8 Key Ways Doulas Support Cesarean Births

Birth workers and birthing families, especially, will find Court Harris's blog valuable. It provides an overview of the ways that doulas, or what Court prefers to call companions, support families during cesarean births.

Doulas can assist birthing families in deciding on their preferences. One possibility is a gentle cesarean which can include choosing to have certain music playing. Doulas can also aid in communicating these preferences to the birth team.

Discussing the steps of a C-section with families can help alleviate anxiety. Doulas can provide insight into what to expect during the procedure and during recovery and postpartum. They can also answer questions after the birth and connect the families with other resources, such as mental health support.

Doulas provide continuous support throughout the birthing process. as well as during the recovery process and postpartum, and in many other circumstances including the loss of a baby or adoption. 

It is entirely wild to me that in some cases, birthing people don’t see their OB until 6 weeks postpartum. Recently, clients have had 2 week check-ins with their OB after surgical births, but I don’t think this is standard practice yet. That said, depending on the client’s support system, there may be a limited number of folks they’re touching base with during early postpartum. Companions help clients connect the dots between needs they have and other service providers or resources from lactation, to parenting groups, to mental health support, and so much more.

SOURCE: Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings • AUTHOR: Court Harris • LAST UPDATED: February 9, 2024