Your choices during a surgical birth
- Maria Lernerman
- Aug 7
- 1 min read
In the classes I teach, we prepare for the birth we hope for while also learning about the choices available if circumstances change.
Surgical birth rates among parents who have learned HypnoBirthing about a half of the US average, according to HBI data. But sometimes circumstances change and a Cesarean birth becomes necessary.
The skills parents learn in class are not only for vaginal birth. Staying calm, feeling connected to the baby, and knowing how to create relaxation can all be valuable during a surgical birth. Partners also have more confidence and experience helping the mother remain calm and comfortable.
It is equally valuable to learn what choices may be available during a Cesarean birth. These two videos show gentler approaches, one in the UK and one in the U.S.
Notice the mother walking into the operating room, the placement of the electrodes so the baby can be held skin to skin, and the lowering of the drape. The UK video also shows the baby emerging more slowly and delayed cord clamping.
Not every option will be available in every hospital or every circumstance. But knowing what is possible gives parents the opportunity to ask questions and discuss their preferences ahead of time.
UK:
U.S.:
HBI data source: 17% of HypnoBirthing parents birthed via cesarean-section, compared with the national average of 33%, https://hypnobirthing.com/benefits/
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