How a Doula supports in surgical births
For many people, the idea of birth is wrapped up in images of candle-lit rooms, water births, and deep breathing through contractions. But for a significant number of parents, birth unfolds in an operating theatre, under bright lights, with a surgical team working to bring their baby into the world. Whether planned or unplanned, a caesarean birth (C-section) can be an emotional and sometimes overwhelming experience. This is where a doula can make a real difference.
Emotional Support Before Surgery
From the moment you know a surgical birth is on the cards, emotions can run high. Some parents feel relief, knowing there’s a clear plan. Others may feel anxious or disappointed if their birth isn’t unfolding as they’d imagined. A doula helps you navigate these emotions, providing a steady presence and a listening ear. They can talk through your concerns, offer reassurance, and help you feel more prepared and empowered for the experience ahead.
Doulas also assist in advocating for your preferences where possible—whether that’s requesting skin-to-skin in theatre, adjusting the environment to make it feel less clinical, or discussing options for delayed cord clamping. Knowing someone is in your corner can make a huge difference.
Practical Support on the Day
On the day of the surgery, a doula can be an anchor of calm in what might feel like a whirlwind. They help you settle into the hospital, remind you of your preferences, and offer grounding techniques if nerves start to creep in.
While medical teams are focused on the clinical side of birth, a doula’s focus is entirely on you and your partner. They can offer reassuring touch, talk you through each stage, and help maintain a sense of control when everything feels out of your hands. If your partner is feeling overwhelmed, your doula can support them too, ensuring they feel confident in their role.
Holding Space in Theatre (Where Possible)
Not all hospitals allow a second birth partner in theatre, but if they do, a doula can be an invaluable presence. They can talk you through what’s happening, keep you calm during the procedure, and remind staff of any preferences you’ve expressed. If your partner is with you, the doula can also help them remain present and emotionally supported.
If your baby needs immediate care or your partner steps away, your doula remains by your side, ensuring you are never left feeling alone or unsupported.
Supporting the Golden Hour
Once your baby is born, the focus often shifts immediately to them. A doula helps ensure you are still cared for in those crucial first moments. If skin-to-skin is possible, they can help facilitate it. If you’re unable to hold your baby straight away, they can support your partner in offering comfort and closeness to your little one.
They also help establish feeding, whether that’s offering guidance with breastfeeding or ensuring bottle feeding is a calm and supported experience. Their role is to honour your choices and provide gentle, hands-on support when you need it most.
Postnatal Recovery and Emotional Wellbeing
The days and weeks after a surgical birth can bring their own challenges. Recovery takes time, and emotional processing can be just as significant as physical healing. A doula can offer home visits, helping with newborn care, feeding support, and emotional processing of the birth experience.
Having someone who understands the intensity of a surgical birth, who listens without judgment, and who reassures you through the ups and downs can be invaluable.
The Power of Doula Support in Surgical Births
A caesarean birth is still a birth—a powerful, life-changing event that deserves just as much emotional and physical support as any other. A doula provides continuity of care, compassion, and advocacy in a setting that can sometimes feel clinical and impersonal. Whether planned or unexpected, having a doula by your side can turn a surgical birth from something daunting into something empowering.
