Delivering a baby by caesarean section isn’t usually a hands-on experience for mothers, but at The Bays Hospital we’re doing things a little differently.
Obstetrician Dr Natalie Elphinstone, who recently moved her private practice to The Bays in Mornington, completed the hospital’s first official maternal-assisted caesarean birth on Tuesday, 12 March.
In a maternal-assisted caesarean, the obstetrician partially lifts up the baby, allowing the mother to then lift the baby out of her own womb and onto her chest.
“Many mothers feel somewhat removed from their birth experience with traditional caesarean sections. This new procedure enables mothers who want or need a caesarean section to be more engaged in the birth, and experience an immediate bond with their baby,” said Dr Elphinstone.
“Not all women will feel comfortable with a maternal-assisted caesarean, but every woman I have looked after who has chosen one has found it to be an incredibly empowering and emotional experience,” she added.
New mum, Jaime Wood said she opted for a maternal-assisted caesarean delivery after overcoming infertility, and that she felt like the birth was the only thing she had any control over.
“I didn’t love the idea of an unpredictable vaginal delivery, and didn’t trust my body to do the right things after what I went through to fall pregnant,” said Jaime. “And after deciding I wanted an elective caesarean to ensure baby’s safe arrival, I then discovered that Dr Elphinstone completed maternal-assisted caesareans, which sounded amazing.”
“I know you can’t control everything, but it felt right for me to be in charge and an active participant in the birth.”
“I’m so happy with how the delivery went and would definitely choose another maternal-assisted caesarean again, it was such a fantastic and supportive experience with everyone in the operating theatre guiding me.”
Jaime continues a family tradition of making history at The Bays Hospital; her mum Leanne Wood was the first to give birth in the hospital’s upgraded maternity unit in 1994 – to Jaime’s younger brother Ryan – back when it was still the Mornington Bush Nursing Hospital.
“I’m so excited by the way the entire team at The Bays has been willing to support this new option for caesarean birth being offered here. Developing maternal-assisted caesarean as a technique involves not only me as the obstetrician, but also the anaesthetist, the paediatrician, the midwives and the theatre staff. Everyone here has been so supportive of this, which really demonstrates their commitment for women-centred care,” said Dr Elphinstone.
“I encourage every woman to make choices that seem the best for her. Only after she has decided that a caesarean is the best option for her do we discuss whether a maternal-assisted caesarean might be her preference.”
A maternal-assisted caesarean may not be suitable for every patient and to ensure the safety of the mother and the baby, medical criteria apply. Women considering this kind of birth should discuss their individual situation with their obstetrician.