
Gentle Cesarean and Evidence-Based Options for a Family-Centered Birth
From Pregnancy Podcast by Vanessa Merten
April 12, 2026 · 41 min · Season 12 · Episode 15
About this episode
This episode discusses gentle cesarean options and evidence-based practices for a family-centered birth experience.
A gentle cesarean, also called a family-centered cesarean, involves adjustments that shift a cesarean from a standard surgical procedure to a more personal, connected birth experience. As cesarean births have become more common, the options available to you have expanded significantly. However, options only matter if you know they exist. If you do not know what you can ask for, you cannot advocate for it, especially when it comes to options that may not be part of your care provider's routine standard of care. This episode walks through every modification, from clear drapes and immediate skin-to-skin contact to a slower delivery and delayed cord clamping. We also take a deep dive into the rapidly evolving research on vaginal seeding and what it means for your baby's microbiome. Whether you are planning a cesarean or preparing a backup plan, understanding these options gives you the tools to advocate for the birth experience you want. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/gentlecesarean/ Thank you to the brands that power this podcast: 8 Sheep Organics makes amazing, 100% Clean, Natural Pregnancy Products. From skin care to treating common…
People in this episode
Host: Vanessa Merten
Topics covered
- gentle cesarean
- family-centered birth
- evidence-based options
- vaginal seeding
- baby's microbiome
Keywords
- gentle cesarean
- family-centered cesarean
- skin-to-skin contact
- delayed cord clamping
- vaginal seeding
- microbiome
- birth experience
Sponsors
8 Sheep Organics
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