with you to the recovery room. Having immediate skin contact with your baby should be part of your gentle c-section checklist.
Your hands are free from straps. The IV line, blood pressure cuff and oximeter are in your non-dominant hand so you can hold your newborn well. Electrocardiogram (EKG) leads (which checks your heartbeat during the operation) are on your back or lower chest. It is not on your upper chest, so you can move more freely.
Because a gentle c-section involves less sedation, it allows the mother to be more alert. This allows them to look after the baby, through skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding soon the procedure.
A gentle c-section can involve less lighting, reduced noise, or your choice of background music for easier childbirth. Include what song you’d like to be listening to as part of your gentle c-section checklist.
The baby is cleaned up right there and then while the rest of the procedure is carried out.
This gentle c-section checklist of advantages includes:
Your gentle c-section checklist of things to do should include:
The procedure requires planning so you and your partner can fully enjoy the journey. Let this gentle c-section checklist of things to prepare help you:
Though gentle, this type of c-section can still be considered a type of surgery. So as with any type of surgery, it’s important to make the necessary preparations. By creating a gentle c-section checklist and consulting with a trusted OB-Gyne, you can better prepare, should this type of birth method be right for you.
Learn more about pregnancy and giving birth, here.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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