Other than having a doula support you through your caesarean birth here are some other tips to help make your birth a more positive experience.

All of this is best discussed with your caregivers prior to you going in to labour.

• Schedule your caesarean as close to your due date as possible or even in early labour – let your baby choose his/her own birthday.
• Leave your arms/hands free so that you can hold your baby in theatre.
• Skin to skin in theatre, it is possible for your baby (if well) to remain on your chest while the rest of the operation is completed.
• Breastfeeding in theatre.
• Take lots of photos in theatre.
• Partner to cut cord.
• Play your own music in theatre – make up a CD earlier and bring it along.
• Request to find out baby’s gender yourself, let theatre staff know not to announce it.
• Having the screen lowered when your baby is being born so you can see baby’s birth.
• Request for staff to be quiet and respectful, with conversation to a minimum when your baby is born.
• Be sure to write up a birth plan for caesarean birth. Do this regardless of whether you are planning a section or not. This way in the event of an emergency your wishes are known and down in writing.
• Hire a Doula! (I know I said “other than having a doula” but I had to include it here again.

For more information on how a doula can support your caesarean please read Doula Support For Caesarean Births