"Natural" c-section procedure allows mom to watch delivery

by Bethany Sanders (Subscribe to Bethany Sanders's posts) Aug 29th 2008 3:00PM

Categories: Newborns, Pregnancy & Birth, In The News

A new, more natural c-section developed in the UK may soon be in clinical trials to see if it will improve the birth experience for mothers and better help newborns ease their way into the world. Researchers say that the traditional c-section procedure, currently focused on a speedy delivery, allows less room for family bonding. In an uncomplicated delivery, they say, speed is usually unnecessary.

The new "natural" procedure starts in the same way, making a cut and delivering the head of the baby. But then the area is cleaned and the curtains are taken down so that both parents can eventually watch the rest of the delivery. Instead of removing the infant right away, doctors stand back and let uterine contractions do their thing.

I'm all for any procedure that makes childbirth more warm and fuzzy and less cold and sterile. But yet, I'm not sure how I'd feel about watching my baby be delivered this way. I've never had a c-section, so moms out there who have, tell us this: Would it be weird to watch your baby emerge from your abdomen? Or would the overwhelming feelings that accompany childbirth outweigh the fact that you're in the middle of major surgery? Is a delivery a delivery no matter the method? Share your thoughts with us in comments.

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Comments (14)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

G's Momma 8-29-2008 @ 4:07PM

This seems like something out of the movie Alien. I had a C-section with my first born and will have C-sections for all other children. I cannot see myself participating in this type of surgery. I think it would freak me out way too much and actually RUIN the birth experience.

emjaybee 8-29-2008 @ 4:41PM

C-sections are weird experiences, and I can't help thinking, aren't you bleeding the whole time? Kind of makes it less enjoyable.

The best thing to do to improve c/sections would be to stop pushing them when they're not needed, and if they are needed, helping mom and child bond *afterward*---not taking baby away while mom's wheeled off to recovery. In other words, honoring the birth however it happens. The mechanics are not all that important--surgery is surgery. But, if they had an interview with a woman who had had one of these, it would be interesting to see how she felt about it.

queenoqueens 8-29-2008 @ 4:54PM

Here's my thoughts:

"Aaaaaaiiiiiieeeeeeeeeee!"

***runs screaming from the room***

Talk about ghastly. You might want to republish this post around Halloween time.

Angela 8-29-2008 @ 5:11PM

I've had two c-sections and will have them again with future children. I would love to watch it. I've always been interested in watching surgeries and to see my baby come out would be great. Yes you are bleeding, but blood comes out from vaginal deliveries as well.
Although this won't be for everyone, I think it should be an option.

Angie Felton 8-29-2008 @ 5:11PM

I saw a C-section on television and that was enough for me.

ame s 8-29-2008 @ 5:49PM

Oh my lawd, thanks but no! I had a c-section with my first child and I had no interest in seeing what was going on down there. Because the epidural failed right before the "knife" came down, I was well enough aware.
My 2nd daughter was a VBAC and I said No Thank You to the birthing mirror. I knew it was a wise decision when hubby accidentally caught a glimpse of the "aftermath" as I was being stitched. He started doing an odd-looking hop/dance while holding his own crotch (sympathy pain? dunno, but the doc and nurses laughed their heads off) saying "Oh! Oh! It looks like somebody through a plate of lasagna down there! Oh!"

hlake 8-29-2008 @ 5:51PM

Many hospitals will allow you to watch the birth of your baby during a c-section if you ask. I have worked in L&D for years and have seen it done several times.

Karen 8-29-2008 @ 6:16PM

I turned down the delivery mirror, and probably will again (assuming #2 happens, and is able to surmount my quirky structures). And that's just for vaginal delivery! I'm glad that the mothers who want to watch the baby come out are allowed to do so, whichever way they come out. Interestingly, emjaybee, it was because I didn't get a c-section when I probably should have that I didn't get to hold baby girl for very long -- they had to whip her off to NICU to make up for the problems she had during the 2-day delivery. I agree with you in general, though; the fewer surgeries, the better!

Stephanie 8-29-2008 @ 7:39PM

There's a good reason C-sections are done with such speed: they're designed for emergency delivery where speed is of the essence. There are a few legitimate reasons for a non-emergency C-section, but generally speaking, C-sections are best left for emergencies. If there's time to allow "natural" delivery of the body, I think you'd have to give serious consideration as to why there wasn't time to allow "natural" delivery period.

I hope and pray that abdominal surgery will never be a "natural" way to birth a baby. Instead of working to make sure a C-section is more natural, let's try to support mothers in having natural, vaginal births in the first place.

Tamyu 8-29-2008 @ 9:15PM

I find the thought absolutely horrifying. I can`t imagine watching my body attempt to "naturally" give birth to the baby, while having a gaping hole cut in the side. The very idea makes me sick to my stomach.
How incredibly cringe worthy.

Seeing it is one thing - I don`t really have a problem with the thought of watching the doctors deliver the baby via c/section. But the "natural" part of it is what is making me shudder. Surely it can`t be good for the mother`s body to be contracting and pushing the baby out of a new hole...

darah7 8-30-2008 @ 9:22AM

I would have been interested in watching my c/s. I was so loopy though by the time I had it though that it was all I could do to remember that I was having a baby. I agree with Tamyu though- it freaks me out a little think about my body contracting the baby out of my abdomen. I'd rather just watch a normal one I think.
And as far as them taking more time for it, as a non-emergency, unplanned c/s mom I can tell you I was so ready for that experience to be over! I was fine with the 48 hours of labor that preceded it. That could have gone on for awhile, but the hour it took to do my c/s was the longest hour of my life. I do wish that they would have put my daughter on my chest. As it was I got to see digital pictures that my mom took in the surgical room. Which was nice when faced w/ the alternative, but still.
So, yes, I'd watch it but please don't make it last any longer!

Joy 8-30-2008 @ 12:10PM

I had an emergency c-section with my second child and would have welcomed the opportunity to watch if I had the choice. Having a c-section was very traumatic for me. I felt very removed from the entire birth - almost as if it was happening to someone else. I would have liked the opportunity to watch my daughter come into the world and not have to wait so long to see her. It may have made things a little easier for me to deal with emotionally, rather than feeling so helpless at the lack of control over the situation when she was born. I can see why it is not for everyone, but it would be nice to be given the option.

hudsonsmommy 9-02-2008 @ 3:46PM

I had a planned c-section after an induction failed and I was 42 weeks along. The baby was large for gestational age, so my doctor proceeded with a c-section. I watched most of the procedure in the reflective lamp above the table, and my husband snuck some pictures during the procedure. They are the most amazing pictures we have of our son. I was thrilled that I accidentally saw my son being born, and that my husband got these photos. I find nothing unsettling about it, but I am not easily freaked out. I think a "natural" c-section is a great idea for people like me, who had trouble going into labor, to still have a birthing experience and not be cut off from the birth.

christina Hemming 10-13-2008 @ 12:36PM

It is great that doctors are upgrading the way a c section birth is done. Recovery from a c section also needs to be upgraded and I found a sit that has cotton belts and a massage guide. With the c section recovery kit, I don't have a big scar, any overhang, and so many questions were answered for me without spending so much money on therapy. A c section sometimes is the only option, and thank god it exists or a 50 years ago, I would be dead. Lets keep upgrading the way we approach childbirth and recovery. check out the c section recovery kit website so your recovery is less painful and traumatic.

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