Background Several delivery methods such as the natural, gentle, Charité, and family‐centered cesareans have been introduced to labor and delivery units to help facilitate immediate skin‐to‐skin, earlier breastfeeding, and bonding, as well as increase patient satisfaction with the birthing experience. For patients who deliver by cesarean and desire further involvement in the delivery process, maternal‐assisted cesarean (MAC) may be an option. Case Presentation This case details a MAC at 39 weeks gestational age (GA) for a 31‐year‐old female with a history of two unplanned cesareans. The first was due to arrest of dilation and nonreassuring fetal heart tracing, and the second followed a failed trial of labor. In this current case, the patient desired a controlled delivery she could actively participate in. Following multidisciplinary planning and simulation, the cesarean was performed with modifications to maintain sterility while allowing maternal participation. After delivery of the fetal head and shoulders, sterile drapes were lowered, and the patient, guided by the surgical team, assisted in delivering the newborn onto her chest. Both mother and newborn remained stable postoperatively. Conclusion This emerging patient‐centered cesarean enables active participation of the patient during delivery while maintaining surgical safety. Despite its rising popularity, studies are needed to evaluate its risks and benefits before wider adoption.
Lamoutte et al. (Thu,) studied this question.