Many pregnant mothers are facing a planned (also called “scheduled”) cesarean section, but don’t know that they can and should develop a birth plan just the same as women anticipating a vaginal delivery!
Each hospital, each surgeon, and each anesthesiology team will have a different status quo, a different “standard” way they do a cesarean. This might not match with a mother’s expectations and wishes for her birth. 
From attending and leading my local chapter of the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN), I learned that there are many options for a beautiful cesarean delivery. Lots of times, hospital staff just do certain things because that’s how they always do it–there might not be an official policy surrounding certain aspects of a cesarean. A mother can discuss these options with her surgeon prior to delivery to build a plan that meets everyones needs for a beautiful birthing experience.
Here are some options moms have discussed with their surgical team at prenatal visits:
Prior to Delivery
- birth partner remain with mom for support while spinal is placed
- surgical drape placed low on the chest to leave space for skin-to-skin contact if baby is healthy
- blood pressure cuff placed on mom’s wrist (versus upper arm) for more arm mobility
- unrestrained arms during the procedure with the option of a strap to squeeze if mom needs to stabilize due to shaking
- oxygen for mom via nasal cannula versus a face mask
- surgical drape lowered while baby is delivered so family can witness baby’s birth
- surgeon holds baby up for parents to see and identify the sex
- doula or support person in the room to take pictures so birth partner can support mom and baby
- music of mother’s choice playing in the operating room (or over headphones for mom)
After Delivery
- removal of nasal cannula once baby is delivered
- delayed cord clamping as long as is safe for mom and baby
- everyone sings “happy birthday” to baby!
- surgeon leaves a long umbilical cord for birth partner to trim (just like a partner might snip the cord after a vaginal delivery)
- OR team only minimally wipes baby and places him on mom’s chest
- delay non-essential examinations or newborn procedures (like weighing, measuring, bathing, etc.) until mom is in the recovery room
- as soon as baby is stable, bring baby to mom and partner to hold and bond
- if skin-to-skin is not an option for mom, allow birth partner to snuggle baby skin to skin by mom’s head
An ICAN chapter meeting can be a great place to brainstorm a cesarean birth plan with other mothers who have planned similar births in your area hospital. You and your provider can work together to plan a safe birthing that honors this major life event for your family.
Did you have a planned cesarean section? Leave us a comment to share some aspects of your birth plan!
It’s not necessarily up to the patient to decide whether they get oxygen via nasal specs or mask, or when it gets taken off. It’s there for a reason and will be taken off when it’s safe to do so.