Family-Centered C-Section

For patients who have a planned and/or non-emergent C-section, we offer the family-centered C-section. We slow down the traditional surgical method, and add various comforting elements to enhance family bonding throughout the birthing experience.

Instead of feeling disconnected from your birth experience, and waiting to see your baby in pictures taken by your support person, you are given the option to see baby being born, and to bond with them almost immediately. These adjustments help to transform the C-section from feeling like a major surgery, to feeling more like a natural birth experience.

Since it is a surgical procedure, a family-centered C-section follows the rules and safety protocols of the operating room, while allowing patients to have some additional control over their deliveries.

Some of the options available for your family-centered C-section include:

• Walking to the operating room in place of being transported on a hospital bed
• Lowered lights in the surgical suite
• Hearing the music of your choice during your experience
• Using aromatherapy for comfort and relaxation

One major difference is in the surgical draping that is placed between you and baby. Instead of one solid blue drape, a two-layered drape is utilized. During the initial stages of the procedure, the blue drape is used. When it’s time for delivery, that drape is lowered, and a clear portion remains so that you can see baby coming out of the womb. Then, within a few minutes after birth and once it is safe to do so, baby is placed on your chest to begin skin-to-skin contact.

While most pregnant patients will not need to include a C-section in their birth plan, some will—and our team will do everything we can to make each birth as beautiful and personalized as possible.

If you know that your upcoming birthing experience will include a C-section, talk to your pregnancy care provider to see if a family-centered C-section is right for you.