16/04/2026
4 things to consider if you're having a caesarean birth in Australia
1. The environment – while seemingly caesarean births can look and feel very sterile, there are some things you can do to make it feel more relaxed and intimate. Consider things like music playing in the background, reducing noise and chatter in the theatre from staff, dimming some lights (hospital and medical team dependent), taking photos and video throughout and of course having your partner and an additional support person present.
2. Your baby’s transition after birth – a gentle, slow caesarean birth is an option to allow your baby to transition with ease. Prior to your birth, you can discuss things like slow emergence with auto resuscitation, delayed cord clamping, seeding (research is a must prior to discussing), skin-to-skin contact immediately and minimal separation between you and your baby.
3. Your wellbeing and involvement – many mothers report feeling a disconnect during a caesarean birth, and many care providers now facilitate bridging this gap. You may like to consider discussing a maternal assisted caesarean (lifting your baby from your womb to chest), lowering the drapes at the time of birth, announcing your baby’s s*x, keeping umbilical cord and placenta connected during bonding, have your team talk you through each step.
4. Bonding and breastfeeding – there are many things that can be implemented to enhance bonding and breastfeeding initiation including immediate skin-to-skin, baby led initiation of feeding in theatre, having your arms free to hold your baby, requesting monitoring leads to be placed onto your back, and remaining with your baby in recovery with no separation.
Always remember you do have a say in your caesarean birth. Voice your wishes with your care provider and explore all your options.
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jadkaue
Caesarean Birth | Birth Choices | C-section recovery | Melbourne Doula