Can you use Hypnobirthing for a caesarean?
Hypnobirthing for Cesarean Births: Embracing Calm and Control
When it comes to childbirth, many people picture a vaginal delivery, but for all sorts of reasons, a cesarean birth might be the best or only option. This doesn’t mean your experience can’t be empowering or calm. It doesn’t mean your hope/chance at experiencing a positive birth experience doesn’t exist.
For some, the reason for a caesarean section is because of really significant fear of vaginal deliveries. For others, there may have been birth trauma on previous babies. Both of these reason for caesarean sections are absolutely and completely valid. For people who this applies to, the thought of delivering vaginally is overwhelming and causes great distress. If this is you, sometimes doing the full course can have a massive benefit as it might help you to see the option of trying to create a positive birth experience with a vaginal delivery. Everything in the course is still relevant for caesarean sections of course too! It would also give you the opportunity to meet other expectant parents. However, if is is an absolute that you are having caesarean section, then you might prefer a bespoke private course! You can find out more about the hypnobirthing courses I offer here.
Hypnobirthing focuses on relaxation and mental preparation and actually this can be incredibly powerful for those having a cesarean. I want to explore how hypnobirthing techniques, along with the concept of gentle cesareans, can help you navigate this journey with confidence and serenity, feeling that your birth was a positive experience.
What is Hypnobirthing?
Firstly, lets talk about what Hypnobirthing is briefly. Hypnobirthing is based on the idea that childbirth can be a positive and empowering experience, rather than something filled with fear and pain. It focuses on the biological mechanisms that the female body has in place in order to give birth. Ultimately we don’t have any other bodily functions that don’t work or cause us agonising pain - birth is no difference. Hypnobirthing combines deep relaxation, breathing techniques, visualisation, and positive affirmations to help individuals connect with their bodies and manage stress during labour. It is education - and lots of it (!) that gives us a good understanding of our body, how it works and how we can maximise these tools that are already built into our biology. Hypnobirthing also focuses on birth rights and being able to make informed decisions in order to help you feel in control when having your baby. While often associated with vaginal births, these principles are highly adaptable for cesarean deliveries and are equally as important. Hypnobirthing is for anyone having a baby, no matter on which type of birth this is. If you are interested in doing a full hypnobirthing course with me to feel confidence and maybe even excited for labour, jump onto my course booking page!
Why Use Hypnobirthing for a Cesarean Birth?
Reducing Anxiety: The thought of a cesarean can understandably cause anxiety. Hypnobirthing techniques can help address these feelings, allowing you to approach the surgery with a more peaceful mindset.
Enhancing Connection: This practice encourages you to connect with your body and your baby, helping you maintain a sense of control over the experience, even in a surgical setting.
Creating a Positive Environment: Many hospitals are open to creating a calming atmosphere during a cesarean, including playing music, dimming the lights, and having your partner or doula present. Hypnobirthing can help you communicate your preferences to the medical team.
Promoting Relaxation: Techniques like deep breathing and visualisation can be used both pre-operatively and during the procedure, promoting relaxation and reducing tension.
Building up a good bond and connection with baby: Understanding how our hormones work and getting the best from them when we are diverting from the traditional route of birth can ensure you the best chance at bonding, lactating and establishing breast feeding. As well as helping to improve mental health for mum post labour.
Understanding Gentle Cesareans - What is this?!
A gentle cesarean is an approach designed to make the surgical experience more like a natural birth. This method focuses on minimising stress for both the birthing person and the baby, and can include features such as:
Gentler Techniques: Surgeons may use techniques that minimise trauma to the baby, such as a slower delivery through the incision and allowing the baby to "breathe" before fully emerging. This also helps in removing some of the fluid that is in their lungs. Whilst this cannot fully replicate the ability of the vaginal canal during vaginal births, it can help improve the fluid retention in the lungs.
Delayed Cord Clamping: This allows blood to flow from the placenta to the baby, which can be beneficial for their health. This is in the NICE guidelines to have delayed cord clamping, but sometimes this can be missed during caesareans.
Skin-to-Skin Contact: As soon as it's safe, the baby is placed on the chest of the birthing person, promoting bonding and breastfeeding initiation. This is fantastic for producing lots of oxytocin which helps bonding with baby and reducing post-natal mental health issues. Read more about the benefits of skin-to-skin contact in this STUDY.
Involvement of the Partner: Partners can be actively involved in the process, often being allowed to hold the baby as soon as they’re born.
Calming Environment: The operating room can be adjusted to create a more soothing atmosphere, with dimmed lights and calming music. If you have undertaken a hypnobirthing course (if you haven’t, but want to, check out my courses here) then you will understand the important of the environment and how this can impact your mindset and hormones. By having some control and say in how the environment looks can go toward the experience being positive.
Check out this STUDY called ‘The natural caesarean: a woman-centred technique’ which talks more about the benefits of a gentle caesarean.
Practical Techniques for Cesarean Births
Here are some specific hypnobirthing techniques to consider as you prepare for a cesarean:
Visualisation: Spend time visualising a calm and successful cesarean experience. Imagine yourself in a serene environment, feeling relaxed and safe, surrounded by supportive healthcare professionals.
Breathing Techniques: Use deep, rhythmic breathing to centre yourself. Focus on inhaling peace and exhaling tension, especially when anxiety starts to creep in. I teach several types of breathing techniques on my hypnobirthing course.
Positive Affirmations: Create a list of affirmations that resonate with you, such as “I trust my body and my medical team” or “I am calm, and my baby is safe.” Repeat these affirmations to yourself before and during the procedure.
Pre-Surgery Preparation: Discuss your hypnobirthing desires and the possibility of a gentle cesarean with your healthcare team. Make sure they know your preferences for the environment, who will be present, and any specific techniques you’d like to use. Understanding the importance of birth planning and expressing these wishes to your midwife or consultant.
Post-Operative Techniques: After the birth, keep using relaxation techniques to aid your recovery. Focus on breathing and visualisation as you bond with your baby, whether through skin-to-skin contact or simply holding them close.
Partner Support
Your partner or support person plays a crucial role in a hypnobirthing cesarean. They can help remind you of your breathing techniques, hold your hand, and provide emotional support. Encourage them to familiarise themselves with hypnobirthing principles so they can be an active participant in your experience. I always advise birthers to bring their birth partners to my Hypnobirthing classes so that both parties are equally as informed. This means that the birth partner is in good stead to be able to advocate for the birther, if the birther feels in a ‘zone’ or a headspace where they don’t feel able to communicate their feelings themselves.
Final Thoughts
While a cesarean may not be the birth you initially imagined, hypnobirthing can transform it into a calm and empowered journey. By employing relaxation techniques, visualisation, and positive affirmations, alongside the gentle cesarean approach, you can embrace this moment with confidence, leading to a beautiful start for you and your baby. Remember, every birth experience is unique, and each can be a wonderful beginning.
If you want to learn more about some of the skills or you want to be more education on caesareans, then feel free to get in touch with me. I would love to hear from you! Alternatively, check out my available courses! :)