Not being able to witness the first moment your baby enters into the world can be a down side to undergoing a cesarean section. Clear c-section drapes could give moms a whole new point of view, however.
Photos taken by birth doula and photographer Tracey Abney went viral last year because they featured the unique clear c-section drapes that allow moms to see their babies being born. The clear drape features a removable opaque drape attached to the clear one, so that the view can be blocked until the time comes for the baby to be born. Then the opaque drape is removed giving moms a clear view.
“Clear drapes help the mother feel like she is part of the birthing process,” Abney told Parents. “She can see her baby before it is taken to the warmer. She can see the baby when everyone else does, the moment the baby is born. She can match the sound of the baby’s cries while watching the quiver of the baby’s little chin.”
We are loving the clear drapes that we are seeing in so many cesarean photos lately! Did you have a clear drape for your c-section birth? Thanks to IAPBP member @birth_and_beauty for letting us feature her work!#blackandwhitephotography #losa… https://t.co/pfwah98L3F pic.twitter.com/0w9nYFZHyB
— IAPBP (@birthphotogs) August 17, 2019
The clear drape is part of a growing trend called a “gentle c-section.” The idea behind this trend is to try to give moms and babies more of a bonding experience through the entire process. “A gentle C-section allows a woman to be almost as involved as if her birth was happening vaginally,” Dr. David Garfinkel, attending physician at Morristown Medical Center, and senior partner at One to One FemaleCare, in New Jersey told Parents.
Parents-to-be can discuss a birthing option like this one with their own healthcare provider.
—Shahrzad Warkentin
Featured photo: Cherry Blossom Doula via Instagram
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