As April comes to a close, I realize that I cannot let it lapse without acknowledging the month of Cesarean Awareness. I’m interested to know – what does Cesarean Awareness mean to you? What does it mean to ‘be aware’? I find myself contemplating our current cesarean rate in my hometown, as it teeters currently around 30%. That’s 3 out of every 10 births! In light of these stats, I believe awareness involves seeking out information about ways to reduce your risk of cesarean, but also (and arguably more importantly) preparing for one in the event that it becomes part of your story.

In my doula practice, I make a point of informing my clients about the importance of preparing for a Cesarean Birth, despite their plans of birthing vaginally – because there is only so much we can control when it comes to the story of our birth, and it is those individuals who hold onto the belief that “if I just don’t think about it/put energy into it/plan for it, it won’t happen” who run the highest risk of experiencing birth trauma.

Part of preparing for a Cesarean birth is to begin to pay attention to language. I hear many refer to a cesarean birth as a ‘C-section’, or ‘Section’. Close your eyes and say ‘C-section’ or “She ended up with a C-Section” out loud to yourself. What images does it conjure for you? What emotions or physical sensations arise? Where do you feel it in your body? Now, close your eyes again, but this time say ‘Cesarean Birth’ or “She gave birth by cesarean” to yourself aloud. How do the images, emotions, or sensations change? This subtle shift in language can have a huge impact on our mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation.

Birthing from Within® mentors prepare expectant parents in their childbirth classes to have a Cesarean-in-Awareness. What does it mean to prepare for having a Cesarean in awareness? It involves focusing not only on the medical part of the event, but also the emotional and spiritual aspects as well. Birth is a powerful rite of passage, no matter how your baby comes into the world. Whether your little one is born vaginally or by cesarean, moms-to-be (and partners too!) have to open – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. There is also a process of letting go that can occur; an acknowledgment of the moment when you move from one entity into two separate beings, and your baby suddenly becomes his or her own person. At that moment, you have also given birth to yourself as a parent. How amazing is that?

So, you may be asking “Ok, but HOW do I have a cesarean-in-awareness? What do I DO?” First and foremost, acknowledge the disappointment/ anger/ gratitude/ relief/ regret/ fear/ (or ANY other emotion) that comes up for you when this decision is made. Allow it. Acknowledge it. Forgive yourself if there is guilt or shame creeping in – you truly did the very best you could in that moment. I believe that with all my heart. Then, return to breath, breathe down to your baby, and let it go. Knowing you can return to those emotions at a later time and process them as they come, now is the time to let them go or ‘shelve them’ so you can birth your baby with mindfulness.

As you lie on the operating table, ground yourself with another deep breath. Many women have described to me a feeling of ‘pressure’ or ‘tugging’ during the procedure before the baby is born. I remember one VBAC client who said that pushing reminded her of the pressure she felt during her cesarean experience. While you feel these sensations – the pressure, the tugging, perhaps some nausea – close your eyes, envision your body, mind, and spirit opening up to allow your baby to be born. Physically, your uterus is still contracting and gently pushing your baby already, aiding the doctor who is assisting with the birth. At this moment, you can close your eyes, and envision yourself emotionally and spiritually giving your wee one a little ‘push’ into the world as well, sending them love and strength. When your baby is born and one becomes two, take a breath to acknowledge this threshold crossing, this momentous time of your baby’s birth. It also marks the beginning of your journey as parents. Hold it in your mind’s eye just for that one breath. You did it. Whew!

I know I make it sound easy, but it isn’t always, especially depending on your mindset going into the experience, as well as the reasons for the cesarean birth in the first place, and the support you may or may not feel from your birth team. I would strongly recommend that you consider hiring a doula to help prepare you for all things birth and baby, including the possibility of a cesarean birth. Also, check out the Birthing From Within® classes in your area – they are truly worth their weight in gold (I know, I’m biased but just ask someone who has taken one!). The classes help expectant parents to better cope with many different possible birth outcomes, especially the most unwished-for ones.

Finally, if you have already had a cesarean birth and you are struggling with processing it, there is help available. Seek out a Birth Story Listener™ in your area –connect with me and I’ll help link you the best I can. Remember, you are worth it.

*photos courtesy of Amy Haderer, Mandala Journey