“Oh, I’m having a c-section so I don’t need hypnobirthing.”

This is something I hear A LOT.

With approximately 34% of all births (approx. 205,862 women by the way!) in the UK being emergency, unplanned, or elected c-sections it becomes just as important to understand birth, what recovery looks like, your rights, and what choices you can make.

Because you may be surprised to hear that, even in a theatre setting, you have a LOT of choices you can make. You can still make it special, unique, as individual as you are, AND empowering.

As always, hypnobirthing techniques aim to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and foster a positive and informed birth experience for families. This means, it’s not exclusive to vaginal births.

What is a C-Section?

A c-section, or Caesarean section, is a surgical procedure used to birth a baby through incisions made to the mother’s abdomen and uterus. This method is often recommended when a vaginal birth is not possible or safe for the mother or baby.

Situations where a c-section may be recommended include health concerns for the mother (such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia), the baby’s position being in a pickle and essentially not in an optimum position for a vaginal birth such as breech positions (see ‘Spinning Babies’ if this is you), twin or a multiples pregnancy (dependent on the Trust), or complications during labour.

While c-sections are common (and increasing over the years), it is always important to remember that it is major abdominal surgery that requires careful planning and recovery time. It is not the “easy way out” so there’s no room here for “too posh to push” comments. My belief is that you are an absolute warrior after a c-section, with scars to show for it. Mentally and physically.

If you are considering a c-section, either as a planned procedure or a potential emergency/unplanned intervention, being well-informed about what the surgery entails, and the health implications is a crucial part of planning.
Think about it for a second, you wouldn’t even have something as diddy as an appendix removed without understanding how it happens, why it’s important to be removed, and what your recovery looks like. So having major abdominal surgery where it’s recommended you don’t drive for a minimum of 6 weeks afterwards, don’t carry anything heavy (except your baby), and you are requested to inject yourself with blood thinners daily for 10 days to 6 weeks is truly worth researching.

Elected vs Emergency C-Section

An “elected” c-section is planned ahead of time, often early in the pregnancy or weeks before the estimated due date.
This decision can be based on medical advice due to known risks, a previous c-section, or a personal preference.

In contrast, an “emergency” c-section is “unplanned” (which I think it a better word to describe most situations under this hat) and occurs when unforeseen events occur during labour.
Further to this are the rare “crash” c-sections. This is where a true emergency occurs with the mother or baby and the baby is born within 30 minutes of the decision being made and commonly involves general anaesthesia.

The main difference between the two lies in the timing and the urgency. Elected c-sections allow for more preparation and a controlled environment, whereas emergency/unplanned c-sections require swift action to ensure the safety of both mother and child. All types of c-sections aim for the best possible outcome, but the unexpected nature of c-sections can be more stressful and emotionally taxing for mothers and partners.

So, what is Hypnobirthing?

If you are not sure what hypnobirthing is then I recommend you ping over to this other blog which goes into sizable detail!

More Geek than Hippy: What is Hypnobirthing?

Why Hypnobirthing Matters for C-Sections

Hypnobirthing provides tools to help expectant mothers (and fathers/partners!) with confidence and calmness. Traditional techniques learned include focused breathing, visualisation, and positive thinking to adjust subconscious mis learnings which are especially useful when approaching surgery. With practice, they are powerful at managing stress and anxiety that often accompany the prospect of surgery and offers an opportunity to prepare mentally and emotionally for the experience. Interestingly, a lot of medical and psychiatric research shows that empowered patients who feel able to manage their emotions and focus positively are able to heal faster and better than others.

In emergency situations, the ability to quickly draw on relaxation techniques can be invaluable in staying composed amidst rapid developments. One researcher even discovered that listening to music in the operating theatres is equivalent to half a milligram of Valium! So, getting that playlist pulled together is a good part of your planning too (just in case you don’t enjoy the Ed Sheeran melodies in the same way a hospital seems to!).

And if you aren’t sure where to start here’s another blog on creating the perfect birth playlist, plus I’ve created playlists for a few for clients before so you’re welcome to get in touch too 📩

Creating the Perfect Birth Playlist: Welcoming New Life with Melodies

Furthermore, hypnobirthing can massively aid with post-op recovery, quite simply, promoting a positive mindset enhances overall healing. Studies have shown that patients who listened to uplifting suggestions (affirmations) during surgery also required shorter recovery time in the hospital, and experienced fewer complications than those who listened to blank tracks (placebos) during surgery.

A similar study revealed 24% less pain medication was required the day after abdominal surgery by patients who also listened to positive suggestions before, during, and after surgery (thanks endorphins! 😉)

Consequently, by focusing on empowerment and education, hypnobirthing equips you with an additional layer of support, regardless of how your baby is born. Mother’s often report feeling more connected to the experience, making it more personal and less clinical. Leading to a more satisfying birth and postpartum experience overall. And that sounds pretty good to me!

Pros and Cons of Hypnobirthing

A Few Tips For Planning a C-Section

Don’t worry I wasn’t going to leave you high and dry without a few tips 😉 Here’s a few examples of things you can research and request for your C-Section:

• 💉 Have your IV in your non-dominant hand (if you are right handed have your IV in your left for ease of movement and handling).
• 🟠 Have ECG dots on your back instead of your front for immediate skin-to-skin (without having to wrestle cables).
• ✂️ Delayed cord clamping isn’t something many Trusts will do for a multitude of reasons which is open for discussion, explore “lotus birth” for c-sections.
• 🫂 Personally, I recommend researching “gentle” and/or “natural” c-sections to experience a slower, more gentle birth for your baby.
• 👀 Some Trusts will have clear screens if you wish to watch your baby being born.
• 📖 Read “Why Caesarean Births Matter” by Clare Goggin
• 🤰🏻 Milli Hill’s “The Positive Birth Book Visual Birth Plan Cards” are an excellent resource for all birth planning and ones I use for my classes, they are sadly discontinued but you should be able to find a set somewhere.
• 📺 Watch positive natural c-sections online (key word being “positive”) for your preparation.
• 💻 Watch the award-winning documentary “Microbirth” which discusses the latest scientific research about the microscopic events that happen during childbirth, key to c-section preparation.

These recommendations are just the tip of the iceberg for your birth preparation, but like all good research it will take you down wormholes of information helping you to feel informed and prepared for the birth of your baby ☺️

Personal Testimonials and Experiences

Personal stories from mothers who have used hypnobirthing for their c-sections often highlight profound impacts. Many recount how breathing techniques helped them stay calm when their birth paths changed suddenly, leading to an unplanned c-section.

Others share that the visualisation techniques provided a sense of control and peace during the surgery.

In these testimonials, a common theme is the feeling of empowerment and the ability to focus on the positive aspects of their birthing experience, rather than fear or discomfort.

For some, the bond with their baby was strengthened as they used hypnobirthing techniques to remain present and engaged during the procedure.

These stories underscore the versatility of hypnobirthing as a tool that can adapt to various birth scenarios, providing comfort and reassurance to mothers facing c-sections. Which is why hypnobirthing is still so important for c-section births.

“Nicki is such an amazing person and teacher. She really made me feel like I could achieve anything and my body knew exactly what it was doing. I used her breathing techniques to get me through my 27hr labour and 8 of those in peaceful silence where I actually fell asleep! I knew she was there for me and answered any questions I had and guided me to a level of confidence I did not know was possible.” ~ Lydia, unplanned C-Section.

“After hearing about the benefits of hypnobirthing from friends I looked into courses when I got pregnant and came across Nicki’s Bold Birthing. From the start Nicki was so welcoming and friendly, and I signed up to her in person course. I’m so glad I did – my partner and I learnt so much across the 4 sessions and given the relaxed environment and small group, we had a chance to ask questions and discuss topics in much more detail than you would ever get via an online course. Nicki really goes above and beyond for all her clients and I left feeling confident and in control. In addition to the course I was able to attend her weekly relaxation sessions right up to my birth to practice the techniques learnt. Hypnobirthing certainly helped me feel calm and relaxed leading up to the birth. And Nicki has been a fantastic support in the weeks leading to my baby being born and afterwards.  100% recommend hypnobirthing and Nicki to anyone who is pregnant.” ~ Heather, unplanned C-section.

“I signed up to hypnobirthing with Nicki and it was absolutely the best decision I made throughout my pregnancy. Nicki was supportive from the moment I signed up, offering relaxation classes in the build up and always only being a message away. The hypnobirthing sessions were a great way to speak to other expecting parents , ask questions and learn relaxation techniques which helped me not only during pregnancy and labour, but also in stressful moments as a new mum. I was extremely anxious about giving birth early on in my pregnancy but when I went into labour I had multiple midwives comment on how calm the room was (even with our birth plan not going to plan at all!). Nicki helped me to gain so much confidence speaking with doctors and midwives so I knew what questions to ask and helped me feel informed and able to make decisions. Thanks to Nicki I had such a positive experience and have been able to say I genuinely enjoyed giving birth.
Nicki has continued to support even after my little one has arrived and it has been so lovely to feel like part of a community of mums. I am so grateful for the birthing journey that Nicki made possible and couldn’t recommend her enough to anyone expecting a baby.” ~ Curtly, planned c-section.

So basically, if you are having a c-section or concerned about having a c-section, just know that hypnobirthing is always there to help you.

Invest in your education, get informed, and the rest will come…

Nicki x

Your birth geek at Bold Birthing