Maternal Assisted Caesarean Sections
A New Choice in Childbirth
Julia Kowal during her Maternal Assisted Caesarean Section at Gold Coast Private. Photo Credit: Lubboo Birth Photography
Empowerment, joy and self-belief are just some of the emotional benefits witnessed by midwives who’ve been part of a Maternal Assisted Caesarean Section - a choice offered at Gold Coast Private that gives mothers a unique opportunity to actively participate in the birth of their babies during surgical delivery.
This innovative approach is gaining popularity as it provides a more hands-on experience for mothers during what was traditionally a clinician-only procedure.
Gold Coast Private Midwife Katie Atkins has been part of the maternity team who assist with Maternal Assisted Caesarean since we began offering this empowering birthing option in 2019. We spoke to her about how it works and what families can expect.
What is a Maternal Assisted Caesarean Section?
If you are undergoing an elective caesarean at Gold Coast Private, you may have the option to assist in the birth process under the guidance of medical professionals.
As the birthing mother, you would be scrubbed and suited, and when the time is right, guided by your midwife to reach down, take your baby under the arm pits and gently bring to your chest.
What are the benefits?
Maternal Assisted Caesarean offer numerous benefits, including increased empowerment, joy and self-belief for the mother.
As with every birthing option, it’s not for everyone and each mother’s journey, needs and preferences will be different.
For women who have had a Maternal Assisted Caesarean, they have loved the feeling of playing an active role in their caesarean birth.
It also allows for instant skin-to-skin contact, even in the theatre setting, as well as delayed cord clamping.
Who can attempt a Maternal Assisted Caesarean Section?
If you are undergoing an elective caesarean at Gold Coast Private, and if your obstetrician deems it safe to do so, you are invited to assist in your caesarean, as long as it has been decided prior to your day of birth.
The decision to undergo a Maternal Assisted Caesarean should be made in consultation with your obstetrician, considering the risks and benefits specific to your situation. There are some guidelines for eligibility, including low risk pregnancy, healthy baby and a cephalic presentation (head down).
What is the feedback?
The overwhelming positivity surrounding Maternal Assisted Caesarean speaks volumes about the impact it has on women's birth experiences.
Women report feeling powerful, connected to their birth and an increased sense of sovereignty and self-belief.
How it works
Preparation – you are prepared for surgery with an IV cannula placed in your upper arm so the anaesthetist can administer medication and fluids under the sterile drapes. Your hands and arms are sterilized, and you will be assisted in putting on a sterile gown and gloves.
Assisting in Birth - the obstetrician will commence the caesarean section once the anaesthetist is happy to proceed and you are comfortable. Once your baby’s head is birthed, the obstetrician will let the team know to lower the sterile drapes. As you prepare, the obstetrician will assist in birthing the torso, ready for you to reach down, hold your baby under the armpits and bring baby to your chest. Your midwife provides support and gently covers your baby with a sterile drape while stimulating and drying their wet skin to help keep them warm.
Delayed Cord Clamping - while you hold your baby, your team will delay cord clamping to allow for optimal transfer of blood and increased haemoglobin levels, improving your baby’s iron stores in the first several months of life.
Post-Birth Care - after birth, the sterile drapes are returned to their position and the obstetrician completes the surgery. The midwife assesses your baby on your chest. If there are any concerns, your baby is transferred to the Open Care Unit in your theatre to be assessed by the paediatrician. Your birth support person is guided by the theatre team to the Open Care Unit to be with your baby. Once the paediatrician is happy, your midwife will bring your baby back to your chest for further skin-to-skin.
If you're curious about this empowering birthing option, please don't hesitate to start the conversation and explore the possibilities with your obstetrician or midwife at your antenatal appointments. We would love the chance to support you on your journey.
Gold Coast Private obstetricians offering Maternal Assisted Caesareans can be found at https://graceprivate.com.au
You can find details of our Obstetricians here.