Incredible photos show a woman delivering her own baby via c-section

Well this is definitely a memorable way to welcome your child into the world.

When 31-year-old Sarah Downs read about her obstetrician, Dr Shiri Dutt, performing a maternal-assisted caesarean, she knew she wanted to try it for herself when she gave birth to her second child.
She’d had trouble giving birth naturally the first time around, so a planned caesarean with involvement optional seemed like the perfect option. More photos below:

‘I wanted to have a more personal experience,’ Sarah told Daily Mail Australia.

‘Why wouldn’t you want to be the one that pulls the baby from your womb?’

And so she started planning. She spoke to Dr Dutt, who was ‘really excited’ about performing his fifth maternal-assisted caesarean, and soon Sarah was going through counselling and training to make sure she was prepared to assist with pulling her baby out of her own womb.

‘We did practice rounds during my appointments and then basically had my interview at the hospital so before I got there,’ says Sarah.

‘I knew what to expect, what to do at every step of the way.’
On the day of her birth, Sarah put on scrubs and got ready.

She lay down on the bed with a full view of her lower half, so that she’d be able to see her c-section during every step of the way.

And then they were off.

‘Being able to deliver your own baby and be the first person to hold her was incredible,’ says Sarah.
‘A couple of pushes on the stomach and the head was out and that was all done by the obstetrician.

‘Then I pulled her up to my chest. I was so excited to meet her. It was the best thing I’ve ever done.
‘Oh my goodness, it’s hard to describe the moment I held her in my hands. I just had this whole rush of emotions going through me. I started crying tears of joy.’

While delivering your own baby isn’t for everyone (the procedure isn’t suitable if the baby is too big, too small, or there are any complications), Sarah hopes that her story will encourage other women who are interested in a more involved birthing experience to give it a go.

‘I highly recommend the procedure to other mothers,’ she says.

‘Not every person could have the procedure. But if you have an obstetrician who is confident enough to do the procedure – because some are against it – then definitely go for it.

‘Hopefully my story will inspire other mothers in my situation to give it a go. If I was going to have another child, I would definitely do it again.’

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