How Can a Postpartum Doula Help After a Cesarean Birth?
With Cesarean Awareness Month coming to an end, I thought I'd cover how exactly a postpartum doula like myself, can be beneficial to those adjusting to postpartum while also recovering from a cesarean.
The different birth experiences can be a major contributor to how the immediate postpartum will go. Support is necessary regardless of the type of birth you have (vaginal or cesarean). In some cases, support may be more demanding. Vaginal births can be complicated and hard on the individual, therefore needing extra support. More often, cesarean deliveries are what I'm seeing needing that extra support and that's what we are covering in this particular blog.
Can someone have an uncomplicated and pleasant cesarean birth experience? Of course! Many do! The healing, in general, is a little bit more extensive than an uncomplicated vaginal delivery though. Because cesarean births are also a surgical procedure, there will be extra things to take into account.
It is generally advised not to do much but rest for the first two weeks, avoid lifting anything other than baby, keep stairs to a minimum, keep an eye on the incision, and make sure a fever doesn't develop.
So, what can a postpartum doula help with? A lot! Here are some of the things a postpartum doula can help with after your cesarean:
AIDE IN YOUR REST & NEWBORN CARE
The top priority is your rest! Your postpartum doula will assist you with anything that could prevent that rest from happening. Your doula can help you get comfortable in the space you choose, make sure you have all of your baby care necessities close by, ensure that your water bottle is always filled, and bring you snacks or meals so you don't have to overexert yourself. If you are finding any newborn care task uncomfortable or painful, your doula will be happy to help. You might need some extra naps and you can feel confident with your doula taking over caring for your newborn while you catch some Z's.
HOUSE CHORES
For some, those inevitable house chores can really effect your mood and even more so if you're feeling discomfort or pain. You really should avoid any house chore that requires you to lift or move something over the weight of your newborn. Sometimes tasks that require a lot of movement or bending can be too much as well. If there are things you are unable to do and they are causing stress, your doula may be able to help with those.
OLDER SIBLING(S)
Do you have an older child? If so, your doula can definitely help with them as well! Your doula can entertain them, get them snacks, lift them as needed, help them adjust to the new baby, and explain the need for your extra rest. The doula can also take care of the baby while you get some one on one bonding with an older sibling too.
NEWBORN FEEDING ASSISTANCE
If you plan to breastfeed, there can be some obstacles after a cesarean but it's definitely not impossible! Your doula is knowledgeable about these obstacles and can give you tips on encouraging a healthy supply, optimal breastfeeding positions to avoid discomfort, and assist you hands on, if desired.
WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR
Your postpartum doula has been trained to recognize what is within and outside the scope of normal healing for a cesarean birth. We are strictly non-medical so we won't be able to diagnose, but we can definitely let you know if it's time to make a call to your care provider if issues arise.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Like I stated previously, there can be struggles with any type of birth. Cesareans may have a higher likelihood based on multiple factors. Sometimes it's not the type of birth one had hoped for or maybe it was an emergency and it was scary for the birthing person. No matter what you endured, your postpartum doula is there to actively listen and help you process your feelings surrounding the birth experience. It's okay to vent and seek out your postpartum doula for this type of support. Your doula will understand and never judge your feelings or experience. We are here to support you unbiasedly.
Have any questions about postpartum support? Reach out and message the Facebook page or email me at mcsdoula@gmail.com.
