For many parents, the thought of a cesarean birth can feel clinical, distant, and a little intimidating. The bright lights, the surgical drapes, and the masked team of professionals may make it seem like you’re on the outside of one of life’s most intimate moments. But a new approach called the Mother-Assisted C-Section (MAC) is changing that experience—bringing mothers directly into the heart of the birth process from the very first seconds.
Instagram Influencer Opens Up About Mother-Assisted C-Section
Instagram influencer Rianne Meijer shared her experience with the MAC, posting a photo of herself and her baby shortly after delivery.
Image from Rianne Meijer Instagram
According to her MAC is exactly what it sounds like: a C-section where the mother is actively involved in the birth. Instead of waiting passively while the baby is delivered, moms are guided step by step to lift their baby from the incision and place them on their own chest, with support from the medical team. The result is immediate skin-to-skin contact, deepened bonding, and a sense of empowerment that many women say transforms the way they experience their child’s arrival.
One of the common fears about C-sections is that they feel “mechanical” or “detached,” with moms feeling like observers rather than participants. The MAC directly addresses this concern. With careful guidance from trained professionals, mothers are reassured, supported, and empowered to be an active part of the birth. As Rianne describes, the process may seem intimidating at first, but the reality is incredibly moving. The opportunity to touch, hold, and see your baby right after birth is unlike anything else—and many parents find it profoundly bonding.
Image from Rianne Meijer Instagram
Why Filipino parents might find MAC appealing
In Filipino culture, family and connection are central to parenthood. The early moments after birth are deeply significant—not just for the baby’s physical health, but for emotional and spiritual connection. The MAC allows parents to experience that closeness even in a surgical setting, fostering a warm, loving start to life together. It also reassures mothers that they are not missing out on the initial bonding, which is often cited as a key concern for C-section births.
It’s important to note that a MAC is still a medical procedure. The safety of both mother and baby remains the top priority. Hospitals offering MAC ensure that trained obstetricians, anesthesiologists, and nurses are present to guide the mother through the process, making it as safe and seamless as possible. Moms should feel comfortable asking their healthcare provider about MAC, discussing whether it’s an option for their birth plan, and learning what support will be available in the operating room.
Image from Rianne Meijer Instagram
Rianne’s experience highlights one of the most powerful aspects of this approach: empowerment through participation. By actively lifting her baby and initiating skin-to-skin contact, she felt an incredible sense of connection that went beyond traditional C-section experiences. For many parents, MAC may not just be a way to give birth—it’s a way to start parenthood fully engaged, confident, and connected.
For Filipino parents considering a C-section, the Mother-Assisted C-Section is an exciting development worth exploring. It’s a gentle reminder that even in a surgical setting, the first moments of life together can still be personal, intimate, and deeply joyful.
