Whether you are preparing for a scheduled c-section or just getting ready for all the possibilities, I believe it is so important to have a c-section birth plan prepared. That way, if/when the time comes, you have options if your baby needs a different kind of birth than you had hoped for.
I recently talked to a mom who was planning a HBAC (home birth after ceserean section), things weren't going well and there was a lot of meconium present when her water broke. This mom had a great support team who didn't pressure her into going to the hospital, but she felt that a transfer would be best for her baby. Once at the hospital her baby's heart rate started dropping regularly. Her doctors were ok with lettng her continue to labor a while longer but she decided a c-section would be better for her baby. She had prepared a birth plan for the hospital and a c-section plan just in case. She was able to give her plan to her medical team and they went out of their way to give her the peaceful, family centered c-section she had wanted. Because this mom had educated herself and been so well prepared, she was able to make decisions for herself instead of having them pushed on her. She had peace and was happy with how her birth turned out even though it didn't go the way she initially planned.
This link will take you to an article about how to write a c-section birth plan and how to discuss it with your doctor.
Below is a video that explains the process of a family centered cesarean. It really can be a beautiful process. And you really do have options!
I recently talked to a mom who was planning a HBAC (home birth after ceserean section), things weren't going well and there was a lot of meconium present when her water broke. This mom had a great support team who didn't pressure her into going to the hospital, but she felt that a transfer would be best for her baby. Once at the hospital her baby's heart rate started dropping regularly. Her doctors were ok with lettng her continue to labor a while longer but she decided a c-section would be better for her baby. She had prepared a birth plan for the hospital and a c-section plan just in case. She was able to give her plan to her medical team and they went out of their way to give her the peaceful, family centered c-section she had wanted. Because this mom had educated herself and been so well prepared, she was able to make decisions for herself instead of having them pushed on her. She had peace and was happy with how her birth turned out even though it didn't go the way she initially planned.
This link will take you to an article about how to write a c-section birth plan and how to discuss it with your doctor.
Below is a video that explains the process of a family centered cesarean. It really can be a beautiful process. And you really do have options!
I recently attended a webinar that went into great detail about family centered c-sections. This webinar goes over the reasons for choosing a family centered c-section, the reasons to prepare for one even if you plan a vaginal birth, and how to achieve one. I am adding a link to the webinar below so that you can have as many tools as possible.
Family Centered Cesarean Webinar
Family Centered Cesarean Webinar