Have you heard of the "Gentle Cesarean"?

Have you ever heard of the term gentle cesarean? Or family-centered cesarean?

A few years ago, ACOG released an updated committee opinion on limiting intervention during labor and birth, which included a push towards family-centric interventions such as family-centered cesareans 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧

This birthing option is exactly what it sounds like. A more gentle environment that allows for increased involvement of mothers and families during the belly birthing process🤰🏻

Some components of a gentle cesarean include:

✔️ The use of a clear plastic drape, which allows you to watch your baby being born.

✔️ Baby may also be placed on your chest for skin to skin as soon as possible, to allow bonding and nursing to begin right there in the OR.

✔️ Delayed cord clamping is often possible as long and your baby is born healthy with good color, tone, and respiratory effort.

✔️ Some facilities will also attempt to improve the OR environment and ambiance by playing your choice of music, dimming the lights, and reducing the number of staff members present.

Did you have a gentle cesarean? I’d love to hear about your experience!