Nearly one-third of babies arrive by cesarean section.* While a c-section may not be part of your birth plan, knowing what to expect should you need one can alleviate some of the anxiety around the surgery.
Why c-sections happen. Physicians deliver babies by c-section when the surgery is in the best interest of a mom and her baby’s health.
Your doctor may recommend the surgery if you’ve had a past c-section and aren’t a viable candidate for vaginal birth after c-section (VBAC). A c-section might also be performed if your baby is in a breech position. According to the American Pregnancy Association, a baby in breech position delivers buttocks or feet first as opposed to head first, which can limit oxygen and blood flow to your baby during delivery.
An emergency c-section may be ordered if “labor is failing to progress despite induction or augmentation methods,” says Missy Mourek, RN, BSN, labor and delivery/postpartum Birth Place educator, Olathe Health.
Planning your stay. Hospitals provide all new moms with most everything they need, including hospital gowns, postpartum pads, underwear and abdominal binders (if prescribed). Feel free to bring your own nursing gown, tank tops or pajama bottoms for added comfort.
“Some moms choose to bring their own pillow from home or a Boppy. Again, we provide those things, but just for comfort. If they like something specific, that’s fine,” says Jillian Coulis, RN, BSN, nurse manager for postpartum and labor and delivery, the Birth Place, Olathe Health.
If your c-section is scheduled ahead of time, arrive at the hospital two hours before the procedure. You’ll likely be instructed not to eat or drink anything past midnight or eight hours before surgery time. Avoid wearing nail polish, which can interfere with the accuracy of the oxygen reader on your finger, and jewelry. If you wear contacts, bring your glasses.
“Sometimes the anesthesia can be drying to your system, and we don’t want you not to be able to see your baby if you’re feeling dried out after the procedure,” Coulis says.
When you arrive. You’ll quickly get to know your nurse, who will care for you throughout the experience. At this time, your baby’s heartbeat will be monitored. You’ll have labs drawn and receive IV fluids for hydration. Your nurse will explain what you and your partner can expect during the procedure, and you can address any concerns with the anesthesiologist and your physician.
Sights, sounds and sensations. Once in the operating room (OR), you’ll receive anesthesia, which will cause your legs to go numb. You’ll be connected to a Foley catheter and a compression device, which reduces the risk for blood clots. Medical staff will place a drape over you.
“If a patient requests, we even have clear drapes so the patient can view her surgery as Baby is delivered,” Mourek says.
You shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure, but you will feel tugging and pulling sensations.
You’ll be surrounded by your partner or support person and healthcare providers, including the surgeon, your RN, anesthesia team members, the nursery RN who will care for your baby, and an OB tech who assists the surgeon.
“From the time the surgery starts to the time the baby is born is fairly quick, and you will be meeting your new little bundle of joy before you know it!” Mourek says.
Capture the moment. “At the Birth Place, we have a monitor that captures what is happening on the baby warmer right after delivery,” Mourek says. “The father, or the mother’s support person, is invited to take photos at the warmer and touch the baby if they want.”
Skin-to-skin right away. Research shows enormous benefits for babies who receive skin-to-skin contact with their mothers soon after delivery, including enhanced mother-baby bonding, more successful breastfeeding, and a less stressed baby. As long as you and your newborn are stable, you’ll be cuddling your baby before you leave the OR.
“Sometimes babies even begin breastfeeding in the operating room,” Mourek says.
After a couple of hours in the recovery room, you and your newborn will be transferred to a postpartum room. Your hospital stay is typically around three to four days.
A longer recovery. Anyone who tells you that a c-section is the easy way out of delivery hasn’t had to recover from one. Healing from a c-section takes about six weeks, which can be challenging while also caring for a demanding newborn.
“I know this frequently heard advice is easier said than done, but it’s true: Sleep or rest when your baby naps,” Mourek says. “Even a few minutes of rest here and there throughout the day can help.”
Although you should avoid strenuous exercise, gentle movement like walks can help your body heal and prevent constipation and blood clots. Choose nutritious foods and drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to boost your milk supply and avoid constipation.
Managing pain and discomfort. A heating pad can help relieve discomfort at the surgical site. Also, take pain medications as prescribed. Consult your doctor about which medications are safe to take while breastfeeding.
“You want to keep your pain level at a tolerable rate so you can take care of yourself and your new baby,” Mourek says.
Feeling disappointed or sad? The postpartum period can stir up a roller coaster of emotions for any new mom. If your baby’s delivery didn’t go as you envisioned, it’s normal to feel grief, disappointment or guilt. But these feelings can also put you at greater risk for postpartum depression.
“It’s okay to be disappointed. It’s okay to be sad. There’s nothing that you did wrong or could have done differently to end up with a c-section,” Coulis says. “Those are valid things to feel, and you don’t need to act like it didn’t happen.”
Process your feelings with a trusted friend, loved one, partner, physician or a counselor.
“A healthy mom and a healthy baby are the most important. Nobody is a lesser mother or woman for having a c-section,” Mourek says. “You did what you needed to do to get your baby safely into the world, and that is what being an amazing mother is all about!”
Changes Due to COVID-19
To reduce the risk of infection, the CDC recommends that women and newborns check out of the hospital 24 hours after vaginal deliveries and 48 hours after c-sections.
Plan for the unexpected
- Address concerns/questions with your physician.
- Seek information from reputable sources.
- Attend hospital birthing classes, available both online and in-person.
*Source: “Births—Methods of Delivery,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC.gov/nchs/fastats/delivery.htm.
Christa Melnyk Hines is a nationally published writer based in Olathe. She is the mom of two sons, ages 13 and 15—both delivered by c-section.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.