A Gentler Cesarean

Mothers and babies who receive a surgical birth often have additional challenges to overcome in the early postpartum period. A decision to give birth via major abdominal surgery is never taken lightly, and often occurs as a result of a situation where surgical birth is considered necessary to promote the best outcome for mother and baby. Unexpected cesareans can be very traumatic for a mother whose birth experience quickly diverges from her plan. In a traditional cesarean surgery, mother and baby are separated for most of the "magical hour" after birth which complicates normal bonding and breastfeeding.

Below is a touching video showcasing a Family-Centered Cesarean by Dr. Brad Bootstaylor, a perinatologist on the staff of Intown Midwifery in Atlanta, Georgia.

ImprovingBirth.org has a lovely birth story from another mother who experienced a Family-Centered Cesarean. I look forward to the day that this option is available to all mothers and babies in our country.