What If I Have a Cesarean?
Navigating Your Cesarean Birth Journey with Empowerment and Support
Imagine the excitement of eagerly awaiting the arrival of your little one, the joy of planning and dreaming about the moment when you'll finally hold them in your arms. Now, imagine if those plans took an unexpected turn and the script you'd planned for your birth story suddenly veered off course. As a birth doula and photographer, I've walked alongside countless families as they navigate the unpredictable twists and turns of childbirth, including the journey of cesarean births. It's a journey filled with complex emotions—hope, uncertainty, fear, and sometimes disappointment—but above all, it's a journey of incredible strength, sacrifice, trust, and resilience.
Cesarean births are powerful stories worth sharing and telling. Whether planned or unexpected, they are no less profound or meaningful than any other birth story. In many ways they speak to the true sacrifice that birth can be and the utter transformation our bodies will go through to bring life into the world. As your doula and photographer, I understand the complex mix of emotions that accompanies a cesarean birth—the anticipation, the unknown, and the longing for everything to go smoothly. My role isn't just to capture moments; it's to provide unwavering support, advocacy, and compassion to families during this powerful and transformative experience.
Today I want to talk about the realities of cesarean birth. Peel back the curtain on what really happens so that families feel prepared for what’s ahead. Whether they planned it or it’s all happening in a rush, it can be helpful to have a sense of what to expect.
First of all, I am so thankful that here in Denver there is an understanding that continuous doula support even in the OR is powerful and necessary.
I have been invited and given permission to photograph cesarean births at most of our Denver hospitals. I believe this constant support from someone who knows you, knows your birth plans, and will be with you in the seasons after is SO CRUCIAL! Cesarean births, even with them being common, still have very complex recovery and leave a deep impact on families. So one thing I tell my families to expect is that I provide continuous support even if their birth takes a drastic turn.
But “What to Expect” with the Actual Cesarean?
I want to dive into some of the common questions and things most families don’t even know to ask that may help them picture their birth and experience with more clarity. I have been a witness to several cesarean births so I have seen what the space and energy are like as well as how the process unfolds. For many just having a foundational understanding can be helpful so that if things change plans you feel grounded and knowledgable in the moment.
What happens first?
When facing an unexpected cesarean birth, the whirlwind of emotions can be overwhelming. Things start happening fast or a lot of decisions are being made in a short period of time. Once the decision has been made, you'll be provided with a hospital gown (if you aren’t already wearing one) and a hair net. Your partner will be offered scrubs or a “bunny suit”, a hair net and shoe booties. Often, you'll be escorted to the operating room alone, with the comforting presence of a familiar nurse by your side. Initially, your birth partner may not accompany you, which can lead to a sense of separation anxiety. They often due the spinal and other preparations for you first. And once you're fully prepped and ready, your partner and I will be invited to join you, to offer support before the actual surgery begins.
What is the Operating Room like?
While the room itself may be small, it's often bustling with activity, with at least 8-10 nurses and doctors present, each focused on their specific role. Amidst the crowd, you may interact primarily with a select few, such as the anesthesiologist, a dedicated nurse providing support, and possibly the surgeon leading the procedure. Your partner will be in a chair right next to you and can hold your hand. It can feel crowded, chaotic, and sterile so it’s really helpful to focus on your partner and the baby (once they are here!) to offer a sense of grounding and comfort when things feel really out of your control. Music can play a really big role in offering distraction and calming effect as well. Some will have speakers set up and ready for you, or you are welcome to put your favorite playlist on your phone and place it by your pillow.
How Long Does it Take?
Cesarean births are faster than you’d expect, with the baby typically born within 20-30 minutes of entering the OR. The entire surgical process, including repairs, can take a little less than an hour! After the baby is born and you have had some time together, there is one more point in which it is standard to be separated from your partner and baby, but it is usually only about 15 minutes or so while they complete the surgery. Typically I accompany your partner and baby and we meet up again in the PACU (post-anesthesia care unity). They treat it like an oiled machine for most cesareans, each person knowing their job well and doing it with efficiency. This can often feel impersonal which is why it’s important to share any gentle or special requests before the surgery begins. Things as simple as meeting baby through the drape or breastfeeding in the OR are not common so you’ll want to make those requests very clear and advocate for them.
What if I have to have GA?
If General Anesthesia (GA) is required, neither your partner or myself will be permitted into the Operating Room. In these rare circumstances, the nurses are typically very good at ensuring that communication is continuous so that your partner can feel more at ease. After your surgery and once you wake up, your partner, baby, and I will be waiting for you. Typically baby is checked in the OR and then immediately given to your partner to hold as long as they are healthy as well.
How Doe it Feel?
During the surgery, it is likely that you will experience light pressure, but you should not experience sharp pain. If you're feeling discomfort, don't hesitate to communicate with your anesthesiologist or nurse. Prior to the surgery, you will be given an anti-nausea medication and your comfort will be continuously monitored throughout the procedure. It is not uncommon to experience the hormonal shakes that you would typically feel during a vaginal birth as well. They can be uncomfortable, but again, aren’t painful.
Where does my newborn go?
After the birth, your newborn is typically taken to a warmer for assessment. The nursing team will swiftly carry out standard checks and newborn procedures, like applying a hospital band, weighing the baby, and administering any of the desired newborn medications. However, if you're eager to be with your little one right away, don't hesitate to communicate your preference beforehand. In cases where the baby needs extra attention, like if they're taken to the NICU, partners are usually encouraged to go with the baby. In these instances, I typically stay with you in the OR and we both meet back up with your partner and baby as soon as possible. I encourage your partner to bring their phone so that we can provide each other with updates, photos and sometimes even video calling. This helps you to feel more connected with the care your baby is receiving.
What are my options for a Gentle Cesarean?
If you have the opportunity to advocate and share your preferences for your cesarean birth this can be an amazing way to feel more in control and empowered through your experience. There are many options that families might not know are available to them. So I want to share the gentle cesarean requests I see and have helped families advocate for all over Denver.
Making the OR Space Your Own:
Create a calming atmosphere in the operating room by requesting soothing music or your preferred playlist. Dimming the lights or minimizing conversation can help make the environment feel less clinical and more peaceful.
Requesting a Clear Drape:
Opt for a clear surgical drape during the procedure so you can witness the birth of your baby. This transparent sheet allows you to feel more connected to the experience and reduces the sense of detachment from your body.
Immediate Skin-to-Skin Contact:
Immediate skin-to-skin contact with your newborn in the OR promotes oxytocin release telling your body to prepare to breastfeed. This contact aids in regulating your baby's vital signs and fosters a deeper connection between you and your little one, facilitating a smoother transition into parenthood.
Start Breastfeeding in the OR:
Advocate for immediate breastfeeding support in the operating room to kickstart your nursing journey. Although you may feel groggy after surgery, with the assistance of your partner and healthcare team, initiating breastfeeding shortly after birth can be a rewarding experience for both you and your baby.
Including Your Doula and/or Birth Photographer:
Discuss the possibility of having your doula and/or birth photographer present in the OR to capture and celebrate the special moments of your cesarean birth. While space may be limited, advocating for our presence ensures that you have additional support and meaningful memories of your birth experience. Most hospitals in Denver support this but it’s always important to express your desire and wishes for more support.
Delayed Cord Clamping and Placenta Options:
Request delayed cord clamping and discuss your preferences for handling the placenta with your healthcare team. Whether you choose to save the placenta for encapsulation or simply wish to examine it, communicating your desires beforehand ensures that your wishes are respected. Otherwise they dispose of the placenta right then and there so you may not have a choice after the fact.
Consider Maternal Assisted Cesarean:
Maternal assisted cesarean is where you're given the opportunity to lift your baby from your abdomen during the surgery. While not widely practiced, advocating for this approach with your healthcare provider can empower you to play a more active role in the birth of your child.
The journey of a cesarean birth is profound and powerful, filled with moments of strength, resilience, and love.
Whether your cesarean was unexpected or planned, it's essential to recognize the beauty and significance of your experience. Your birth story, regardless of how it unfolds, is uniquely yours, and it deserves to be honored and celebrated.
As you navigate the postpartum period and embark on the journey of parenthood, remember that you are not alone. Your journey may have had unexpected twists and turns, but you have shown incredible courage and determination every step of the way. It's okay to seek support, to ask for help, and to embrace the full spectrum of emotions that come with childbirth and beyond.
If you want to feel prepared for birth and learn more, I invite you to join the free birth education email course, where you'll receive valuable lessons, insights, and support to empower you on your journey to parenthood.
Welcome,
I’m Lindsey Eden
I am a certified and award-winning birth photographer and videographer, as well as a certified birth doula. I work in Denver, Colorado and the surrounding areas. I have always been passionate about the arts, especially photography. After giving birth to my two lively and loving children, I discovered the world of birth and developed a new passion. Combining my love for photography with supporting birthing families has become my career and brings me immense joy every day. It gives my life true meaning and happiness.
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