For today...another one from the archives, originally published in April 9, 2013.  Updated April 30, 2014 to include information about microbiome seeding; and a gentle cesarean checklist of options to review with your provider and prepare for a cesarean birth journey.

"The natural cesarean, or family centered cesarean, is a procedure developed in the UK which takes a “woman centered” approach to the surgery that now accounts for one third of all births in America, a cesarean. This approach to a c-section incorporates many important aspects of a vaginal birth, parent participation for one."

• Mother watches the birth of her child by having the surgical screen lowered at the time of delivery
• Baby is delivered slowly so that they can get some benefit from uterine contractions to clear fluid from the lungs and nasal passages
• Immediate skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby
• Delayed cord clamping
• Breastfeeding soon after birth
• Continuous contact between mother and baby
• "Seeding" of the mother's microbiome - read more about that HERE and HERE.

There is a difference between the microbiome of a baby born vaginally compared to a baby born by c-section (Azad, et al. 2013; Penders et al. 2006; Prince et al. 2014). During a vaginal birth the baby is colonised by maternal vaginal and faecal bacteria. Initial human bacterial colonies resemble the maternal vaginal microbiota – predominately Lactobacillus, Prevotella and Sneathia. A baby born by c-section is colonised by the bacteria in the hospital environment and maternal skin – predominately Staphylocci and C difficile. They also have significantly lower levels of Bifidobacterium and lower bacterial diversity than vaginally born babies. These differences in the microbiome ‘seeding’ may be the reason for the long-term increased risk of particular diseases for babies born by c-section.

~Rachel Reed, Midwife Thinking

• In the event of a c-section, be proactive. Mamas, we know this recommendation is not without its “icky-factor," but WOW it makes perfect sense when you think about it, and some believe it will be a standard recommendation in the future. Here goes: if your baby is born via c-section, consider taking a swab of your vaginal secretions and rubbing it on your baby’s skin and in her/his mouth. I know, ick. But when babies traverse the birth canal, they are coated in and swallowing those secretions/bacteria in a health-promoting way, so all you’re doing is mimicking that exposure. Don’t be afraid to ask your midwife or OB to help you collect the vaginal swabs—or do it yourself, if you’re comfortable. You have all the available evidence on your side.
  ~Michelle Bennet, MD, mamaseeds blog

• Less traumatic birth experience
• Moms get to *see the birth* of their baby
• Greater sense of satisfaction in regards to their birth
• Establishment of the MotherBaby dyad immediately after the birth
• Better breastfeeding outcomes

• Someone who had an emergency cesarean with a previous child and does not feel comfortable with anything other than a repeat cesarean
• A family with a known complication who wants to allow labor to start on the day of baby's choosing, but knows they will have a cesarean delivery
• A family who planned a natural birth and had their course of labor  change before they were in an emergent situation

Disclaimer: 
The material included on this site is for informational purposes only.
It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.  Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.  This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.