I firmly believe that there are more gentle options for c/s mums. When Matilda was born, DH was well informed as was the midwife who went into theatre with me. I went through a team of midwives at the hospital and they knew what I wanted prior to birth. In theatre the curtain was lowered before I asked for it to be put up as I didn't want to see what was happening... DH watched though and when Matilda came out she was put straight into DH's arms who then showed her to me and then took her to the side of the theatre where he took off his top and had skin to skin with her while they did all the tests. When finished she was brought straight back to me and laid on my chest. While they were still finishing stapling, Matilda was placed on my breast and started feeding straight away. She then stayed with me in recovery for the 30 minutes and then straight to our room.

This time around I will be preparing 2 birth plans, on for if there has to be a c/s and one for my VBAC.