Doula urges mums to ask for 'better standards' after sharing 'gentle caesarean' video

A video of a 'gentle' caesarean has gone viral after an Australian doula shared the clip on social media, encouraging mums to ask for more 'respectful' births.

A Melbourne-based doula (a non-medical person who gives support and help to women pre and post-birth), is calling for a change in the way caesareans are performed after witnessing a 'gentle' C-section.

Angela Gallo shared the video, which shows a newborn baby being gently pulled from its mother's womb via C-section, on her Instagram after the caption made her 'weep'.

Posting to her page which has over 25k followers, Angela described how this video showed 'the first truly gentle caesarean' she had seen.

'The first truly gentle cesarean I have seen. It made me weep to see the original caption (music playing, strong ties between Doula and the family, so much support, mother quietly singing to her baby) and feel the connection between all involved.'

Angela, who is also a birth photographer and business mentor, went on to urge mothers to ask for 'better standards' when it comes to their birthing plan, claiming that changes are 'entirely consumer driven'.

'I wish this was available for everyone - please mamas, changes like this are entirely consumer driven. Know better, ask for better, set a better standard for birthing people worldwide. ✨✨✨'

Angela continued to share her opinion on the current general practise for caesareans, calling them 'clinical' and 'rough'.

'Birth does not need to be clinical, rushed hard lined and full of rough handling...let's make cesarean birth a special place because all birth deserves to be and feel beautiful for baby, mama and family too. 🔥 '

The difference between what is typically classed as a normal C-section and a 'gentle' C-section is the connection between the mother and baby.

In a gentle caesarean delivery, extra effort is made to bond the mother and baby immediately. This is because a lot of women say that giving birth this way feels like something that is 'done to them', making them feel disconnected from their baby.

In the original description for the video, which Angela posted alongside her own caption, a lot of the key characteristics of a gentle birth are touched upon.

'We can see in this video a birth, respectful and careful with obstetric maneuvers, and with a vigilance that ensures the safety of the baby and the mother.

'With patience, listening to the music that the parents choose for this moment, and with the support of the father and their doula, the mother can be held throughout the whole process.

'After birth the baby can immediately be with his mother. Delayed cord clamping. Early attachment; in union doctor and patient can achieve a birth that is respectful.'

Followers reacted overwhelmingly positively to Angela's post, agreeing that this style of birth is 'deserved' by every mum.

One Instagram user commented, 'So beautiful! This is the care EVERY mama deserves. I'm so happy to see this baby was so thoughtfully brought into the world.'

Another agreed, 'I could watch this a million times over and it wouldn't be enough! I love this so much! My c section was so traumatic and quick and then he was whisked away to the NICU 😥 but this is sooo beautiful!

'They wouldn't even lower the drape for me to at least watch and you can see how happy she is being able to peek over the drape!! I love this! Thank you for sharing!!!'