5 WAYS TO TRANSFORM YOUR CAESAREAN BIRTH

Photo Credit: Unsplash/ @amitgaur

Nervous about the prospect of having a theatre birth? Caesareans can sometimes have a bad reputation, but there’s nothing to stop you having a birth experience that aligns with your dream vision, even if the plan changes last minute. Here are a few ways you can settle those nerves in anticipation of your big day;

CREATE A LIST OF PREFERENCES FOR A CAESAREAN

Regardless of whether having an abdominal birth is your first choice or not, it’s important to research your options for different birth types, so that if the unexpected happens, you can still have a positive experience that aligns with your wishes. Do your research into what your local hospital’s policies are on what is possible during a caesarean, so that you can plan accordingly.

WATCH POSITIVE BELLY BIRTH VIDEOS

Having a caesarean doesn’t have to be a scary, negative experience. There are lots of birth videos online that display the wholesome experiences of a theatre birth. Look up the term ‘gentle caesarean’ to see how belly births can be done in a way that incorporates aspects of a vaginal birth for added benefits. The more you can visualise it, the more likely you are to change your preconceptions.

WRITE AFFIRMATIONS THAT RESPOND DIRECTLY TO YOUR FEARS ABOUT A C-SECTION

Pen powerful ‘I’ statements on post it notes and stick them in places you’ll be able to see and recite them every day. The more specific they are, the better. The repetition will help your brain process this new outlook and shift unhelpful, negative beliefs about abdominal birth.

CONSIDER THE ADJUSTMENTS YOU CAN MAKE WITHIN THEATRE

Ask your medical team if it is possible to play certain songs in theatre while you give birth to set the mood. See what their policy is on lowering the screen as your baby emerges, or if it is safe to allow your baby to be pulled out slowly to mimic a vaginal birth. Think about if you want delayed cord clamping or immediate skin to skin. These small changes can make all the difference.

MAKE A PRO AND CON LIST FOR AN ELECTIVE CAESAREAN

Sometimes birth trauma is caused by feeling a lack of control over the situation and your body. One way to avoid an abrupt caesarean that you weren’t expecting is to consider whether an elective abdominal birth is right for you. Having an intentional caesarean can make it more likely for you to have the adjustments you need to feel good about the experience. It will also give you more mental clarity during pregnancy to focus on other things, once your birth has already been scheduled and planned.

For more information on how hypnobirthing can help you have a positive caesarean birth, please book in your free clarity call with me. My hypnobirthing classes are tailored around your unique situation, so if you decide to have an elective c-section, I can focus the classes around that birth type and help you tackle any abdominal birth-specific fears you may have.

Love, Megan