If Birth Takes a Detour: My C-Section Birth Plan
Last week, we talked all about my vaginal birth plan—so this week, let’s dive into what I’d want if my baby were born by C-section.
Not many people plan for a C-section right from the start, especially with their first baby. Most of the time, you're hoping for a vaginal delivery. But birth doesn’t always follow the script. And for some, that journey takes an unexpected turn to the operating room. That’s why I think having a plan in place for both possibilities is such a good idea—because with birth, you just never know how things will unfold.
Let’s Break It All Down
The most common reasons for a primary C-section (meaning your first birth ends in a C-section) are:
Labour stalling — your cervix stops dilating or progressing as expected, or
Fetal distress — your baby’s not loving something going on during labour, and your provider is concerned for their wellbeing.
Of course, there are other reasons too, but those are the most common in the hospital setting.
I’ve been present for my fair share of cesarean births. If you’re new here—hi, I’m Tina! I’m a certified perinatal nurse and a certified breastfeeding specialist. Around here, we talk about birth, babies, and boobs all the time, so make sure to subscribe if that’s your vibe. And if you’ve been here before… welcome back to the chaos!
Here’s what would be on my C-section birth wishlist:
1. Communication
This is my absolute non-negotiable. I need to know what’s happening and why, at all times. That helps keep me calm. (If you’re someone who gets more anxious with more info, skip this one.)
A lot of first-time C-sections happen unexpectedly, when labor was originally going to be vaginal. This can create a sense of urgency, and things can move fast. So I want my team to know that if we do end up heading to the OR, I want clear, calm, real-time updates.
Once in the operating room, I’d like that communication to continue—what’s happening, when things are starting, and what I might feel. There are some wild sensations during a C-section (tugging, pressure, nausea), and I’d prefer to know what’s coming before it happens.
2. Music in the OR
Yes, it’s possible—and yes, I’m doing it! Some ORs have built-in speakers, some have Bluetooth ones, and worst case, you can play music from your phone.
Music helps me feel calm and centred. I’d keep playing whatever fun playlist I had prepped for a vaginal birth—just because the plan changed doesn’t mean the vibe has to.
3. Seeing My Baby Being Born
If possible, I’d love to use a clear drape or have the drape lowered briefly so I can see my baby being born.
This isn’t for everyone—and not for squeamish partners—but I want to witness the moment my baby arrives. If my partner isn’t a pass-out risk, I’d love for him to snap a few photos too.
Just because this isn’t how I pictured giving birth doesn’t mean I want to remember it any less.
4. Delayed Cord Clamping
Even with a C-section, I want delayed cord clamping.
We’ve talked about the benefits before—delayed cord clamping returns more blood to your baby, increasing their hemoglobin levels and building up iron stores for those first few months of life.
It’s totally doable during a C-section. Your surgical team will assess whether it's safe based on your bleeding and baby’s transition. A delay of even 60 seconds is becoming standard practice—and it’s on my list for sure.
5. Skin-to-Skin in the OR
This one’s so important, but not always offered.
To safely do skin-to-skin in the OR, a nurse needs to be dedicated just to watching over you and baby. If staffing allows, I want skin-to-skin in the OR with my baby as soon as they’re stable.
If I can’t, I want my partner to do it. Even if baby is skin-to-skin with someone else at first, there are still huge benefits—better heart rate, breathing, blood sugar, and comfort.
As soon as I’m in recovery, I want baby on me ASAP for all the bonding, oxytocin, and breastfeeding benefits.
6. Early Breastfeeding Support
I want to latch my baby as soon as possible—likely once I’m in the recovery room.
With a C-section, milk supply can sometimes take longer to transition, so early latching is even more important.
I’d request help latching the baby shortly after birth to get that nursing journey off to a strong start.
7. Partner Stays with Baby
If my baby needs extra support, testing, or a NICU stay, I want my partner to go with them. Always.
Unless there’s a sterile procedure or the baby needs space to be stabilized, there’s usually no reason a parent can’t be nearby. And if it can’t be me, it needs to be my hunny.
Again, it goes back to communication and being in the loop. That’s how I feel safest.
That’s my C-section birth wishlist—seven things I’d want to help make a surgical birth feel more supported, calm, and meaningful.
