Birth plan with a cesarean cut in Canada (Quebec) (c-section)

When I gave birth the first time, having a c-section didn’t even cross my mind. I ended up having one at the last minute and I was so upset because I didn’t do any research concerning a c-section. I then got baby blues, it was nasty. For my second pregnancy, I planned having a Vbac but I made a birth plan that included a c-section just in case it happened. Well I’m glad I did, because it did happen. I would like to share with you mommas some points I added to my birth plan that you might want to consider.

1. No sedatives. At my first c-section, I was given sedatives and I sincerely cannot remember my son’s first day of life.
2. Being allowed my husband and my doula in the room with me. Usually they will only allow one person but asking doesn’t hurt.
3. Keep me warm with warm covers (I was freezing at my first c-section)
4. Have a mirror so I can see my baby coming out or lower the sheet in front of me to I can see it.
5. Delaying cord clamping. Yes, it is possible even with a c-section.
6. Having the dad cutting the cord after a minimum of 5 minutes.
7. Having a skin to skin time as soon as possible.
8. Allowing baby and dad to always stay with me in the room and while in recovery.
9. Being able to nurse right after the c-section.
10. Having stitches instead of samples.

Not my entire plan was doable, but my doula told me that the more women mention the wanting to do something the more likely the hospital would be okay with it. Therefore, even if you KNOW your hospital won’t do something that you want, I’d encourage you to write it down anyway. I would also invite you to look up Vitamin K and eye ointment and just inform yourself in general. Please know that it’s not because you have a caesarean cut that you are limited to the usual procedure.