Cesarean Birth
If you are unable to give birth naturally you deliver you baby by cesarean or what we all know as a c-section.
Some reasons why you might have a c-section
• Multiple births
• Contractions don't open your cervix
• Umbilical cord is pinched or compressed
• Problems with the placenta
• Previous cesarean birth
If you are awake during your c-section, your spouse or designated partner will be allowed in the operating room with you, to hold your hand, remind you to breathe, and just be there with you. A nurse will prepare you for the surgery, scrubbing your stomach and sterilizing it.
You will be given an epidural or general anesthesia so that you won't feel any pain during surgery. It should be noted that if you are given general anesthesia you will be not be awake during the procedure. Your obstetrician will make an incision that extends through your skin and the wall of the abdomen. The incision is made right above the pubic hairline and can run horizontal or vertically. The muscles in your abdomen are moved aside rather than cut. A second incision is made in the wall of the uterus.
Your baby will be delivered through the incisions; the umbilical cord will be cut, followed by the removal of the placenta. Your uterus is closed using dissolvable stitches and either stitches or staples will be used to close the incision on your skin.
If you have an epidural, are awake, you will be allowed to hold your baby immediately follow birth. Depending on the hospital that you deliver in, you will be taken back to your room or a recovery room where your vital signs and abdomen will be checked regularly.
Some women think that you can't breast feed your baby if you have a c-section, but this is not true. Just let your obstetrician know that you want to breastfeed your baby. More than likely you will remain in the hospital for 2 to 4 days after your c-section. The amount of time that you remain in the hospital depends on the reason you had to have the cesarean birth and how long it will take your body to recover from the procedure. It will take a couple of weeks for you abdomen to heal; you may experience some mild cramping, bleeding or discharge, bleeding with clots and some pain at the incision site. For a couple of weeks after your cesarean birth you should place anything in your vagina or have sex because of the risk of infection. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions and also let him/her know if you are having any problems.
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