I have long been a supporter of natural birth, but even closer to my heart is humane, gentle, and loving birth. To me, the most important part to remember is that birth is a heart-opening human experience—and that the emotional and spiritual side of birth should get as much consideration as the physical side, because it is equally important. A surgical birth is never the ideal situation, but when it occurs, this is how it should be done!
A skin-to-skin cesarean, also known as a gentle surgical birth, is a thoughtful and revolutionary shift in how cesarean births are performed. Instead of the traditional clinical experience, this method allows the mother to witness her baby’s arrival in a calm, nurturing environment. With soft lighting, music, soothing scents, and a slower delivery that lets the baby stay connected to the placenta until they begin breathing, this approach mimics many of the emotional benefits of vaginal birth. It promotes immediate cesarean birth bonding by placing the baby on the mother’s chest right after birth, supporting both physical transition and emotional connection. One of the greatest benefits of skin-to-skin after cesarean is the support it provides for the baby’s respiratory adjustment and the mother-baby emotional link.
In a moving piece published by The Guardian, the article highlights an innovative and compassionate approach to cesarean birth that prioritizes emotional connection and parental involvement. Here’s a summary of what it covers:
Dr. Nick Fisk at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in London introduced an innovative “natural” or skin-to-skin cesarean, aiming to reframe surgical births to more closely resemble the emotional intimacy of natural delivery. Under calming conditions—lavender scent, soft music, massage—Fisk allows mothers to witness their baby being gently “walked” out, delaying separation so infants remain connected to the placenta until fully breathing. These gentle c-section techniques enhance the emotional and spiritual dimensions of birth while also promoting safer transitions for newborns. This slower, more mindful method of gentle surgical birth reflects a deeper respect for the entire birth experience.
Participants describe the experience as deeply meaningful. One mother, Jax Martin‑Betts, called witnessing her baby emerge “every bit as magical” as a water birth, praising the intimacy of seeing her child appear atop her womb. Fisk argues that traditional caesareans prioritize surgical speed over emotional needs, even though cord attachment continues to provide oxygen for minutes after incision. His gentle c-section techniques have challenged conventional practices and have been embraced by families who recognize the immense benefits of skin-to-skin after cesarean, both physically and emotionally. It’s a powerful reminder that cesarean birth bonding matters—and that even surgical birth can feel intimate and transformative.
Skin-to-skin cesareans honor the fact that birth is not just a medical event, but a deeply personal and sacred one. When surgical birth becomes necessary, this compassionate approach helps ensure the emotional well-being of both mother and baby remains central. The rise of gentle surgical birth is a promising step toward more humane maternity care that values not just outcomes, but experiences.
If you are curious why I do not believe in unnecessary caesarean births, please watch the following YouTube video, which Ragan Cohen made as part of her Master’s project. It’s called Prevent Cesarean Surgery—and she covers the whole thing in five minutes flat.
3 thoughts on “Skin-to-Skin Cesarean: How Gentle Surgical Birth Benefits You and Your Baby”
Thanks for sharing this information Marie. Being a Mom of 3 children born via c-section, it warms my heart that a gentler manner of birth is becoming an option. Hopefully this will be a choice available to families in the Regina area one day too.