I think your first order of business might be to find a caregiver with whom you are more comfortable. That will probably make a tremendous difference in your next birth.

In addition, I think a doula can be very helpful at any birth, Cesarean included. In another expert answer, I describe the many ways a doula can be helpful at a Cesarean. A doula can help keep Mom calm and relaxed in the hour before surgery, keep her at ease during surgery and assist with pain management and breastfeeding after surgery. The doula can also help you with birth planning – communicating your most heartfelt preferences for your Cesarean birth to your caregiver. Between a doula, a birth plan and a supportive obstetrician, you may be able to orchestrate a much more pleasant Cesarean experience than in the past.

One last thought, the doula may also be able to help you, if you're willing, explore VBAC (vaginal birth after Cesarean) an option which many caregivers still consider very reasonable.

Rachel Dolan Wickersham, LCCE, certified doula"

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