Over the past twenty years that I have been a mum, the options for new mothers have grown: birthing centers, homebirths as well as more home-like birth facilities in hospitals. But what about services for the 25% of mums in the UK and almost 1/3 of moms in the US who have cesareans (caesareans)? Having had 3 cesarean births myself, including a very traumatic first experience, I am shocked that the options for these Special Starts just are not there.
One of the assignments for my certification as a doula was to do a survey of childbirth education courses in my area (London). In one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities, I could not find a single course for caesarean births. It was as if the moment a woman decided to have or was told she would need a caesarean, it was no longer a birth...and she did not need any information or skills.
My experience is quite the opposite. Those mums (moms) who require/desire caesarean births most need a Special Start. As a mother who has had three caesarean births, the first of which resulted in PTSD that lasted almost five years, I believe that the most important thing you can do is to prepare for your birth and actively participate in the decision-making process.
If you have prepared for the birth by reading about caesarean procedures, talking about them with your doctor and even taking special childbirth education classes that focus upon caesarean births and recovery, then you will minimise fear of the unknown by educating yourself.
Likewise if you discuss your concerns with your doctor, research the issues and then compromise on the issues that concern you most then you will be an active participant in your birth and minimise the sense of helplessness.
Special Start believes that birth choice is a very personal decision that the mother and her partner are best qualified to make with accurate and informed medical advice. We respect all birth choices as unique to the mum, baby and that situation. Our childbirth education focuses upon educating and empowering ourselves to make those decisions. As a birth doula, we are happy and qualified to support both elective caesarean and homebirth VBACs (having personally enjoyed both birthing options). In the postpartum period, we excel at assisting caesarean mums and babies, who may be experiencing a bit of difficulty establishing breastfeeding. We also compassionately and empathetically offer de-briefing for traumatic birth experiences.
My own experience with my traumatic first caesarean has led me to begin childbirth education classes and doula services specifically for these special women and babies for whom caesarean birth is chosen. I believe that with compassionate support and care the breastfeeding rates among these families can be dramatically increased and more importantly we can help them to heal quicker both physically and emotionally. This is my unique vision and mission; my long journey back from birth trauma.
