Planned Cesarean Birth Support
Many people believe that doula support is only for vaginal birth, birth without an epidural, or home birth. Many doulas may even practice this way. I firmly believe every birth can benefit from doula support. Birth is more than a physical process; it’s an initiation into parenthood and you deserve to feel empowered however you birth.
There are plenty of voices out there that focus on the benefits and reasons for “natural” (vaginal) births, but I want to hold space for the truth that a cesarean can be just as connected and meaningful. The reality is that not everyone can or should have a vaginal birth, and that’s okay. That does not mean your birth experience should feel any “less than” vaginal birth.
Here’s what it may look like if you contract me to be a part of your team with a planned cesarean birth.
*All photos shared with client’s consent.
Prenatally, we will meet at least 2 times to establish a relationship, provide prenatal education and support, and prepare for postpartum. We will create a cesarean birth preferences plan (linked here), discuss your fears and hopes for your birth and how we can make your baby’s birth a beautiful and empowering experience.
I meet with you and your partner in pre-op to help settle nerves, communicate your wishes, and lead grounding affirmations, so you head into birth feeling supported, connected, and ready to meet your baby.
Since most hospitals only allow one person in the OR, I wait and rejoin you in recovery. That’s where I offer hands-on support through those first sweet hours, helping with baby’s first latch, guiding both parents as you get to know this new little person, and making sure you feel seen and cared for. I can also take photos during this time!
A cesarean birth is birth. It can be powerful, intentional, and beautiful with the right support. However your baby arrives, you deserve to feel heard, respected, safe, and surrounded by love.
Here’s what my client had to say about her experience having me at her birth:
“Maggie is a remarkable human being and Doula! With my planned C-section, I wasn’t sure how a doula would be able to support my experience. Before my son’s birth she provided a whole binder full of helpful resources and an easy template for creating a birthing plan. At the hospital before my surgery she was a wonderful advocate and made sure all my providers were on the same page. Her calming presence, along with the grounding exercises she lead, helped me go into my birth in the right headspace. In the post-op room she was there to help my baby boy get a good latch right away. Breastfeeding has been such a positive experience and I have Maggie to thank for that! I always looked forward to her visits as she is a true baby whisperer. Maggie was super supportive with tasks like nail trimming, pumping, bottle feeding, bathing, and holding the baby so I could tend to myself. I can’t recommend her highly enough!”
