Birth Plans Can Change
“When our birth plan changed and I needed a surgical birth, my doula held my hand in the operating room and helped us to stay calm.” – Haley, St. Pete Beach
Birth plans can change, like Haley describes. Many people (mistakenly) think birth doula support is only for a “natural” birth or vaginal birth. What role does the doula play during a surgical birth? If you’ve labored, she supports your comfort and calm during labor.
If you haven’t gone into labor, she can join you in pre-op as you prepare to meet your baby, helping to keep you calm and comfortable.
When allowed, she can join you in the operating room, reassuring you, keeping you informed, even taking pictures!
In case your baby needs medical care, she can stay with you if your partner goes with your baby, making sure you’re never left alone.
She can assist with immediate skin-to-skin in the operating room, breastfeeding in recovery or both when you are reunited with your baby.
We’ve also had postpartum doulas stay overnight in the hospital with mothers who have just had a surgical birth to help them rest and care for their babies.
The bottom line is that doulas support. No matter what.
Christie Rinder is the founder of Buddha Belly Doulas, Tampa Bay's original and largest doula agency. Supporting families since 2009, she's passionate about ensuring every family has the support they need during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She believes in helping women recognize their own inner wisdom, strength and power.
Having served as President of the Tampa Bay Birth Network for six years and 17 years serving families as a birth doula, she has a reputation for leadership, dedication and compassion. A childbirth educator, certified lactation counselor as well as a certified doula, she makes a point of ensuring mothers and their partners understand all their birthing options and what to expect on their journey. > learn more about Christie
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