5 reasons to hire a Doula if you are planning a caesarean.

Recently I supported an amazing mother through a planned caesarean. I wanted to talk about this as I know there is very much a stigma that a Doula is someone you hire when you want a natural birth, and while it is true that the majority of most Doula's clients want a natural birth that is not what every woman wants or needs. 

For the caesarean I recently supported having a Doula was an obvious choice, with no other support available to go into the operation with her I was able to go with this mum into theatre where I held her hand, talked her through what was happening, let staff know when she needed anything, helping her to feel calm and supported through out her birth, took photo's and then once baby was born I helped facilitate skin to skin and holding her beautiful new baby for the first time all while still in theatre. 

Of course this is not always the case and with only one support person able to go into theatre if you have your husband/ partner/ wife or maybe your mum or sister or friend you might be thinking if a Doula can't be in theatre with me what is the point in hiring one? Well that's what I'm here to tell you so here are my top 5 reasons to hire a doula for a planned caesarean.

1. You are still a mother having a baby and if you want or need extra support you damn well should get it!

As obvious as that sounds hiring someone to support you emotionally is a hard concept for a lot of people. And sometimes you need support from someone outside family, friends or medical support, who is unbiased and can be there for you and your needs.

2. A Doula can help you gather information about your options and write out a birth plan.

But why do you need a birth plan if you are having a planned caesarean you ask? There are still different options before, during and after your operation you want your care providers to be aware of. Do you want a spinal or epidural? Pre-op drugs? Delayed cord clamping, skin to skin? Dad to cut the cord? Immunizations for baby? Lots of things to think about and having all the options and all the information can be absolutely invaluable on the day.

3. A Doula can help talk and work through any fears or concerns about your birth and upcoming surgery.

Birth can be overwhelming, the unknown can be scary and when you through in major surgery with that, along with the reasons why you need or choose a caesarean it is a lot to deal with. Having a Doula who can really listen and support you through these emotions help you gather information and sought through that information can help you to feel prepared for your birth.

4. A Doula can debrief with you after your caesarean.

The birth of a baby and the days that follow can stir a lot of big and sometimes unexpected emotions and thoughts. Having a safe space and a person you trust to talk through everything and anything that may come up whether it is celebrating your joy with you or supporting you through darker thoughts being really heard is so important.

5. Recovery is hard as shit!

Not only have you got this beautiful new little person to look after but you are also recovering from major surgery! Even simple tasks like folding washing and cooking dinner are going to be tuff so why not take advantage of the wonderful and varied services of a Postnatal Doula and have someone look after you. YOU DESERVE IT!!