Gold Coast obstetrician Dr Drew Moffrey says demand growing for maternal assisted C-sections that empower, heal mothers
A Gold Coast surgeon is transforming the lives of women struggling to come to terms with horrific birth experiences. WARNING – GRAPHIC PHOTOS)
Gold Coast
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DEMAND is growing for a rare surgical procedure that empowers pregnant mothers by allowing them to deliver their own babies during a scheduled caesarean section birth.
Private obstetrician Dr Drew Moffrey, who performs one maternal assisted caesarean every two weeks, said an increasing number of Gold Coast women who’d had traumatic first births were choosing the experience.
Mothers from as far south as Bryon Bay are lining up to deliver their own babies.
“Most don’t know it’s an option, but I want pregnant women to know that a C-section doesn’t have to be a poor experience, it can be a wonderful healing empowering experience,” he said.
Dr Moffrey said he’d been offering the service for about two years and was one of a select few obstetricians in the south east who actively encouraged the procedure to mothers.
“It is rare, not a lot of obstetricians do it but also not a lot of mothers know about it,” he said.
During the procedure, which can only happen during planned Caesareans with no complications, Dr Moffrey and his specialised team scrub down mums and dress them in a special gown and gloves.
After the incision is made, Dr Moffrey removes the baby’s head and then guides a mother’s arms down so she can pull her child out of her stomach and up onto her chest for immediate skin-to-skin contact.
In a traditional C-section, a newborn is usually whisked away by a paediatrician for essential check-ups, but during this procedure the baby is examined while on mum’s chest.
“Not only does this help with bonding but it’s empowering women to feel connected to the birthing process. I have no doubt it also helps to reduce the chance of post-natal depression,” said Dr Moffrey.
“Women can have beautiful caesarean births without being scared or worried about the procedure.”
Pimpama nurse Stephanie Kearney delivered her second son Bryon on August 20 under the guidance of Dr Moffrey following the traumatic birth of her first child Hudson two years ago.
“My first birth was an emergency C-section and in the end was quite daunting because I did want a natural birth,” she said.
She said Hudson was rushed away in a resuscitation trolley, but having Byron on her chest gave her an instant bonding experience and set her up for a great breastfeeding journey.
“Since he came out he’s been so content,” she said.
“I was a bit unsure what to do but Drew guided my hands and I started to pull softly and within seconds he was on my chest.
“Being able to touch his head to start with, and then be a part of the whole procedure was incredible.”
Dr Moffrey said the first mother who asked him to do a maternal assisted delivery had a “horrible vaginal delivery” prior to meeting him.
“She told me that she was terrified about having another vaginal delivery and really wanted to have a caesar,” he said.
“I was more than happy to provide that for her but as the pregnancy progressed she had lots of emotions around not being involved in the birth of her child and not feeling connected to her baby.
“She asked me if I would do a maternal assisted C-section and I did some research and said absolutely.
“As we delivered that baby together it was such a special moment for her and myself.
“It really was so special and afterwards she said that I had restored her faith in doctors but also restored her faith in her body and her ability to be a mother.
Dr Moffrey said he would continue to offer the service to help heal and empower mothers.
“It’s all about helping women take back ownership of C-sections and it’s getting a lot more popular,” he said.
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