What is a maternal assisted caesarean?

A maternal assisted caesarean (MAC) is a type of caesarean section in which the mother is allowed to assist in the delivery of her baby. During a traditional caesarean section, the mother is typically under general anaesthesia or regional anaesthesia and is not able to actively participate in the birth.

However, with a MAC, the mother is able to be awake and alert during the procedure and is given the opportunity to help deliver and receive her baby. This can involve the mother reaching down and pulling the baby out of her own abdomen, with the assistance of the obstetrician and bringing the baby straight up to her chest for immediate skin to skin.

The goal of a MAC is to give the mother a more active role in the birth of her baby, which can help to increase bonding and promote a sense of empowerment and control. It is also thought to have potential benefits for the baby, including improved respiratory function and a smoother transition to life outside the womb.

However, not all hospitals or obstetricians offer MACs, and the decision to have one should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. Additionally, not all women are candidates for a MAC, particularly those with certain medical conditions or complications that may require for the baby to seen by a pediatrician at birth.

As a Hypnobirthing practitioner I am a trained Caesarean Practitioner and I have personally attended a caesarean birth. We have a Hypnobirthing course that is specifically for a caesarean birth where I teach tools and techniques to have a calm and empowered birth and to help you understand your options and how to advocate for yourself and the caesarean birth that you want to create.

To book into a Caesarean Birth Hypnobirthing Course on the Gold Coast CLICK HERE