"The Doula’s Role for Moms and Partners During a C-Section"
- Cordelia Thompson
- Dec 4, 2024
- 2 min read
In 2011, 1 in 3 women who gave birth in the United States did so by cesarean delivery. Even though primary and total cesarean delivery rates have decreased recently, there was a rapid increase in cesarean rates from 1996 through 2011. In general, having a doula can lower the need to have a c-section but sometimes it may still be unavoidable.
How can your doula help you and your partner if a C-section is unavoidable? Doulas can provide emotional support and reassurance that you are making the best decision for you and your baby. She can also help calm your nerves to reduce anxiety during what can be an overwhelming experience and feelings of loss of control. She provides a steady presence, especially if the medical staff is focused on the technical aspects of the surgery. She can be a helpful advocate for you. While she does not replace medical staff, a doula can help you understand what is happening, translate medical terminology, and remind you of your preferences if it is not endangering your life.
Though limited in the surgical environment, a doula may assist with comforting touches, breathing techniques, or even positioning for pre- or post-surgery comfort. Not all Hospitals will allow a doula in the surgical room, you would have to check with your hospital police. If the doula cannot accompany you through surgery she can teach your partner comforting techniques and breathing patterns to help you stay relaxed.
Your doula will often stay with you from surgery preparation through recovery to ensure you feel supported even when your partner may be momentarily unavailable. During recovery, your doula will help you with initial breastfeeding or skin-to-skin bonding and, if possible, offer guidance that prioritizes your healing and connection with your baby.
Witnessing a C-section can be stressful for partners. A doula provides reassurance, explains the process, and can help keep them calm. Many partners feel unsure about how to best support their partner during surgery. The doula suggests practical ways to help, such as holding a hand, offering soothing words, or assisting the baby afterward. The doula’s presence also allows the partner to focus on their emotional connection with the birthing woman rather than feeling solely responsible for managing the situation. While the partner may attend to the baby or the woman post-surgery, the doula ensures neither is left unsupported, balancing attention and care. By taking on some of the logistical or emotional load, the doula enables the partner to bond with both the mother and baby more effectively, rather than feeling overwhelmed. Essentially a doula serves as a calm, knowledgeable ally, ensuring the birthing woman and her partner feel supported, informed, and connected during a C-section experience.
ACOG/SMFM Consensus
ASPE-Doula-Issue-Brief-12-13-22.pdf
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