11/26/2025
“What if I need a cesarean? Would a doula still be useful? What would you be able to photograph?”
I just had this conversation this week in an interview call.
Yes! A doula would absolutely still be helpful in a cesarean. In most cases, families don’t know ahead of time that a cesarean might be necessary. Here are some ways doulas are beneficial even in the event of a cesarean:
- In our prenatal appointments, we talk about preparing your mind and your body for any birth scenario. We talk through your birth preferences so we can all be on the same page together.
- I work alongside wonderful local practitioners that offer services that are outside of my scope of practice. This is part of my resources that I offer to families.
- Communication is key in our doula-birther-family relationship. Having a doula means that you can use me as a sounding board when you need more information or just need to talk things through. Maybe a topic came up in your dr/midwife appointment. Let’s dialogue until you feel comfortable.
- While my contract says that I am “on-call” starting at 38 weeks, anything can happen during pregnancy! I explain this part as actually being on-call from the time I am hired and on “high alert” starting at 38 weeks. This year alone, I had 4 clients go into preterm labor—one as early as 31 weeks! Birth is unpredictable!
- Once in the OR, the families sometimes start to feel nervous. I am there to explain what is happening, keep conversation light, and assure them that they are not alone.
- When the baby is born, they are typically taken over to the warmer for an assessment. The partners feel torn— do I go check on my newborn and meet them? Or do I stay with my birthing person? Having a doula in the room means that no one is ever alone. The partners can take turns with the doula, one with the baby and one with the birther, and rotate support.
- I don’t just leave as soon as the baby is born. I wait until everyone feels settled into Postpartum. I can hep with breastfeeding, make sure that food is ordered, answer any questions and capture sweet moments of you all together.
And yes, I can photograph your birth story as it unfolds.❤️
