There is a growing interest of mums who are choosing to deliver their own baby by Caesarean. We first brought news of this emerging style of delivery in September 2015 when Jane Prichard delivered her baby via Caesarean section.
The controversial delivery method is not recommended by many obstetricians and health professionals due to the increase of infection.
Sarah Downs, a new mum in Queensland chose to deliver her baby via c-section under the hands of Queensland Obstetrician Dr Shiri Dutt, who has successfully performed 5 of the procedures at John Flynn Private Hospital on the Gold Coast.
When asked about the risk of infection, Dr Dutt refutes the claims.
“It’s a very controlled environment,” Dr Dutt said. “We keep an eye on the baby. We keep an eye on any issues like bleeding and those types of things.”
Mothers that do choose to deliver their baby via c-section are given counselling, information and training before the birth so that they are well equipped and prepared for carrying out the birth successfully.
Dr Dutt told A Current Affair, “The experience and just the look on the mother’s face as the baby is being taken out is priceless.”
Ms Downs, 31, who delivered her own baby girl Tenasi, wanted to have a natural birth but was told she would not be able to.
“I guess I wanted to meet her straight away and have her in my arms,” Ms Downs said. “It’s such a more personal aspect of a child birth.”
Ms Downs was scrubbed up and had her hands sterilized in preparation for the birth of her baby. There was no curtain to block the view so she was able to see the birth from start to when she pulled baby Tenasi up to her chest.
“Why wouldn’t you want to be the one that pulls the baby from your womb?
“I believe that as a woman we should be able to choose that.”
“I actually looked up into the light reflection and watched Dr Dutt do the incision and it was all basically really quick,” Ms Downs said.
“A couple of pushes on the stomach and the head was out and that was all done by the obstetrician.
“Then I think pulled her up to my chest.
“I was so excited to meet her, you know. I just had this whole rush of emotions going through me.”
Baby Tenasi is 14 weeks old. Image source
Dr Dutt has warned this method of caesarean delivery won’t be suitable for all new mums.
“For example, it is not suitable for someone who has the placenta in front of the baby, a baby that’s too small, too big or that has any medical issues relating to the mother or the baby,” Dr Dutt said.
Western Australia is the only state in Australia that has a government policy in place for maternal-assisted Caesarean section.
