The Rise of Gentle Cesarean Births In Denver

As a birth photographer and doula based in Denver, I’m honored to be invited into the birth space…including the operating room. Being able to document my clients’ birth stories…no matter where or how they happen is a gift. Many cesarean families report that birth images allow them to better process and integrate the birth experience, especially since they often aren’t able to see a majority of their birth. Over the years, I’ve watched more and more hospitals in Denver allow an additional support person in the OR as well as offer the option for a gentle cesarean birth.

A gentle cesarean birth, also known as a family-centered cesarean or gentle C-section, is an approach that aims to create a more inclusive, intimate, and empowering experience for both the birthing person and their partner. During a gentle cesarean, the operating room is transformed into a warm and welcoming environment, filled with soft or dim lighting, soothing music, and the presence of a doula or supportive birth team.

The focus shifts from a surgical procedure to a moment of profound connection as the birthing person is given the opportunity to witness their baby being born through a clear drape or to have immediate skin-to-skin contact. The gentle cesarean approach acknowledges the importance of emotional bonding and seeks to honor the beauty of childbirth regardless of the mode of delivery. It empowers families to actively participate and embrace the transformative power of birth, even in surgical circumstances.

While I’ve been lucky to attend births in the OR in almost every hospital in the Denver-metro area, there are a few hospitals and providers that stand out for offering more gentle cesareans.

• Rose Hospital with Dr. Sarah Payne

• Presbyterian St Lukes with Dr. Breeden

• Littleton Adventist with South Denver Ob/Gyn

• St. Joes (I have had most experience with Kaiser doctors)

I hope the images below inspire you to advocate for the type of birth experience you want…all birthing families deserve options and choices, even in the OR.