Caesarean Birth Support

Your caesarean birth deserves the same preparation, choices and support as any other birth

Having a planned caesarean doesn't mean you have to navigate the experience without continuity, preparation and someone familiar by your side.

I offer personalised caesarean birth support, in your chosen hospital, for women and families across London, Essex and Hertfordshire. Whether you are feeling anxious about a planned caesarean, would like more preparation beforehand, or don't have a birth partner who can attend with you, I can support you through pregnancy, on the day of your birth and once you are home with your baby.

Preparing for Your Caesarean Birth

For me, caesarean support starts well before the day your baby is born.

During your antenatal appointments, we can talk through the caesarean process in as much detail as you would like. Knowing what to expect can make an unfamiliar environment feel much less daunting.

We can discuss your pre-operative appointment, when you are likely to be asked to attend hospital, fasting instructions, blood tests and any medication your maternity team asks you to take beforehand.

I can also explain what happens on the day itself, including meeting the theatre team, having a spinal anaesthetic, having a urinary catheter inserted and what you can expect once you are in theatre.

You can ask questions at your own pace, and we can talk through any particular worries or preferences you have for your baby's birth.

What Happens During a Caesarean?

If you are having a planned caesarean under spinal anaesthesia, you will usually be awake while your baby is born.

I can prepare you for what happens in theatre, including the monitoring and anaesthetic, what you may see and hear, and what happens as your baby is born.

Where circumstances allow, your maternity team may be able to facilitate things that are important to you, such as lowering the screen so you can see your baby the second they are born, delayed cord clamping and early contact with your baby.

Your baby will also be checked after birth and may be weighed and measured, with vitamin K offered in line with your choices and local practice.

Exactly what happens can vary according to your hospital and, most importantly, the wellbeing of you and your baby. Part of my role is helping you understand those possibilities beforehand so that you feel informed rather than surprised.

What If I Don't Have a Birth Partner?

You do not have to have a partner to have someone related to you, supporting you at your caesarean

Some women are solo parents, while others may not have a partner, family member or friend who is able or suitable to attend their birth.

If you don't have a birth partner, I can support you as your birth partner for your planned caesarean.

That means you can have someone with you who already knows you, your pregnancy, your wishes and the things that matter to you.

I can attend hospital with you, support you before theatre, accompany you during your caesarean while you are awake. I can then continue supporting you through recovery and your move to the postnatal ward.

If a general anaesthetic is required, birth partners are not permitted in theatre. I would still be there to support you when you are taken into recovery.

Can I Have Two Birth Partners at My Caesarean?

Most hospitals have their own policies about how many people can accompany you into theatre for a caesarean.

If you already have a birth partner but feel that having me there as well would be particularly important because of significant anxiety, previous trauma or your mental health, I can contact your maternity team with you and request that they consider allowing a second birth partner.

I would never promise that this will be agreed. The decision rests with the hospital and theatre team, and permission for a second person may not be possible.

But if having additional support matters to you, we can ask.

Support Doesn't End When Your Baby Is Born

After your baby arrives, I can remain with you as you move through recovery and, where permitted, onto the postnatal ward.

I can help you understand what is happening, support you with your baby and feeding, and simply be the familiar person beside you while you recover from surgery.

Once you are discharged home, I can continue your care through the postnatal period.

We can look at your recovery, your emotional wellbeing, feeding, your baby's wellbeing and weight, and any questions or concerns that come up during those first days and weeks.

Caesarean Birth Support That Is Guided By You

A caesarean birth is still your birth. Feeling safe, loved and cared for matters immensely during a caesarean birth and these all help oxytocin to support your birth, bonding and those first precious moments with your baby.

My role isn't to promise that everything will happen in one particular way. It is to help you understand your options, prepare for different possibilities, ask questions and feel involved in the decisions surrounding your care.

Whether you are preparing for a planned caesarean, feeling anxious about what will happen, or looking for a midwife who can support you because you don't have a birth partner, we can talk about what would feel right for you.

For me, caesarean birth support isn't just about being beside you in theatre. It's about preparing you beforehand, supporting you through the birth itself, and continuing to care for you afterwards.

What If I Already Have a Birth Partner?

If you already have a birth partner and don't need me to attend the caesarean with you, I can still provide support throughout your pregnancy and after your baby is born.

Before your birth, I can help you prepare for your caesarean so that both you and your birth partner understand what to expect. We can talk through your pre-operative appointment, what happens on the day, preparing for theatre, spinal anaesthesia, recovery and what the first hours after your baby's birth may look like.

We can also discuss your preferences for your caesarean birth and any questions or worries that either you or your birth partner may have. Having time to understand the process beforehand can help you both feel more prepared and confident going into the birth.

You don't need me to be physically present in theatre for me to support you through your caesarean journey.

After your baby is born and you're discharged home, I can continue providing postnatal midwifery care, supporting your physical recovery, checking your caesarean wound, monitoring your wellbeing, supporting you with feeding and caring for your baby, and giving you time to talk through how you're feeling after the birth.

Caesarean support can be completely tailored to you, whether you need me beside you on the day or want the reassurance of continuity, preparation and ongoing care before and recovery after your birth.

I provide private midwifery support across London, Essex and Hertfordshire.

Get in touch to arrange a free 20-minute consultation and talk about the support you would like for your caesarean birth or find out more about the hospital birth support I offer.