---
title: 8 Key Ways Doulas Support Cesarean Births
date: 2024-11-05T13:10:00-05:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/8-key-ways-doulas-can-support-cesarean-births"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# 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.

[Read the full article ](https://www.badoulatrainings.org/blog/key-ways-doulas-can-support-cesarean-births)

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

![A doula taping a cesarean scar with kinesiology tape to help with recovery after birth. The birthing person's stomach is visible, and they are wearing blue floral shorts.](data:image/png;base64,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) [Татьяна Оракова](https://stock.adobe.com/contributor/209523221/%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%8C%D1%8F%D0%BD%D0%B0%20%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0?load_type=author&prev_url=detail)/Adobe Stock

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth)
- [ birthing options](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birthing-options)
- [ birth care providers](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birth-care-providers)
- [birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth)
- [childbirth choices](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/childbirth-choices)
- [doula](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/doulas)
- [cesarean section](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/cesarean-section)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## How To Choose The Right Doula For You

Things to consider when choosing a doula include cost, certification, and more.

![A happy pregnant woman sits on the couch being checked by her doula](data:image/png;base64,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)

Things to consider when choosing a doula include cost, certification, and more.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-to-choose-the-right-doula-for-you)

[ResourcesRead

## Ten Tips for Taking Charge of Your Maternity Care

A top ten list from Childbirth Connection of things to know or think about as you advance through your pregnancy and birth.

![volodymyr-hryshchenko-87ev1NvhDsU-2048x1365](data:image/png;base64,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)

A top ten list from Childbirth Connection of things to know or think about as you advance through your pregnancy and birth.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ten-tips-for-taking-charge-of-your-maternity-care)

[ResourcesRead

## Choices in Childbirth

A collection of videos, articles, and downloadable worksheets to help pregnant people make pregnancy, birthing, and post-birth choices that are right for them.

![Choices in Childbirth scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A collection of videos, articles, and downloadable worksheets to help pregnant people make pregnancy, birthing, and post-birth choices that are right for them.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/choices-in-childbirth)

[ResourcesRead

## A Personal Story on the Dangers of Childbirth

A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk.

![Pregnancy is not supposed to kill us - Yet I almost died TWICE](data:image/png;base64,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)

A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-personal-story-on-the-dangers-of-childbirth)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy

MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section.

![My Story- Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-overcoming-challenges-during-pregnancy)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Deciding Where to Give Birth

MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital.

![My Story- Deciding Where to Give Birth](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-deciding-where-to-give-birth)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Cultivating Confidence During Pregnancy

MB shares how she prepared herself for pregnancy and birth and how childbirth classes and books shaped her perception of childbirth.

![My Story- Cultivating Confidence During Pregnancy](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB shares how she prepared herself for pregnancy and birth and how childbirth classes and books shaped her perception of childbirth.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-cultivating-confidence-during-pregnancy)

[ResourcesLook

## Black Birthing Bill of Rights

The Black Birthing Bill of Rights is a resource for self-advocacy and for prompting policymakers and institutions to better support Black pregnant people.

![Black Birthing Bill of Rights scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Black Birthing Bill of Rights is a resource for self-advocacy and for prompting policymakers and institutions to better support Black pregnant people.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/black-birthing-bill-of-rights)