 A cesarean birth is defined as the surgical delivery of a baby or babies. An incision is made in the abdominal wall and uterus and baby is guided out by the hands of doctors. Cesarean deliveries occur if a vaginal delivery is not possible or is unwanted by the birthing person. Cesarean sections are often referred to as a c-section, but it also called cesarean delivery. About one third of babies are born by way of c-section. History "Did you know that modern c sections were invented by African women— centuries before they were standard elsewhere? Midwives and surgeons living around Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria perfected the procedure hundreds of years ago. When a baby couldn’t be delivered vaginally, these healers sedated the laboring mother using large amounts of banana wine. They tied the mother to the bed for safety, sterilized a knife using heat, and made the incision, acting quickly as a team to prevent excessive blood loss or the accidental cutting of other organs. The combination of sterile, sharp equipment and sedation made the procedure surprisingly calm and comfortable for the mother. After the baby was delivered, antiseptic tinctures and salves were used to clean the area and stitches were applied. Women rarely developed infections, shock, or excessive blood loss after a cesarean section and the most common problem reported was that it took longer for the mother’s milk to come in (an issue that was solved with friends and relatives who would nurse the baby instead). In Uganda, C sections were normally performed by a team of male healers, but in Tanzania and DRC, they were typically done by female midwives. The majority of women and babies survived this, and when questioned about it by European colonists in the mid-1800s, many people in Uganda and Tanzania indicated that the procedure had been performed routinely since time immemorial. This was at a time when Europeans had only barely started to figure out that they should wash their hands before performing surgery, when nearly half of European and US women died in childbirth, and when nearly 100% of European women died if a C section was performed. Detailed explanations of Ugandan C-sections were published globally in scholarly journals by the 1880s and helped the rest of the world learn how to save mothers and babies with minimal complications. So if you’re one of the people who wouldn’t be alive today without a C-section, you have Ugandan surgeons and Tanzanian and Congolese midwives to thank for their contributions to medical science." Juniper Russo  Successful Cesarean section performed by indigenous healers in Kahura, Uganda. As observed by R. W. Felkin in 1879 from his article "Notes on Labour in Central Africa" published in the Edinburgh Medical Journal, volume 20, April 1884, pages 922-930. Reasons for a c-section:
Expectations: Your provider will explain the medical process of a cesarean to you so that you know what to expect during and after surgery. As your doula, I will prepare you for various birthing scenarios including emergency situations that could possibly lead to a cesarean delivery. If you want a planned c-section for whatever reason, we can still plan certain elements of your birth even though you will be in the operating room (sounds and music, lighting, doula and/or partner support, gentle c-section options, overall atmosphere, etc.) so that you can have the birth experience you desire. You can request that your birth doula join you in the OR during your surgery for extra support. Some hospitals and providers do not allow this and some have stipulations so be sure to talk to your provider, doula and the hospital or birthing center you where you will deliver. I also recommend watching a cesarean delivery video to help prepare you for your c-section as well. Your hospital stay will be longer due to your surgery (this is normally one extra day unless there were complications during your surgery). Again, because this is major surgery, you will want to plan you postpartum time accordingly to ensure a smooth and favorable recovery. You will also likely see your provider before a routine 6 week postpartum visit (could be as early as two weeks postpartum) to be sure you are doing okay physically and emotionally. Risks: With any surgery, there will be risks. Infection (of the incision, uterus or other organs) and postpartum hemorrhage (blood loss) are the biggest risks regarding a c-section. Other risks include injury to other organs, side effects from the anesthesia, adhesions or scar tissue, maternal mortality and intense emotional responses or negative feelings about the birth experience. Birthing people who deliver by cesarean can have an increased risk for postpartum mood disorders. Risks for babies would include breathing problems, low APGAR scores and fetal injury. Be sure to discuss all possible risks with you medical provider especially is you are considered high risk, have certain medical conditions or you are a first time parent. Recovery tips dos & donts:
VBACs: Having a vaginal birth after a c-section is very possible despite what most medical providers advise. Many factors including how long ago the surgery was performed and the state of your current pregnancy and overall health, may determine whether or not one can have a successful VBAC. The first priority is to find a provider that will be open to letting you try for a VBAC. Once you do that, hire a doula and map out two birth plans: one for VBAC and one for a c-section just in case. The right birth team, prenatal and managing expectations throughout pregnancy will be key Repeat C-sections: If you have a repeat c-section then you likely know what to expect when it comes to delivery and postpartum recovery. However, if it has been more than 3 years since since you last gave birth and/or you have changed providers, make sure that your full medical history is noted (have your medical files transferred if possible) and definitely make sure they are a good fit it you want to try for a VBAC. Postpartum Support: Having physical, emotional and mental support after having a baby is important, but more so when you have a c-section. Your movement will be limited. You core will be sore beyond belief and you may need help standing and walking for the. first couple of weeks. Normal things like laundry, cooking, cleaning and exercising will be put on hold so having an extra set of hands (or two) around would aid in your recovery and ensure you can focus on healing and bonding with baby. I recommend hiring a postpartum doula for continuity of care. At the end of the day, yes, a cesarean section is major surgery. It is very beneficial to be prepared for one just in case because birth is so unpredictable. But, having a cesarean section is indeed birth and any birthing person who has had one will tell you that without a doubt.
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 As more and more people receive the COVID-19 vaccine and North Carolina begins to loosen it's restrictions throughout the state, I wanted to give another (prayerfully my last) operational update for Best of Both Worlds Doula Services. Beginning in April, Best of Both Worlds Doula Services will conduct in person consultations and meetings in addition to the current virtual option. Reminder: contracts can be signed and sent electronically or by mail. Any and all payments (deposits or otherwise) means the client acknowledges and agrees to the doula contract and all stipulations. Certain policies and practices will still be in place due to COVID-19 restrictions and mandates. My Availability: I will have limited availability for any services in April due to dental surgery and recovery. I am currently taking birth clients due in June and beyond. Postpartum services will tentatively resume in May. Travel doula services will tentatively resume in Summer 2021. Adult and Infant CPR/First Aid/AED training will be available to clients, small businesses and birth workers in April. Email me for more info and registration. Group rates available. Limited number of registrants for safety. Zumba classes are still currently on hold for the time being since the community center is still closed to the public. I am currently looking for an alternate location to host classes. All other health and fitness services will be accommodated at my discretion depending on clients wants and needs. Check out my Fitness Momshell Facebook page for updates... NEW SERVICES COMING SOON! Best of Both Worlds Doula Services is committed to providing you quality, safe support as we navigate COVID-19. Thank you for understanding and continued support.  Reminders:
Below you can find links to all of the local hospitals to obtain current visitor policies & restrictions. These policies are changing every day so please be sure to confirm what is stated here and on their website by calling or emailing. *UNC Health Care/Rex Hospital *WakeMed Health and Hospitals *Duke Health Women's Birth and Wellness Center *Wake County Health Department *Durham County Health Department *Johnston County Health Department The * indicates the COVID-19 test sites.  Remember, you are the patient/parent and nothing should be decided or done in regards to you or your child(ren)'s care without your consent.
Evidence Based Birth EBB has a downloadable consent form that you can print off and discuss with your provider. You can find it here. COVID-19 response updates & resources for North Carolina North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services Center for Disease Control (CDC) World Health Organization (WHO) National Institute of Health (NIH) The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Food & Drug Administration (FDA) La Leche League International Postpartum Support International |
About the AuthorKelly Collins Archives
May 2026
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