Imagine your client walking into the operating theatre for their planned or unplanned caesarean birth — not trembling with uncertainty, but feeling calm, confident, and ready.
As birth workers, we support families through every kind of birth, and that includes surgical ones. But let’s be honest — even seasoned professionals know that the OR (or theatre) can feel intimidating. The sterile equipment, bright lights, and team in scrubs can make the whole experience feel distant and medical.
So how do we turn that environment from “What’s going to happen?” into “I know what’s happening — and I’m part of it”?
That’s where interactive, hands-on tools come in.
Why Caesarean Prep Matters in Helping Families Feel Confident About Caesarean Births
Many birthing people head into a caesarean feeling unsure about who will be there, what each person does, or what to expect step by step. A little clarity goes a long way toward easing those fears.
As educators, doulas, and midwives, we can help clients feel more empowered by teaching them what to expect — and by using tools that are simple, visual, and engaging.
Printable activities are perfect for this: no PowerPoint required, just real connection and interactive learning.
Two Tools to Bring Caesarean Birth Education to Life
Here are two printable activities you can use right away in your classes or client sessions:
🩺 “Who’s in the OR?” Role Play Activity
This interactive printable helps clients understand who’s in the room during a caesarean and what each person’s role is.
It’s a fun, visual way to explore the team dynamic — from the surgeon and anaesthetist to the partner and birth worker — and to talk about sterile vs. non-sterile zones.
It turns a daunting idea into something familiar, even friendly.
🧡 “Getting Ready for the OR” – Caesarean Prep Activity
This pack walks clients through what to expect before, during, and after surgery in a calm, empowering way.
It includes interactive elements, discussion prompts, and printable visuals — great for both group classes and one-to-one sessions.
Both sets come in A4 and US Letter sizes, so they’re easy to print wherever you are.
👉 Explore both printables in my TPT store here:
✨ Download the “Caesarean/C-Section Role Play – Who’s in the OR/Theatre? – printable”
✨ Get the “Getting Ready for the OR – A Caesarean Prep Activity (Printable A4 & US Letter)”
Why TPT store and not this website? Find out why I am moving all my digital resources to TPT.
Bringing It to Life in a Class or Client Session
Here’s how this looks in action:
You hand out cards from the prep pack — one person takes the “Anaesthetist” role, another the “Partner,” another the “Scrub Nurse.”
You mark out a “sterile zone” on the floor and walk through the steps of the caesarean: arrival, anaesthesia, birth, recovery.
Suddenly, what once felt cold and clinical becomes personal and clear.
Participants get it. They leave with less fear, more understanding, and better questions for their birth team.
Quick Tips for Birth Workers
- Dedicate 15–20 minutes in a group class or one-to-one session for the activity.
- Debrief afterward — ask: “How did that feel?” or “What part surprised you?”
- Encourage clients to take the printables home to review with their partner.
- Use it online too! The pack works beautifully for virtual classes — just screen-share or send PDFs.
- Connect it to emotional prep — remind clients that knowing what to expect is a powerful antidote to fear.
Ready to Bring Confidence into the OR and Helping Families Feel Confident About Caesarean Births
When families understand what’s happening in the operating theatre — who’s there, what’s next, and why — they’re not just “getting through it.” They’re participating in their birth story.
You already help create calm, confident birthing experiences every day. These printable tools are here to make that easier, more engaging, and even a little fun.
✨ Download the “Caesarean/C-Section Role Play – Who’s in the OR/Theatre? – printable”
✨ Get the “Getting Ready for the OR – A Caesarean Prep Activity (Printable A4 & US Letter)”