Gentle C-Section Delivery
If you need a cesarean delivery but want the most natural birth experience possible, Marina OB/GYN offers the perfect solution. Our experienced providers perform gentle C-sections designed to feel as close to a vaginal birth as possible, with immediate bonding, family participation, and a faster recovery.
Book OnlineWhat Is a Gentle C-Section?
A gentle C-section, also called a family-centered cesarean, uses a calm, unhurried surgical approach that puts you and your baby at the center of the experience. Rather than feeling like a clinical procedure, it is designed to be relaxing, personal, and joyful. Our team has developed a unique approach to the steps of the cesarean that helps reduce recovery time and allows a quicker return home after delivery.
Benefits of a Gentle C-Section
- A relaxing, more natural birth experience
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby
- Early breastfeeding opportunities
- Clear or sheer drapes so you can watch your baby’s arrival
- Family support and participation in the room
- No arm restraints
- Monitoring wires positioned out of the way so you can hold your baby
- Your choice of music during delivery
Is a Gentle C-Section Right for Me?
If you are a candidate for a traditional cesarean, you can usually choose a gentle C-section. A cesarean may be recommended if your baby is breech, your baby is too large for your pelvis, you are carrying multiples, or you have had a previous C-section. Unplanned cesareans may be needed if you or your baby show signs of distress during labor; in those cases, your provider will always choose the safest delivery method and incorporate gentle elements whenever possible.
What Happens During a Gentle C-Section?
You receive anesthesia, typically a spinal or epidural, so you are awake and comfortable but feel no pain. Your surgeon makes a small incision and gently and slowly delivers your baby, allowing natural compression of the chest that helps clear fluid from the lungs. Your baby can be placed directly on your chest for skin-to-skin bonding while the incision is closed. No organs are removed.
Planning Your Birth
Discuss your birth preferences early in your prenatal care so we can build them into your birth plan. After delivery, our team supports your recovery and helps you choose the right birth control, including an IUD, when you’re ready. Postpartum concerns such as bladder leakage can be addressed with options like the CO2 vaginal laser. Browse all OB/GYN services.
Gentle C-Section FAQs
What makes a C-section gentle?
A gentle C-section includes clear drapes, slow delivery, immediate skin-to-skin contact, early breastfeeding, and family participation.
Will I be awake during a gentle C-section?
Yes. Most gentle C-sections use spinal or epidural anesthesia, so you are awake but comfortable.
Can I have skin-to-skin contact in the operating room?
Yes. When you and your baby are stable, your baby can be placed on your chest right away.
Is recovery faster after a gentle C-section?
Our unique surgical approach is designed to reduce recovery time and help you return home sooner.
Can I have a gentle C-section if it’s unplanned?
Gentle elements are incorporated whenever it is safe, though emergencies may limit some options.
Can my partner be in the room?
Yes. Family support and participation are an important part of a gentle C-section.
How do I request a gentle C-section?
Discuss your preferences with your OB/GYN during prenatal visits so they can be included in your birth plan.