Maternal Assisted Cesarean Birth
What is it?
Maternal Assisted Caesarean (MAC) is an innovative approach to caesarean section delivery that allows birthing people to actively participate in the birth of their baby, offering a potentially more empowering and intimate experience for those requiring a surgical birth.
During a Maternal Assisted Caesarean (MAC), the birthing person actively participates in the delivery by reaching down to help lift their baby out of their womb and placing the newborn directly onto their chest for immediate skin-to-skin contact. This procedure aims to create a more participatory and emotionally fulfilling experience for birthing people who require a caesarean section, allowing them to feel more involved in the birth process. The concept has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among women who have experienced traumatic previous births or those who are disappointed about needing a medically indicated caesarean.
Preparation
Preparing for a MAC involves several key steps, including discussing the procedure with the obstetrician, learning proper surgical hand washing techniques, and practicing how to don sterile gowns and gloves. On the day of the procedure, the birthing person receives a spinal block for anesthesia. The IV cannula is typically placed in the mid-forearm to ensure accessibility during the surgery. Once the obstetrician makes the necessary incisions and partially delivers the baby, the birthing person reaches down to lift their newborn onto their chest, creating a more participatory birth experience.
Benefits and Key Considerations
Enhancing maternal involvement, this procedure allows birthing people to actively participate in their baby's birth, offering a sense of empowerment and creating lasting, positive memories for many.
Immediate skin-to-skin contact is facilitated, which can support bonding and potentially improve breastfeeding initiation.
However, not all pregnancies are suitable for this approach. It requires careful planning, including coordination with the surgical team and adherence to strict sterile protocols.
Accessibility may vary depending on hospital policies and the willingness of medical professionals to perform the procedure.
Medical and Patient Perspectives
Dr. Suzanne Meharry, an obstetrician who has performed 73 MACs, reports overwhelmingly positive feedback from patients, with many expressing gratitude for being part of the birth process. She notes that women who had experienced trauma in previous births often found the MAC to be a healing experience. The average blood loss from these procedures was 480ml, with only two cases of post-partum hemorrhage and three superficial wound infections. From a patient's perspective, Lyz Evans describes her MAC as "magical and empowering," emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation and communication with the medical team.
Sources and more information:
https://www.ogmagazine.org.au/26/-26/maternally-assisted-caesarean/
https://www.drstephencole.com.au/maternally-assisted_caesarean_section
https://www.empoweredmother.com.au/blog/maternal-assisted-caesarean-birth
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