Through any challenging time, using affirmations is an effective strategy to control our mindset, reduce anxiety, and improve our overall ability to believe in ourselves. Mothers could use affirmations to help get them through the hardest days, as this job is the toughest one in the world. And it starts at the beginning — the very beginning. Birth affirmations are a way women can coach themselves and find the inner strength to endure labor and delivery.

What are Birth Affirmations?

Birth affirmations are personal statements you choose to help you endure the intense and painful labor and delivery experience. They are a mindfulness technique — you are training your brain to focus on your strength.¹ And how capable you are. And how you are, in fact, ready for this and that you will get through it.

Positive birth affirmations might include statements like “My body is strong” and “Every contraction brings me closer to my baby.” But it’s truly up to the mother to decide what types of messaging will resonate with her and effectively reduce negative and sabotaging thoughts.

Birth can be grueling, and mothers often feel defeated when things don’t go as planned. (Because babies don’t always follow birth plans as they make their way into this world. They are already letting us know that they run the show!) That’s why having a few positive words of encouragement for labor and delivery in your proverbial “back pocket” (likely just written down somewhere where you can see them easily or even saved in your phone) might be just the trick you need to get through that final push.

7 Benefits of Birth Affirmations

The true benefits of birth affirmations will vary from mother to mother, but in general, they serve to calm the mind and recenter your focus so you can find the inner strength you need to keep going.¹ Here are some potential advantages of using birth affirmations:

1. They Can Foster a Connection With Your Body and Your Baby

By training your mind via birth affirmations, the mother will continuously center herself around what her body is doing and how two lives are coming together to achieve something that is heroic and miraculous.

2. They Can Help You Feel Empowered and Believe That, Yes, You Can Do This

Sometimes, especially when we’re really far into the labor and delivery process, moms need a boost of confidence, as we can feel defeated by exhaustion and pain. Positive birth mantras empower us to believe that we are stronger than we realize and still have the energy to continue. The emotional support provided by affirmations helps solidify a feeling of competence in the mother.²

3. Birth Affirmations Can Help with Pain Management

Pain management, in general, can often be managed via mindfulness techniques like repeating birth affirmations to oneself.^1,3 Labor and delivery is definitely a painful experience in which such mindfulness training can be very effective because the pain during childbirth serves a function — it lets us know what our body is doing — and we must be in tune with the pain. However, taking slow, deep breaths, picturing certain images in the mind, and repeating positive birth affirmations over and over can help us cope and work through the pain.^3,5

Affirmations “are not intended to ‘fix’ or solve your pain,” Psychology Today explains. “The practice keeps your attention in a powerful place and your brain can create new circuits in response. However, it is also important to allow yourself to feel the mental or physical pain before you redirect.”⁴

4. They Can Help You Feel More in Control

One of the hardest parts of labor and delivery for me was the lack of control and not knowing how it would all go. And while, yes, it’s true that there are some things we have to leave up to the powers that be (and let baby run the show!), positive birth affirmations can help us remember that we can control our mindset.

5. Birth Mantras Help in Reducing Stress

Stress tenses the body, prolonging labor and releasing stress hormones called catecholamines. Stress hormones suppress oxytocin, the hormone that gets your uterus contracting. Less oxytocin means a slower, longer labor that might need to be augmented with Pitocin, a synthetic oxytocin.⁶ It is hard to relax when the body is in pain, but training the mind to be calm is one way to help fight those stress responses as painful contractions hit.

But mindfulness techniques (like telling yourself positive affirmations over and over or seeing them written on the wall where you can read them throughout the labor and delivery process) can help reduce stress and increase the likelihood that birth will go according to plan.

6. They Lead to Reducing and Releasing the Fear of Labor and Delivery

With my first child, I was scared of what would happen to my body through labor and delivery and if my baby would be okay. Like stress, fear can cause the body to tighten and tense, making for longer labor, and anxiety or nervousness in pregnant women increases the risk of dystocia (difficult or obstructed birth).⁷

Birth affirmations remind the fearful mother, especially if this is her first experience through labor and delivery, that she is strong, capable, and can handle whatever is coming her way.

7. They Reduce the Likelihood of Unwanted Medical Interventions

Many pregnant mothers desire a birth with limited or no medical interventions, and positive birth affirmations can help achieve that by keeping the mind and body more calm and the mother more focused on what she needs to do. Having delivered three babies, I know first-hand that the longer labor takes, the more likelihood of medical interventions. Doctors want to get that baby out to minimize the stress labor can put on both the mother and baby. Relaxing your body and mind might help your labor move along more quickly and reduce the chances of medical interventions.²

How To Use Positive Birth Affirmations During Your Labor

One way to use positive birth affirmations during labor is to memorize key phrases you believe will help you endure the process best. Repeat them and consider asking your support person(s) in the room with you to say them as well.

You also might consider writing them down onto affirmation cards or hanging them on the wall where you can see them easily through all phases of your labor. Another option is to have your birth affirmations on a recording of some kind where you can hear them through a speaker in the room or even headphones if you prefer a softer, more personal connection.

But most importantly, as the mother, you need to be all-in. In my experience, birth mantras will only work if you’ve chosen statements that resonate with you, that you’ve practiced through your pregnancy, and that you embrace with your whole being. Jotting down a few motivational sentences on your way to the hospital isn’t going to cut it — utilizing birth affirmations means figuring out what works for you, knowing what you need to hear when things are really, really hard, and practicing saying them to yourself over and over until you believe them.

25 Labor Affirmations To Consider Using

Labor affirmations come in all forms, and finding a list that truly resonates with you is important. I need to hear that I am strong and can do hard things. What do you need to hear when things are challenging for you? Here are some examples of labor affirmations and birth mantras:

1. My body knows how to give birth.

2. I trust my body.

3. My body is strong.

4. I can do this.

5. I am ready for this.

6. I trust that my baby’s birth will happen when needed.

7. I accept that my baby’s path to being born is right.

8. I relax my body so that my baby can relax.

9. I breathe deeply and calm my mind and body.

10. My body is doing its job.

11. I find more strength with each inhale and release pain with each exhale.

12. I will meet my baby soon.

13. Each contraction brings me closer to my baby.

14. This pain is temporary.

15. I am stronger than the pain.

16. I have the power and strength to birth this baby.

17. I am proud of how strong I am.

18. I am brave.

19. I am safe. My baby is safe.

20. I can do hard things.

21. I can let my body take over and do what it needs to do.

22. I am doing my best and doing an amazing job.

23. I know I can do this because I’m already doing it.

24. This is our journey together — mine and my baby’s. And we’re doing it.

25. Women all over the world are doing this right now too. We’re all in this together.

There are endless options for birth affirmations that might resonate with you. Learn what works for you through other stressful moments in your life and start compiling mantras to consider as you near labor and delivery. Soon, you’ll have your list ready, packed neatly in your hospital bag, or taped to the wall in your delivery room. You got this, Mama. You are strong and brave.

Whenever I get asked the question, “What do you do?” I know that I’m about to enter into a conversation — or potentially a monologue — rather than just giving a quick response. It would be wonderful if people understood what a doula does as quickly as they know: “I am a teacher,” “a counselor,” or “an accountant.” But when I reply, “I’m a doula,” I begin to prepare myself to give my explanation.

Most people don’t know what a doula is. So it never surprises me when the person I’m speaking with looks perplexed and has no idea what I’ve just said. Let me say. I don’t mind explaining. It allows me to share my passion and educate someone on a service they or a family member or friend might be interested in using.

What does surprise me and excites me is speaking with someone who DOES know what a doula is. I love hearing their stories about how they heard about doula care. Or how their friend hired a doula or their family member is a doula. Unfortunately, that only happens on rare occasions. I still find myself educating most people on what a doula is and what we do for families.

You, our readers, may not know what a doula is. Today, I wanted to take a few minutes to share the answers to some common questions. So, let’s start from the very beginning. It’s a perfect place to start. 😉

What is a doula?

The word “doula” — pronounced ‘doo-la’ — is an ancient Greek word meaning ‘woman servant, caregiver, or a woman who serves.’ ¹ More recently, it refers to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother and her partner during pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and their postpartum journey.

There are two main types of doulas: Birth Doulas and Postpartum Doulas. Birth Doulas are trained professionals who support women and their partners during pregnancy, childbirth, and immediately postpartum. Postpartum Doulas are trained professionals who support families during their transition into parenthood during the postpartum period (the first 12 weeks after birth).

A doula’s role has also evolved, and more specialties are available in doula care. There are:

• Antepartum Doulas support pregnant women on bedrest or in high-risk or high-stress pregnancy situations.
• Bereavement Doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support to women and families processing the loss of a child.
• Adoption Doulas build relationships with the birth mother and the adopting or fostering family. Sometimes, it’s just with the birth mother or the adopting or fostering family.

What does a doula do?

Birth Doulas typically offer to meet with each of their clients several times — two, three, or four times — for prenatal visits to go over each couple’s wants and desires and educate them on the options that are and will be available to them. This allows the doula to better support each family during labor and birth.

Birth Doulas bring an entire toolbox of ideas, tricks, and techniques to the birth. Your doula may rub your back for several hours or trade off with your partner in that role when his hands are aching, and he needs to eat and rest. She may be the quiet, calm, reassuring voice whispering in your ear or the firm and anchored voice that will help you get back on track when labor starts to feel intense and overwhelming. She can help you focus on natural ways to help your labor progress (if you want to have an unmedicated birth).

Or she can help you decide which medications you want to use and when the best time is during your labor to get them. Your doula can help straighten out a baby that’s slightly malpositioned in the pelvis, and she can give you ideas on negotiating with the staff to achieve some important elements of your birth plan.

Birth Doulas offer a lot of support to the husband or partner, showing him and other loved ones how they can best help you and reassure them about what’s normal. Your doula might offer a hand massage to help you rest and relax. She can explain your options and help you brainstorm questions when facing medical interventions for you or your baby. Occasionally, doulas’ help and reassurance after birth might be key to establishing your nursing relationship.

Every labor unfolds in its unique way. A doula’s job is to bring her expertise in birth to the table. She will stay fully present and supportive, whatever your family’s needs and desires.

A Postpartum Doula’s role is unique to every family. Essentially, she will come into your home, assess your needs, and jump in to help. Your doula’s role is to nurture you as you transition into life with your new baby. This could include help with breastfeeding, suggestions, information about baby care, and resources to heal your body postpartum. She is like a teacher, sharing evidence-based information and helping you integrate the baby into your family. If you need a shower or a nap, she can help take over baby care. She can also show you how to use several different baby carriers, how to use your breast pump, suggest which diapers, diaper creams, baby detergent, etc., you might want to try, and more. Postpartum Doulas can also do light housekeeping, such as washing dishes, wiping down counters, and doing baby’s laundry.

If you have older children, she can spend time playing or working with them to adjust to the big sibling role. She can also run errands for you and pick things up if you cannot drive yet or haven’t been able to get out of the house. Doulas come in with a keen sense of what new families typically need. She will then work with you to decide how she can best support you through the transition into parenthood.

What are the benefits of hiring a doula?

Numerous studies have documented the benefits of having a doula present during labor and postpartum.^2,3,4,5,6,7 A Cochrane Review, Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth, showed many positive birth outcomes when a Birth Doula was present.² With the support of a Birth Doula, women were less likely to have pain-relief medications administered and less likely to have a cesarean birth. Women also reported having a more positive childbirth experience. Here are some of the stats:²

• Decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%
• Reduces the length of labor by 25%
• Decreases the use of oxytocin by 40%
• Reduces the use of pain medication by 30%
• Decreased requests for an epidural by 60%
• Reduce the number of days newborns spend in the NICU (neonatal infant care unit)
• Reduce the rates of postpartum depression
• Increase the rates of breastfeeding
• Increase the positive maternal assessments of maternal confidence and newborn health

Studies show that having a Postpartum Doula after childbirth results in the following:⁴

• Greater satisfaction with the postpartum period
• Quicker birth recovery
• More likely to eat healthier and sleep more
• More confidence in parenting and childcare
• Less stress and anxiety
• A more positive opinion of baby
• More affectionate to baby
• Less incidence of postpartum mood disorders
• Higher breastfeeding success rate

These are fantastic results! Who wouldn’t want to improve their chances of having a better overall experience during labor and bringing baby home?

My husband/partner/mom/friend will be my labor support person. Do I still need a Birth Doula?

I know that dads are sometimes nervous that a Birth Doula might take over their role and that they’ll be “shut out” of the labor process. That is not the case at all! Dads and doulas actually complement each other in labor.

A doula is similar to a foreign country tour guide or a team coach. Your tour guide doesn’t take away from your trip. She enhances it for both of you. And how are you supposed to win a game if you have never played the game before? (Assuming your husband hasn’t coached you or any other women in labor.) Your coach can help lead you to victory! The same is true of a doula. She can help you both navigate the healthcare system and understand the process of labor and birth.

Doulas often find themselves reassuring dads/partners about the normal sights and sounds of labor, which can be disconcerting to even the best-prepared support person. A doula shows Dad’s techniques to help the laboring woman based on what is happening in her body—for example, if she is experiencing back labor. “We might try this counter-pressure technique. Let me show you exactly where to put your hands.” Relaxing in the bath? “How about gently pouring water over her belly with each contraction, like this.” Is mom laboring in the bathroom? “Here, let me get the birth ball so she can lean forward into your chest to rest between contractions.”

During labor, moms usually retreat into their own private “labor land.” Doulas often bond with the dad during birth as they work together to figure out the best way to support the laboring woman. This is why dads/partners are generally happy to have another “birth partner” with them for the journey!

Friends and family members can also be wonderful labor support people, but their role differs distinctly from a doula. Doulas bring specialized training in birth and labor support. She has seen many births in various settings and can help familiarize you with what to expect at each stage. She doesn’t have the same emotional attachments as your family, so separating herself from your choices is easier.

A doula is there to support you in whatever kind of birth you want, whatever that looks like for you. You don’t have to worry about what a doula might say or do in any given situation, as you may with some friends or family members. She’s there for your unconditional support. She can also support your friends and family, just as she supports dads and partners in the birth space.

I’m getting an epidural. Do I still need a doula?

Doulas come to your birth with an open mind and an open heart. She is not there to carry out some agenda; she’s there to help you have the best birth possible, whatever that looks like for you. She’ll talk in-depth during prenatal meetings to learn more about what kind of birth you envision. Then she’ll put all of her energy into helping you get there. And if you get into labor and, for whatever reason, plans change, a doula can help you cope with the unexpected turn of events.

There’s a lot a doula can do if you opt for pain medication, including position changes and other tricks to help your baby descend. She can also help you cope with the medication’s physical side effects to continue making your journey as comfortable as possible.

I also hate to say it, but sometimes pain medication doesn’t work as expected, but mom’s movements and coping tools are suddenly limited with those medications — a doula will get you through it.

What if I need to have a C-section? Do I still need a doula?

A doula can do many things to help make a cesarean birth the most loving, family-centered experience possible. For example, she can be with you before the surgery to help with relaxation and brainstorming questions for your healthcare team. She can help advocate for some things you might want during the surgery. For example, working with surgeons and anesthesiologists to allow skin-to-skin contact on the operating table while the surgeon finishes the operation. This is so much more family-centered than taking the baby to the nursery or the recovery room to wait for you, and we have found that it significantly decreases birth trauma for the mother. But it often requires some advocacy with the staff—a doula can help with those negotiations.

Doulas can sometimes stay with you and your partner in the operating room during the surgery. However, this is always a case-by-case decision by your surgeon and anesthesiologist. If a doula is allowed in the OR, she can help explain what is happening during the surgery. She can show your husband or partner some physical comfort measures that may help you deal with the sensations of surgery. Sometimes, a baby needs to go to the nursery or the NICU after a cesarean birth. In this situation, the dad or partner generally goes with the baby, and the doula will stay by your side. This helps mothers not feel so alone as the surgery is finished and recovery begins, and it helps partners not feel so torn between mom and baby.

In most cases, the baby will go with the mom to a recovery area, where a doula can help you establish nursing and skin-to-skin bonding. And finally, if the cesarean is unexpected, a doula will offer a compassionate, listening ear to help you process the birth. She can also connect you with resources.

I will have help from my family after the baby is born. Do I still need a Postpartum Doula?

Your husband/partner, family members, and friends can offer wonderful support in the days and weeks postpartum! Some of their skills may spill over into the postpartum doula realm, and others are quite different. Postpartum Doulas are great listeners and can support you in forming your parenting philosophies based on research-based information. Postpartum Doulas are an objective source of information and support. They can help you and your husband or partner adjust to life with this new little person. Many family members and friends have found that they are actually more involved in caring for mom and baby with a Postpartum Doula’s help. This is because they learn exactly how to be most supportive.

Caring for a new mom and baby can also be overwhelming for others. Postpartum Doulas can help share that nurturing role. She can also help dads and partners know how to help the new mom. Additionally, she will reassure them about what is normal for babies and postpartum mothers. Siblings have a big adjustment, too, and a Postpartum Doula can help ease that transition. They can spend time playing and talking about their new role and help the parents with tips on interacting and entertaining older children during the intense weeks when mom is healing and a newborn needs so much attention.

Postpartum Doulas can also help new families recognize the symptoms of imbalance and connect them with resources for help. They are good listeners and can lend an empathetic ear to the new mom. Or help take care of other household responsibilities while she is focusing on getting well. There is also some evidence that using a Postpartum Doula can help reduce the chance of developing postpartum depression.⁸

Overall, a doula believes in ‘mothering the mother.’ She has the experience and training to support women during these different times to make their experiences during pregnancy, birth, and motherhood the best they can be.

For more, listen to our podcast episode where two doulas talk about a doula’s role.

Umbilical cord prolapse is rare but can happen to anyone during any pregnancy, whether it’s your first or your fifth. However, it only occurs in about 1 to 6 deliveries out of every 1,000 births. The odds are in your favor. But this emergency means ensuring you have a qualified and experienced person helping with your delivery.²

The umbilical cord is your baby’s lifeline. It gives your baby nutrients and oxygen while still in your womb. When the umbilical cord prolapses or falls through the cervix into the vagina or birth canal before the baby, this can cause the baby’s oxygen and nutrients to decrease, which could lead to severe complications such as fetal distress, fetal demise, hypoxia, or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, cerebral palsy, brain damage, or stillbirth.^1,3

What Is Umbilical Cord Prolapse?

Umbilical cord prolapse happens after your water breaks, and the umbilical cord slips out of the uterus, through the cervix, and falls into the vagina or birth canal ahead of the baby during labor or delivery. In a typical delivery, your baby drops through the dilated cervix before the umbilical cord. If the umbilical cord comes first, it can get squished by the pressure of your baby’s body. Each contraction of the uterus also squeezes the cord. This life-threatening event requires immediate medical attention as it can create severe complications for the baby, such as compromised blood flow and oxygen supply. This complication usually occurs during labor, typically right before or during delivery.¹

What Causes Umbilical Cord Prolapse?

We can’t predict who will have a prolapsed umbilical cord with their delivery, but several risk factors can increase the risk of a prolapsed cord, including:^{1, 2}

• Premature rupture of membranes: When your water breaks before the baby’s head engages in the birth canal, the cord will have more space to slip through.
• Malpresentation: If the baby is in a breech position (when any other part of your baby comes out first instead of the buttocks), it can increase the chances of a prolapse.
• Multiparity: You are at a slightly higher risk if you have had multiple pregnancies and deliveries (usually five or more).
• Polyhydramnios: When there is excessive amniotic fluid in the uterus, it can increase the chances of cord prolapse.
• Preterm labor: Preterm births are more prone to umbilical cord prolapse.

But umbilical cord prolapse can happen without these risk factors. Certain conditions may increase the chances of a prolapse. These other risk factors include:^1,2

• Fetal congenital disorders
• Placenta previa
• Irregularly shaped umbilical cord (too long, very thin, etc.)
• Assisted vaginal delivery (using a vacuum or forceps during delivery)⁴
• Low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces, or 2.5 kilograms at birth)⁵
• Being pregnant with twins, triplets, or more (also known as having a multiple pregnancy)
• Irregular cord insertion to the baby (velamentous cord insertion)⁶
• High fetal station (the fetal station is the baby’s position relative to your pelvis during labor)
• Macrosomia (your baby is larger than the average newborn).⁷
• Procedures like amniotomy, when your provider breaks your water for you or inserts a balloon to ripen your cervix.⁸

How Is It Diagnosed?

Your provider and staff are trained to watch for this during labor and delivery. They will look for common signs and symptoms of cord prolapse. These may include:^1,2

• Visible or palpable umbilical cord protruding from the vagina.
• Fetal heart rate changes, such as decelerations or bradycardia (when the baby’s heart rate slows down too much).⁹
• Sudden and severe fetal distress.
• A prolapsed cord can be felt during a vaginal examination when they check your cervix’s dilation progress.

How Will Your Provider Manage a Prolapsed Cord?

If umbilical cord prolapse is suspected, your provider will quickly relieve the pressure on the prolapsed umbilical cord to make sure the baby receives adequate oxygen and blood supply. This may involve changing the mother’s position, elevating her hips, or using the Trendelenburg or knee-chest position.¹⁰

Your provider could also insert a gloved hand into the vagina to manually move the baby’s head off the cord. Delivery of the baby must occur as quickly as possible to prevent any potentially life-threatening outcomes. In most cases, the provider will perform an emergency Cesarean section to expedite the delivery and minimize the risk to the baby. A fetal monitor will continuously show the baby’s heart rate, which will help the provider decide what plan to follow.^1,2

Can It Be Prevented?

Unfortunately, a prolapsed umbilical cord cannot be prevented. It’s also difficult to detect during pregnancy because of the frequent movements of the baby and the cord. Some of the risk factors for a prolapsed cord can be noted as part of the mother’s birthing plan so that the parents and the medical providers know the possibility of a prolapsed cord. But it comes down to your provider acting quickly if a prolapsed umbilical cord occurs.

Can Babies Survive a Prolapsed Umbilical Cord?

Most babies do survive a prolapsed umbilical cord. In hospitals, the number of babies that die from a prolapsed umbilical cord is about 3%. However, one study did show the rate as high as 7%. When a baby is born outside of a hospital setting, the infant death rate is almost 20 times higher.¹

Umbilical cord prolapse is a rare obstetric emergency during or just before delivery. Still, your healthcare team will work quickly to deliver your baby if they detect a problem. There’s not much you can do to avoid one, but knowing the risk factors and what action needs to be taken may help you in the unlikely event it happens during childbirth.

Many amazing events happen in childbirth. But one of the most fascinating is the en caul birth. With an en caul birth, your baby is born inside the amniotic sac or bag of water. This phenomenon has fascinated parents and medical professionals for centuries.¹

An en caul birth is considered rare. There are many cultural beliefs and superstitions regarding this unusual birth. Some people believe an en caul birth is magical and brings fame and fortune, but there are few benefits or risks. Some parents desire to try to have this type of delivery because it is natural and unique.⁴

What Does En Caul Mean?

When the amniotic sac doesn’t break before your baby is born, you have an en caul birth. A baby born in the bag may also be called a “mermaid birth” or a “veiled birth.” It’s not a good or bad thing. It’s simply unusual.⁵

Usually, the amniotic sac breaks before contractions start or during labor or pushing. The fluid releases and continues to leak until your baby is born. A doctor or midwife may break the bag of water to induce or stimulate labor. If the bag is still intact when you start pushing, it will likely break with the increased pressure created. But if it doesn’t, you may have an en caul birth.⁶

“En caul” is different than “caul.” Caul means that a piece of the membrane is over your baby’s face, head, or chest when she is born, but the bag is not intact. The portion of the membrane may look like a veil or helmet.⁷

What an En Caul Birth Looks Like

During an en caul birth, your baby is born in what looks like a large squishy water balloon full of fluid. Often, a portion of the bag delivers first filled with liquid as it pushes out of your vagina. The rest of the sac with your baby’s head and body follows.⁶

The bag of water has two membranes that are fused. You can see through the membranes. Your baby will be curled up in the bag and get oxygen through the umbilical cord. You can see how your baby was nestled in your uterus before birth.⁶

After Delivery

Once your baby delivers en caul, the doctor, midwife, and nurses all ooh and ahh over the wonder and point it out to you. Then, your provider gently snips the bag with scissors or another instrument or pokes a hole with a finger. The water pours out. The membranes then cling to your baby. Your doctor or midwife carefully pulls them away from your baby’s face so she can breathe. Finally, you get to hold your baby for the first time. Cutting the cord and how your placenta delivers will be like any other birth.⁶

 

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How Common is an En Caul Birth?

Very little information is available about how often an en caul birth occurs. The commonly quoted statistic is less than 1 in 80,000 live births. At this rate, many doctors, nurses, and midwives have never seen an en caul birth.¹

En caul births can happen with both vaginal and Cesarean deliveries. With a cesarean birth, the surgeon can attempt to deliver your baby in the bag without breaking it. However, this is not a typical surgical procedure.¹

An en caul birth is more likely with a preterm or small baby. They are also more common if you haven’t had any previous births.¹

Midwife Perspective

En caul births are not tracked at delivery, so any statistic is only an educated guess. I’ve been a midwife for 22 years and a labor and delivery nurse before that. I have not kept track of how many en caul deliveries I have done, but it’s between 5 to 10 vaginal births. I have delivered over 5,000 babies. These numbers do not match with the 1 in 80,000 births estimate.

My numbers made me curious about how common en caul birth is. So, I surveyed 71 United States nurses, midwives, and OBGYN doctors, and this is what I found:

• Who: The survey included 58 labor and delivery nurses, one director of nursing, seven midwives, and five OBGYN physicians. Experience levels varied among those surveyed from under five to over 20 years.
• Percent: Of those surveyed, 80% have seen at least one en caul birth.
• Number: There was a wide range of how many en caul births those surveyed have seen, from only one in over 20 years of experience to “countless” in less than 20 years of experience. The majority have seen one or two such births.

What I take away from this small survey is there is a wide range of experience with en caul births. It happens more than the often reported 1 in 80,000 births. More research can help determine accurate numbers.¹

Benefits of an En Caul Birth

The benefits of an en caul delivery involve avoiding the risks present when the amniotic sac breaks before delivery. Such risks include the following:²

• uterine infection
• placental abruption, when the placenta pulls away too soon
• umbilical cord compression leading to your baby not tolerating contractions

The most severe, umbilical cord compression happens in cord prolapse. A prolapse occurs when your baby’s umbilical cord falls through your cervix and into the vagina before your baby’s head. The cord gets squeezed between your baby’s head and the pelvic bones depriving your baby of oxygen. This almost always leads to an emergency Cesarean delivery.⁸

Amniotic fluid provides a cushion around your baby. It helps protect him and the umbilical cord from squeezing and bruising during labor and birth. An en caul birth gives this protection through the birthing process.⁹

Risks or Complications

An en caul birth has few potential complications. One case study found a severely low number of blood cells (anemia) in a baby born by Cesarean via en caul delivery. But the anemia was most likely caused by an abnormal umbilical cord and not the en caul delivery.³

If labor is not progressing, breaking the amniotic sac can stimulate labor. Your provider may recommend an internal fetal heart rate or contraction monitor. Either of these requires your water to be released. Hoping for an en caul birth could delay labor progress or recommended interventions and lead to complications.¹⁰

How to Increase Your Chance of an En Caul Birth

Labor must progress without breaking the amniotic sac to increase your chance of an en caul birth. It means not breaking your bag of water to speed things up if everything progresses normally. Induction of labor can make this difficult. You can still use Pitocin to stimulate contractions if needed.¹¹

Whenever you have a cervical check to evaluate your labor progress, your doctor or midwife’s fingers risk breaking the amniotic sac. Limiting vaginal exams can increase your chance of an en caul birth.¹²

It is essential to talk with your doctor or midwife about your desires. Many doctors routinely break the amniotic sac during labor. Even if you decline this intervention, your body may have its own plans, and there is little you can do to control when your water naturally breaks.

En caul birth is fascinating, but there needs to be more research on how common it is or its risks and benefits. When a baby is encased in the amniotic sac, we get a small picture of how life was in the womb. It is one of the most natural and safe types of birth. But this type of birth is also difficult to plan for. Talk with your delivery provider to attempt this type of birth. It could also be their first time experiencing this type of unique delivery.

In a typical pregnancy, a baby’s head is down by delivery time. This is called the “vertex position.” The head paves the way out of the birth canal, and the baby has less potential for body parts to become stuck when coming out this way.^1,12 However, when you have a breech baby, its head is at the top of your uterus toward your chest, and either its feet or bottom are down toward your cervix.^1,13 A baby can also be transverse, meaning they lie horizontally across the cervix. These breech baby positions can make for a more complicated delivery.^1,13

How Do I Know if I Have a Breech Baby?

Your provider may be able to tell that your baby is breech after seeing the baby’s position on ultrasound, or they may be able to feel your baby’s position by palpating for certain fetal body parts on the outside of your belly.³ Finding out your baby is breech can be scary and overwhelming if you have dreamed of a vaginal birth, but not all hope is lost. You’ll still have some options for your delivery.

Options for Breech Baby Delivery

Here are some of your delivery options if you have a breech baby:

Wait It Out

If you are in your second trimester and your baby is breech, your baby will likely flip on their own. One study showed that a baby at 25 weeks or less was no more likely than a vertex baby to be breech by full-term.² As time goes on and the pregnancy progresses, a breech baby is less likely to flip to head down on their own. Still, by the time a pregnancy has reached full term, only about 4% of babies are breech. If you have some time before you anticipate delivery, you can wait and see if your breech baby flips on their own. Do not let yourself feel pressured into scheduling a Cesarean section for a breech baby when there is still time for them to flip.³

Natural Approaches To Flip a Baby

Instead, if you want to take a hands-on approach to encourage your little one to flip, there are many holistic approaches to flip a breech baby. You can try acupuncture, chiropractic care, and different body positions. If these do not work for you and you hope for a vaginal birth, you still have options.^4,5

External Cephalic Version

An external cephalic version, or ECV, refers to a provider manually rotating the baby through the mother’s abdomen. Not all pregnant women qualify for it, and it does have risks. For instance, it can be pretty painful (some providers offer an epidural). Also, some babies flip back to breech after this procedure. However, it works about half the time at rotating a baby, giving you a better chance for a vaginal delivery.⁶

Vaginal Breech Delivery

Vaginal breech birth has largely fallen out of practice in the United States; however, depending on other circumstances of your pregnancy, there is a debate that breech vaginal birth may still be safe. A large study in 2000 called the Term Birth Trial compared vaginal and Cesarean births for breech babies. Criteria for attempting a vaginal breech delivery included:^7,8

• Gestational age is greater than 37 weeks
• Frank or complete breech presentation (hips and knees are flexed, but feet are not below fetal buttocks)
• Large-enough maternal pelvis
• Estimated fetal weight between 5.5 and 8.8 pounds
• Baby’s head is flexed, not extended
• Sufficient amniotic fluid
• No fetal anomaly or condition that could cause a mechanical problem during delivery
• No known lethal fetal congenital anomalies
• No contraindications to labor or vaginal delivery
• No evidence of fetopelvic disproportion
• The fetus is not clinically large and doesn’t have an estimated fetal weight of 4,000+ grams

However, this study reported that scheduled C-sections for breech pregnancies yielded safer outcomes for babies when compared to vaginal births. Risks to the baby of vaginal breech birth include complications of getting stuck in the birth canal and a prolapsed umbilical cord.^3,9

Maternal complications are similar between vaginal and C-section births of breech babies.⁸ But one study showed that experienced providers might be able to offer vaginal breech deliveries to otherwise low-risk mothers safely. Suppose you are passionate about having a vaginal birth. In that case, it may be worth researching if any providers in your area are experienced and willing to attempt a vaginal delivery with your baby.¹⁰

Cesarean Section

If all these tactics fail to flip your baby and you don’t want to try a vaginal birth, a scheduled surgical birth is always an option. You may also be able to wait until labor begins naturally before you go in for a C-section. That way, your baby and body are still deciding on the birth time.³ If you dream of a low-intervention birth, talk to your provider about ways to make your Cesarean “gentle” or as close to a vaginal birth as possible, from the music playing in the operating room to holding your baby immediately after birth.¹¹

Learning your baby is breech can be disappointing and scary. But just because your baby is breech now does not mean they cannot flip.¹⁴ You can try holistic and at-home methods to encourage your baby to go head down. If these do not work, you may try medical interventions such as chiropractic care and ECV. If your baby remains breech, talk to your provider about your delivery options or change providers to attempt a vaginal delivery. The good news is you and your baby will be just as healthy with the proper care.^13,15 Hopefully, this comes with your ideal birth as well!

When I became pregnant with my first child 15 years ago, there wasn’t much talk about birth plans or gender reveals, or many of the things that moms-to-be do now. But there was one thing that I was adamant about; I did not want to have a C-section. The thought of it terrified me. I don’t know what I was so scared of, but I was hell-bent on delivering vaginally. And I did.

I was induced, which some people told me leads to an emergency C-section more often than labor without intervention. Sure, that made me a bit nervous. I was 11 days overdue, and my baby wasn’t coming on his own. Even after a long induction process and pushing for four hours. Was it great? No. But it wasn’t horrible, either. I didn’t know any better, so I assumed it was like any other birth experience.

I Had Another Baby Two Years Later

Two years and one month later, I was ready to have my second child. From the get-go, I told my doctor, “No C-section.” He assured me he knew what I wanted and that we would all do our best to have things go as I wanted them to. My first baby was 8 pounds, 4 ounces, a decent hunk of love, but not huge. At my final ultrasound, the tech estimated that my new baby would be about the same size as the first. Which I knew was a reasonably easy delivery.

Again, it was an induction, but nothing too crazy. I had an issue with my epidural that doctors handled, and we were good to go. This baby didn’t want to come out, though. He was happy inside and had gotten himself into a comfortable position, but his head was where it wasn’t supposed to be. I moved positions back and forth, he got where he needed to go, and it was time to push. This one was simple. He was coming, I was ready, and two pushes later, I was holding a 9-pound, 4-ounce bundle. It was amazing, and the best part? No surgery.

Baby No. 3 Had Different Plans

After giving birth to two big sons, I thought I knew what to expect with my third. Like his brothers, I was induced, and again, my induction went as planned, and everything was okay. Until it wasn’t. Neither my doctor nor I expected my son to be bigger than his brothers, and my labor became excruciatingly painful. My doctor was concerned that I was experiencing a uterine rupture, and there was only one choice: an emergency C-section.

I don’t remember any of this, but my husband and mom claim it was among the most frightening experiences of their lives. He was not allowed in the delivery room and had to wait, not knowing what was happening to the baby or me. Doctors put me under general anesthesia, and my son was born within minutes. When I awoke, my husband was holding our third son, who was 10 pounds, 5 ounces, and perfect. I, on the other hand, didn’t feel so perfect.

I had been attempting to push my son out for some time when he became stuck. He was too big, and my body couldn’t deliver him naturally and safely. Because I had been trying to deliver him vaginally, my body underwent some trauma, and I had to heal. Because I had an emergency C-section, I also had to recover from major surgery. It was physically and psychologically exhausting.

Emergency C-sections aren’t the same for all moms. Many other scenarios call for an emergency C-section, and it is almost always to ensure a safe delivery for mom and baby.

There is a Difference Between Emergency and Unplanned C-sections

The difference between an unplanned C-section and an emergency C-section is the urgency. An unplanned C-section is just that. It is when a mom intends to give birth vaginally but cannot due to circumstances like the baby’s positioning. In these cases, the baby and mother are healthy, and the risks are lower than in an emergency C-section. A doctor may determine that a mom should have a C-section during labor or even days or weeks before.³

Emergency C-sections often happen within minutes of the decision to deliver. An emergency C-section happens under much more dramatic and sometimes frightening circumstances. Health Partners helps us understand what constitutes an unplanned C-section vs. an emergency C-section.¹ 

Reasons for an Unplanned C-section

Unplanned C-sections are more common in the following situations:³

Labor Slows or Stalls Completely

It may be time for your doctor to intervene if labor stops progressing, even when a mother is experiencing strong contractions but no movement.

The Baby is Too Big

A doctor may determine that the baby is too large to deliver vaginally, and attempting to do so would put the mom or infant in danger.

Your Baby Changes Positions

The baby can change positions during the birthing process, making it dangerous or impossible to deliver vaginally. If the baby is not head-down, it can increase the risks of umbilical cord issues.

Mom is Having Multiples

Delivering more than one baby at once can happen vaginally with little to no complications. However, when one baby moves, it can be impossible for the mom to deliver vaginally, so doctors will perform a C-section.

Reasons for an Emergency C-section

Emergency C-sections can be life or death circumstances for either mom or baby. When an emergency C-section happens, the mom is typically put under general anesthesia so the baby can be delivered quickly. Several factors can lead to an emergency C-section, such as the following:^2,3

The Umbilical Cord Presents First

A prolapsed cord is a severe concern for the mom or the baby. If the cord is damaged or wrapped around the baby’s neck or body multiple times, it can cut off the infant’s oxygen, leading to brain damage or even death.

There is a Problem With the Placenta

The placenta is a vital organ that helps keep the baby alive. If the placenta presents first, it is called placenta previa and will prevent the baby from naturally making its way through the birth canal.

The Baby’s Heart Rate Drops

When a baby’s heart rate drops suddenly, it is a sign of fetal distress. If the doctor feels the baby is in trouble and can no longer be delivered safely vaginally, they will perform an emergency C-section.

An Emergency C-section Can Mean a Difficult Recovery

Again, a C-section is major surgery, and moms need to be careful not to overdo it when recovering. The Mayo Clinic recommends that C-section moms not lift more than 25 pounds for the first few weeks.² It is okay to take painkillers, and many medications are safe for breastfeeding moms. Experts recommend waiting to have sex for at least six weeks, and you should avoid driving for the first week or two after surgery and always when using narcotic painkillers.²

Always Look for Signs of Infection

Moms must watch for signs of infection after an emergency C-section. This can include swollen, red, or leaking incisions, fever, heavy vaginal bleeding, or increased pain. If any of these occur, it is crucial to contact a medical professional immediately.

Moms should talk to their doctors about risks and what to expect in an emergency C-section. It is also helpful to always remember that an emergency C-section is performed to keep mom and baby safe. And, of course, that is the ultimate goal.

There is a lot of discussion surrounding labor and delivery, and rightfully so! You are about to birth a new human, which is a huge physical and emotional feat. The healthcare system, friends and family, social media, podcasts, and other influences all chime in to share birth stories, tips, and warnings. There are also plenty of myths floating around out there. Giving birth is not one-size-fits-all. Every labor and delivery is unique, and each mother experiences it differently. This article will explore and dispel some common myths about labor and birth.

10 Myths About Labor and Birth

Here are 10 myths about labor and birth and why they’re not true for all moms:

1. Losing the Mucus Plug Means Labor Is Near

The mucus plug is a collection of mucus and tissue that blocks off the cervix to protect infections from reaching your uterus during pregnancy. It is typically a clear, white, or slightly bloody glob of jelly-like material. When the cervix begins to dilate in preparation for labor, the mucus plug can fall out.¹

One myth about labor and birth is that losing the mucus plug means labor will begin soon. However, this is not always the case.¹² While cervical dilation could occur, active labor may not be near. In addition, the mucus plug can regenerate itself.¹ With my first baby, I lost my mucus plug two weeks before going into labor. Then, I lost it again the day contractions began. Losing your mucus plug is not a good indicator of when labor will begin, as it could be hours to weeks away.¹

If you suspect you have lost your mucus plug before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is good to let your provider know. Otherwise, try not to overanalyze what this means about your labor timeline — it is nearly impossible to know, and your baby will come when they are ready.

2. You Can Only Chew Ice During Labor

You may have heard the myth that you are not allowed to eat and drink during labor or that you are only allowed to suck on ice chips. Of course, no one is stopping you from eating snacks or meals while you labor at home. This is part of the reason many birth educators recommend staying home while in labor for as long as possible.

Once you arrive at your birthing place, you may or may not be allowed to continue to eat. When I checked in to labor and delivery, my nurse brought me a menu and told me to order breakfast before the doctor placed orders to restrict my food intake. The reason for not being allowed to eat is that if you end up requiring a C-section, you risk vomiting and aspirating from sedation.²

For low-risk vaginal deliveries, avoiding food may not be necessary. A systematic review that looked at allowing food intake during labor revealed shorter labors and no increased risk for obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Eating during labor also did not increase the incidence of vomiting or the likelihood of a C-section.² Talk to your provider about your hospital’s policy, and advocate for yourself if you are hungry in the labor room.

3. You Can’t Have a Vaginal Birth After a Cesarean

While every woman’s circumstances vary, vaginal births after cesarean sections (VBACs) are possible in many cases. Many times, providers will at least let you try to experience labor and vaginal delivery after a C-section. When appropriate, VBACs decrease maternal risks at delivery and for future pregnancies. Some risk factors for an unsuccessful VBAC include pregnancies very close or far apart, a high body mass index, and being overdue.^3,4,5

If you have previously had a C-section and are interested in a vaginal birth this time, do not assume it is off the table for you. Talk to your provider about whether you can try for a VBAC.

4. Your Water Will Break Like in the Movies

Your water breaking, or “rupture of membranes,” only occurs before contractions in 8-10% of pregnancies. While a myth about labor and birth includes water breaking as the first sign of labor, and movies often show this, labor most often begins with contractions. If your water breaks before contractions, your baby will likely be born within the next few days. Once your water breaks, if you do not deliver, you are at risk for developing a placental infection, cord compression, placental abruption, and a C-section.⁶

Many movies also depict water breaking as a sudden gush of fluids. While this can sometimes be the case, rupture of membranes can also be a slow leak. This would cause constant wetness in the underwear and leaking of watery fluid from the vagina as opposed to one instance of a large amount of fluid. You may be imagining your water breaking suddenly and dramatically at home and knowing it is time to head to the hospital. But it is much more likely to happen later in labor. And at that point, you may not even know!⁶

5. C-Sections Are Always Terrible

The concept of a C-section can be scary, from the actual surgery to the recovery. Emergency C-sections can be particularly stressful, as it was likely not what you envisioned for your birth. However, there has been a significant push to make all C-sections, planned or unplanned, more like vaginal births. Some interventions include playing your choice of music in the operating room, dimming alarm noises, having your partner by your side, using a clear drape to see your baby right away, and putting your baby on your chest. At the same time, they stitch you up to make your C-section gentler and more peaceful.⁷

Some women report an easier recovery with a C-section, and many also report having peace of mind if they could schedule their C-sections in advance.¹³ While it may not be your first choice, having a C-section is not always as terrible as some say.

6. You Should Go to the Hospital at First Signs of Labor

This is it! You have been waiting for your whole pregnancy to deliver your precious baby, and now the time has finally come. You are experiencing contractions, and it feels like it is finally go-time. It can feel tempting to rush to the hospital as soon as you are in labor, but it may be best to wait in most cases. You are likely much more comfortable at home than in the hospital. Also, staying home can allow labor to progress more quickly and naturally than in a hospital environment.¹⁴ If you go to the hospital too early, they may even send you back home.

Many providers recommend following the 5-1-1 rule, meaning you should be having painful contractions every five minutes that last for one minute each for at least an hour before heading to the hospital. This may signal you are in active labor.¹⁵

You should contact your provider or go to the hospital if you have significant vaginal bleeding, have more than spotting, or notice decreased fetal movement. Otherwise, it is probably best to wait out early labor at home, as excited as you may be to get the show on the road!⁸

7. Labor Is Extremely Painful From Start to Finish

Perhaps you imagine constant, excruciating pain from when labor begins until your baby is in your arms. You may have seen depictions of women moaning or screaming relentlessly during labor. However, a beautiful part about labor is the built-in breaks from the pain. Contractions last about a minute, and while painful for many women, they end, and you have a break before another one.¹⁶ Try to take the contractions one at a time and visualize your next rest between surges. I have heard of women taking short naps between contractions or before pushing, even without having an epidural.

8. You Only Push for an Hour

When I was pregnant with my first daughter, I remember hearing the myth that the pushing part of labor and birth is typically quick. I have since learned that the pushing phase can last a few minutes to hours! First-time moms and moms with epidurals tend to push for longer. Pushing slower or more gently can decrease your risk of tearing by giving the vaginal tissue time and opportunity to stretch instead of break. If mom and baby tolerate pushing well, there should be no restrictions on how long you are permitted to push before intervention.⁹

9. You Must Give Birth on Your Back

Research shows that most women today give birth on their backs using coached pushing. For some women, delivering on their back allows for better rest between contractions. For others, pushing on their back works against gravity and natural forces. An epidural may make getting into an upright position more challenging, but you can ask for help and assistive positioning devices like a peanut ball if you do not want to push on your back. If you want to push in another position, do not feel limited to your back. Ask your nurse and provider to help you try other options.^10,11

10. Everyone Poops While Pushing

It is normal to have a bowel movement during the pushing stage of labor.¹⁷ After all, the muscles used to push out your baby are like the ones used for defecating.¹⁸ Many providers say that if you poop during pushing, that means you are doing it right.¹⁷ However, not everyone poops during pushing. Some women experience diarrhea during labor and are all cleaned out when pushing comes around. Others simply do not experience this.¹⁷

While not everyone poops during labor, even if you do, it is nothing to worry about. Your doctors and nurses are used to it because it is common. They will clean it up before anyone (possibly including yourself!) knows it happened. With everything else going on during labor and delivery, a little bowel movement will be the last thing on your mind, trust me.

While many labor and birth myths have a bit of truth behind them, as you can see, they do not apply to every mom. Assembling your birth team, educating yourself on the labor process, and finding a provider you trust are the best things you can do for a safe and positive birth. Things may not go according to your birth plan, but setting goals for your labor and delivery will help things go more smoothly and positively. Try to find peace as the delivery day approaches, and don’t believe everything you hear!

Are you expecting a baby soon? Your list of tasks to check off before your little bundle of joy’s arrival is likely long as it is, but you don’t want to forget about the one to-do that often falls to the back burner: packing your hospital bag. Knowing what to pack in your hospital bag can be daunting if you’re having a C-section.

Before having my firstborn, I naively hadn’t considered the possibility of her delivery culminating in an emergency C-section. I packed everything I thought I’d need and then some, but ultimately used very little of it. I came home with my new baby and a pile of stuff to put away. Fast-forward to my second baby, who came without warning, surprising us seven weeks early. As I labored through contractions in the wee hours of that early Sunday morning while trying to comfort my confused toddler, I had no choice but to quickly throw a few things in a bag as my husband arranged childcare for our daughter. We arrived at labor and delivery with little more than our wallets, a cell phone charger, my toothbrush, and bottled water. Once again, my precipitous labor led to an emergency C-section.

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for a C-Section

If I’ve learned anything from my delivery experiences, flexibility is key, but preparation is golden. Here’s what I’d recommend any C-section mama have in her hospital bag:

1. Comfy Clothing

I recommend a cardigan, robe, a nursing tank, and a pair of slippers or grippy socks. While there’s a good chance you’ll be in your hospital gown for a good chunk of your stay; you’ll want these essentials on hand for getting up and about, snuggling with your little one, and nursing if you choose to.

You can save on space by forgoing your favorite underwear. Your nurses will provide plenty of the good ol’ mesh ones. They’ll probably even have grippy socks available if you forget yours.

2. A Few Toiletries

You’ll likely have some time to pass before you can get up and walk to the restroom, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel like you’ve been in bed your entire stay. Makeup wipes, deodorant, moisturizer, and lip balm can make you feel much more human after welcoming your tiny person.

Packing only the essentials will save room for hospital food trays and giant water jugs. Decide on what you need and what can wait for when you return home. Don’t feel guilty if some mascara and blush will make you feel more camera-ready for those birth announcement mom and baby shots. Otherwise, less is more here.

3. A Belly Binder

Many hospitals offer basic belly binders for C-section mamas, but lots of mamas prefer sporting their own higher-quality binders. These are crucial for post-surgery support, comfort, and healing and can be worn well into the weeks following your delivery.

Whether you pack your own or use the hospital’s, ask a nurse if you’re unsure whether you’re wearing your belly binder properly. A snug fit is a key to reaping the benefits.

4. A Good Pillow

Hospital beds aren’t the most comfortable, especially after a C-section. Hospital pillows are no exception. They are very thin and are in high demand. You can expect to get two or maybe three pillows (that you will need to share with your partner) in your room. Bringing your own pillow will help you feel more comfortable as you rest and recover in bed post-surgery.

Many new mothers also recommend bringing a Boppy pillow, their maternity pillow, or another pillow from home that can be used to prop up their baby closer to their breast and keep the baby off of their incision. Babies can kick and wiggle, and your incision site is the last place you want to be jabbed after birth. This extra pillow can also be helpful for applying pressure on your abdomen when you need to cough, sneeze or laugh.

5. Fan and Blanket for Your Comfort

There are some side effects that mothers experience after a C-section, like itching and feeling overheated or freezing cold due to big hormonal changes. You can ask for some medication to help with the itching, but I recommend bringing a cozy blanket of yours if you are particular about your comfort if you experience the chills. They do have blankets that they can put in the warmer, but some women prefer their own blanket from home. And if you feel overheated, a portable fan is extremely helpful.

6. Your Favorite Snacks

Regardless of the mode of delivery, giving birth is exhausting. With a whole new human to care for, you’ll need to be sure you’re eating enough to quickly get your more precious-than-ever energy back. And let’s face it, hospital food isn’t always the most appealing. Bring a few favorite snacks if you want something beyond the cafeteria’s food.

If you plan to breastfeed, give yourself a head start with lactation snacks. You can’t go wrong with tasty options like cookies, bars, and even granola on the market for milk-making moms. Staying hydrated is also important. If you get tired of plain water, consider other options that can also help with lactation.

7. Rinse-Free Body Wipes

Following your C-section, you’ll want to freshen up from all your body has been through. You might not want to or be able to go through the hassle of getting in and out of the shower. Rinse-free body wipes are like a ready-to-go sponge bath, and they’re a must for your hospital bag.

Keep a pack of these at home for your early postpartum days. The thought of getting back to your shower might seem appealing, but you’ll appreciate having a more convenient option between caring for a newborn and yourself.

8. A Comfortable, Breathable Outfit to Go Home In

Your incision area will be sore for a bit, so you’ll want to ensure nothing is pressing directly on it that could increase that friction. Loose, high-waisted drawstring pants, a flowy dress with high-waisted bike shorts underneath, or maternity leggings are all safe bets.

Don’t forget your feet! They might be a bit swollen (and difficult to reach) in the days following your C-section, so you’ll want something roomy and easy to slip on, like a simple pair of flip-flops.

9. Something Special for Baby to Wear Home

A cute coming-home outfit for baby is really all you need, and maybe a couple of bodysuits. Seriously, that’s it. Newborn diapers, wipes, and swaddle blankets will await in abundance in your post-delivery room. You’ll have plenty of time to play dress-up with your newest addition at home so save yourself the trouble of toting 10 outfits to the hospital and back.

Those newborn essentials that await you in your hospital room? Toss them all in your bag before you get discharged. They’re yours to keep for your baby.

10. Extra Kindness and Grace for Yourself

Welcoming a baby into the world via C-section is no small feat. It’s major surgery, after all, and recovery after a C-section calls for you to go easy on yourself. So be kind to yourself and take it one day at a time. Self-love has never been more important!

Packing your hospital bag for your C-section doesn’t have to be guesswork. While everything turned out just fine with each of my pre-delivery hospital bag preparations (or lack thereof!), it took both for me to learn a lesson: plan accordingly and be prepared. In other words, don’t be like me the first two times around. Whether you’re scheduled for a C-section or simply preparing for the possibility of needing one, we hope this list will help you feel at peace with what’s in your bag for the big day.

Becoming a parent is, in my opinion, the biggest moment in a person’s life. Your life will never be the same in all the wildest and best possible ways. Today’s guests can relate to this, and I am so excited to have them both here on the show, Kam Williams and Leroy Garrett!

Kam is from New Jersey and Leroy is from Las Vegas. They both come from the reality TV world—Kam was originally on Are You the One, and Lee was on The Real World. The two met while they both were filming the show The Challenge on MTV. They’ve been together ever since and now reside in Houston, TX, where they recently welcomed their first child, their adorable son, Kingston. I had the honor of being their birth doula during their pregnancy and birth of Kingston and had the immense pleasure of getting to know these incredible people. We had to have them on the show to see what new parenthood has been like for them.

Today I am chatting with Kam and Leroy about their journey to becoming parents. They’re sharing what the pregnancy was really like, what their biggest challenges and best moments have been so far as parents, and they’re even sharing what some of their favorite baby products are too! This power couple is an incredible duo. You will likely find yourself laughing and relating with me throughout this episode. If you want to continue to follow their journey, be sure to check out their accounts below:

• Kam William
  • Kam Kollection
  • Instagram: @iamkamiam_
  • YouTube: @iAmKamiAm
  • Twitter: @iamkamiam_
• Leroy Garrett
  • RoyleetheBarber
  • Instagram: @royleethebarber
  • Twitter: @Bruce_Lee85

Growing up, my mom always talked about our births. I, as the oldest, was a cesarean section due to being breech. My sister was a VBAC and came out very quickly. My brother was induced. I was unaware of the stigmas around vaginal versus cesarean—until I became pregnant.

When I found out my daughter was breech, many people immediately jumped to tell me how I could flip her. They suggested I look into an ECV (external cephalic version). And they told me all the reasons I didn’t want to have a C-section. I was getting anxious after each appointment that I was told that she hadn’t flipped. At 37 weeks, they scheduled my surgery, and I knew the reality was that I would not have a vaginal birth.

I immediately reached out to a friend who had recently had her second C-section to ask for advice. She helped me realize that the people telling me all the negatives about C-sections were primarily women who did not have one! Over the next few days, I began reaching out to friends and family who had their children via cesarean section. I quickly realized that I needed to start listening to those with experience with this type of delivery.

Since this topic is so close to my and so many of my fellow mother’s hearts, I felt it only fair to ask other moms who have had C-sections what made them feel so strong after going through the process. This is what they had to say:

Why Moms Who Have C-Sections Are Amazing

1. You had major surgery and brought life into the world.

I not only brought a baby into the world but had major abdominal surgery where my guts were put on the table and then put back in. And I had to learn how to navigate motherhood right after.

2. You have a beautiful connection with all the C-section mamas in the world.

I was raised by a strong woman who waitressed between her second and third pregnancies and graduated with her master’s. She also happened to have three C-sections (one emergency and two scheduled). I grew up proud of her birthing stories because they brought my siblings and me into this world. When I found out I would have a C-section with my first, it made me feel more connected to my mother and the journey she had taken into her new role as I began mine.

3. Your scar is cool.

I love my scar. It’s a fierce reminder that I am a mom. It also reminds me of every struggle I went through to get pregnant and deliver a baby.

4. You juggled feeding your baby and healing from surgery.

Navigating breastfeeding with a tender abdominal decision is no easy task!

5. Your baby is safe.

I chose the safety of my baby over any personal desires for birth, postpartum, etc.

6. Your body is amazing!

Having gone through both deliveries, I was glad I ended up with it for baby #2 instead of #1. I could not imagine navigating surgery recovery on top of becoming a new mom, being sleep-deprived, figuring out breastfeeding, etc. C-section moms are truly inspiring.

7. You are physically tough handling the challenges recovery brings.

We are up against additional challenges like delayed milk production, surgical recovery while caring for an infant, and often negative mental health impacts of a birth plan that I did not choose.

8. You are mentally strong!

Having an emergency C-section was one of the scariest things that has happened in my life. I had to go through the trauma of pushing for hours only to deliver in a way that I was unprepared for. Then I had to deal with the loss of the delivery I wanted and become a new mom, all within a few hours. It is something that I look back on and wonder how I had the strength to do it all!

9. You and your baby are alive.

I realize that less than 100 years ago, my baby and I may have died during childbirth. I have a bicornuate uterus, and the babies tend to get stuck in one of the “horns” later in pregnancy because they run out of room. It makes it difficult for them to turn and can cause significant complications during delivery. As a C-section mom, I appreciate how advanced medicine is these days. I am grateful to be here with my four kids a little more with that in the back of my mind.

10. You are a great mother — you did what was best for your baby.

Although it was not part of my birth plan, it made me feel more relieved that the baby didn’t have to go through the stress of the birth canal and had a beautiful round C-section head! I also love looking at my scar because it reminds me of my beautiful baby girl, even years later.

11. You have options.

My C-section wasn’t planned, but I know that I have options if we choose to have another baby. A C-section doesn’t always mean another C-section, but it’s okay to choose another one if I know it’s right for my future children and me.

12. Your baby’s birth is unique and special.

My baby’s birth may not have gone as I planned, but my child has his very own birth story unique to him. I refuse to let it be a sad story but instead a beautiful one because it was the day he came into the world.

13. You did your best and it is still good enough.

After going through a failed ECV, spinning babies, acupuncture, and a chiropractor to try and get my breech baby to flip, I still was able to deliver a beautiful, healthy breech baby via C-section!

14. You grieved a birth plan you did not experience and came out stronger.

All of the prep I did for how to labor, endure an unmedicated birth, and recover after a vaginal birth was thrown out of the window with my emergency C-section. I planned and prepared for nine months only to have a completely different test. Trying to quickly figure out how to recover from my C-section, breastfeed, get out of bed, walk, and mother was the hardest thing I have ever experienced.

15. It was the first and biggest selfless decision you made for your baby.

Going from being a marathon runner to pushing myself to walk around the block was one of the most mentally tough things I have ever had to do! Having to decide to deliver my baby in the safest way, via C-section, was my first real decision/pathway into motherhood in my eyes.

Other Empowering C-Section Resources

After reaching out to my mom friends across the country on this topic and receiving their responses, I found myself on such a high. While I always loved my C-section delivery, I never knew so many people were loving and grieving their labor in similar ways as I had. I was lucky to have a few weeks to prepare for my breech baby C-section. So I was able to prepare for postpartum recovery after a C-section. These were some of my favorite resources for preparing for my C-section birth.

Instagram

One of my favorite Instagram accounts was @expectingandempowered. This account has many great highlights on C-section recovery and pregnancy and postpartum workout plans. I learned how to massage my scar, get up off of a chair properly, and gain feeling back around my scar. This is one account I tell all my C-section moms to follow!

My second go-to account was @karrielocher. Karrie is a labor and delivery nurse who has four children. She was a substantial positive advocate for C-section delivery/recovery. She had wonderful tips on breastfeeding post-C-section and clothing to help ease the scar pain, and her feeding cart was a lifesaver when I couldn’t get upstairs due to my recovery.

Websites

Tommys.org

Tommy’s is a UK-based non-profit that aims to help mothers dealing with premature births, preeclampsia, and cesarean sections. This website provides information on what happens during a C-section, how to prepare, benefits, risks, and more. Also, they provide links for dealing with and support options for C-section birth and recovery. Overall, this is a very informative site that can guide you to wonderful resources, no matter where you are located in the world.

Strong Mom Project

Krista is a Bucks County, PA mother of two who is certified in pre- and postpartum training. Whether you are local to the area or live further away, she can meet with moms before or after birth to help heal, deal with lingering pelvic floor pain, or scar treatment for your postpartum cesarean needs virtually or in person. She is not only knowledgeable but extremely sensitive to your needs and wants for postpartum care. (visit here)

International Cesarean Awareness Network

This is a support program for women who may not have had the birth plan they dreamed of. You can find information on breastfeeding after cesarean, recovery from cesarean, skin-to-skin care after cesarean, etc. Also, this page has options for support groups in different areas of the US and Internationally. There is a plethora of information for you or the opportunity to be involved in helping others with their birth story acceptance.

DONA International

The DONA International site has a wonderful section for cesarean resources. Their list includes support sites, recovery, postpartum, and moving forward/options with another pregnancy after a cesarean section.

Childbirth Connection

The Childbirth Connection site is part of the National Partnership for Women & Families that has been helping women and families regarding maternity care for over 100 years. The Childbirth Connection site has a great section that answers questions in preparation for your cesarean section and options for delivery after your cesarean section.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

The ACOG is an evidence-based program that helps women understand the most updated information regarding women’s health. On their site, you can find a section for frequently asked questions regarding cesarean birth, such as what to expect, procedural questions, and even definitions of different terms regarding why a cesarean section would be done.

Postpartum Support International

PSI is a fantastic resource for helping mothers find postpartum support near them. They have a discussion tool in English and Spanish to help women with their postpartum mental health journey.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

CHOP has resources for online support groups for new and expecting parents. Cesarean mothers might find some helpful groups such as The Motherhood Center, Postpartum Stress Center, and Postpartum Mood Disorders Community.

CSectionRecovery.com

This site has FAQs, Top Picks, Tips, and Topics for mothers recovering from cesarean sections.

Postpartum Progress

While this program supports an umbrella of postpartum topics, there is a section where you can find your local chapter for postpartum support.

Books

Cesarean Birth: Your Questions Answered by Debbie Chippington-Derrick

This book is a quick read that is aimed to help women prepare for postpartum recovery from a cesarean section birth. It does a great job answering some of the most frequently asked questions women may have surrounding a C-Section.

Strategies for the C-Section Mom by Mary Beth Knight

This is a great guide for moms who have C-sections if you are looking for some health and fitness tips on recovering from a cesarean section birth. It also has some preparation ideas/plans and gives great educational material and sources for your journey.

My Cesarean: Twenty-One Mothers on the C-Section Experience and After by Amanda Fields

This is a compilation of twenty-one mothers’ stories regarding their cesarean section journey. We often read about the negative sides of having a C-Section, and this book gives just the opposite-positive experiences of real women. This is an excellent read for anyone looking for a bit of positivity and perspective going into their surgery.

Writing this article gave me so much pride and happiness to be a part of the “moms who have C-sections” club. If you have not had a C-section, please remember to support your friends in their delivery choice. We all carry a baby for nine months and deliver a baby when that time is up. No delivery is better or worse. The most important part of this journey is holding your baby safely in your arms and snuggling with your new family member.