I am talking to you about Caesarean Section (also known as C-Section).
Hi Mama. I’m Annabelle, nurse, birth doula, and Mom. I want to help you understand C-Section birth and give you the help you need to avoid a C-Section delivery.
Statistically, 1 in 3 women (33%) will go for C-Section. So, it is important to talk about it now so that you can handle whatever is presented to you at delivery day.
First, I want you to hold on because later in this post/video I talk to Jess who had a C-Section and wasn’t really planning on it. We discuss what happened, if her doctor prepared her for it, and how she recovered.
Now, there are elective and emergent C-Sections. Some doctors will allow you to elect to have a C-Section, and some will not.
An emergency C-Section means that the benefit to take you to surgery outweighs the benefits of a vaginal delivery.
There is also the mama that had a C-Section and is now pregnant with her second baby.
She may choose to VBAC (vaginal birth after C-Section), but she may elect to have a C-Section. It is important to talk to your doctor about whether you want to attempt to labor or elect to have a C-Section for this baby.
Now is the time to start looking at your healthcare provider’s C-Section rates, the hospital’s rates, and so forth. If you have a midwife for a healthcare provider, then you need to ask what surgeon would perform your C-Section in the case that you need one.
*SIDE NOTE: You probably don’t want a C-Section, and I understand. I want to mention my FREE Natural Birth Workbook! This 4 Step Process is a great start if you want to take steps to avoid a C-Section and are considering a med-free birth. Click the button below to download the workbook…
To clarify, C-Section is a surgery.
Let’s talk about it and why you may have to have one.
Mamas are at greater risk for C-Section if they have a high risk pregnancy, carry multiples such as twins, have high blood pressure, relevant obstetrical history, arrest of labor, and many other reasons.
Make sure you know before your due date if you are at greater risk for C-Section.
Be prepared to ask questions, and make sure your husband is prepared to ask questions. You want to be in charge of what happens to you. Be ready to weigh the risks and benefits, and be ready to make a decision that is best for you and baby.
The operating room is bright, sterile, it echos, and there are people everywhere getting ready for you and baby.
If you have an epidural placed during labor, then that epidural will be used in the surgery (unless it stops working). If you do not have an epidural in place, then the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will place a spinal or possibly administer general anesthesia in the case of an emergency.
A spinal will cause numbness and your chest may feel heavy. The anesthesiologist will monitor your breathing, so don’t be alarmed if your chest feels heavy. However, don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are concerned. The nurse anesthetist and the surgeon will be communicating to make sure surgery does not begin until you are numb.
Your arms will be on your chest or arm boards to make sure your abdomen stays sterile and to prevent infection. Then the drape will be placed on your body and will be placed in front of your face so you don’t see the surgery.
Your husband will be allowed to be present for the surgery. Yay!
Your incision will be horizontal down by your underwear line.
Your baby will be delivered through the incision and baby will be taken to the warmer. Then the baby will be placed in Dads arms and brought to you.
The surgeon will begin to place sutures your incision, and this may take a few minutes to an hour depending on the surgeon.
You will be rolled to the recovery room for monitoring, and then off to your postpartum room. Your nurse will remove your Foley catheter and help you get out of bed. You will be discharged and sent home a few days later (average of 3 days stay) with baby and care instructions for your incision.
Let’s talk about Jess’s experience now
Jess had two C-Sections. The first was not planned, but the second was planned. Her experiences went well, but she went into the C-Section a little blinded.
Her doctor did not have a real conversation with her about a C-Section. Jess knew it was an option and it might happen, but she was not fully prepared.
Her labor started naturally, but it did not progress well. Her son’s heart rate began to drop with contractions. Her doctor was concerned about her baby, and decided to take Jess for a C-Section.
Jess was not fearful to have a C-Section because she knew it was the best choice for her baby. The nurses prepared her for surgery, and her husband was able to be with her.
Her second C-Section went a little more smoothly.
However, it was a scheduled elected C-Section, and yet she began labor naturally before her scheduled date.
She said that her doctor never discussed with her what to do if she went into labor naturally. She went to the hospital in pain from her contractions.
The nurses asked her if she wanted to deliver vaginally as she was already progressing in labor. She decided not to VBAC because she knew what to expect with a C-Section. She again had a successful C-Section, and now has two beautiful sons.
Jess had smooth experiences with her C-Sections. She took it like a champ. However, she could have been better prepared for the road she had to go down.
I want you to be fully prepared for the road ahead (whatever it may be), and that takes some prep work.
Do you want some help making a plan? I have created my FREE Natural Birth Workbook just for you. This 4 Step Process is a great start if you are considering a med-free birth. Download below…
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