Cesarean Birth: What to Expect
One question that many new parents often ask us is…”what happens if I have to have a cesarean?” As labor doulas one of our main goals is to provide educational insights and resources to parents to help them know their options and what to expect in their journey to parenthood.
There are many possible scenarios when a cesarean birth (c-section) may be necessary. In some instances your provider will recommend a scheduled cesarean birth. As you doulas we will offer you an understanding of what to expect and provide you with information at your prenatal visit so that you can prepare ahead of time.
If you happen to be like most women who have belly birth, you do not know prior to the day you go into labor. We feel that parents (if they desire) should know what they can expect if they find themselves heading into the OR:
You will be cleaned and prepped at the incision site area, and shaved
Your nurse will administer IV fluids (or increase your fluids, if you don’t already have them)
A lovely hat will be placed upon your head and your partner will get a lovely hat, suit, and booties
Once you are ready, they will roll you into the OR if you are not already there, where you will be transferred from your bed onto the OR table by wonderfully adept nurses and staff
If you do not already have an epidural, the anesthesiologist and/or nurse anesthetist will guide you through placing a spinal
If you already have an epidural placed, they will increase anesthesia medicine to the correct levels for cesarean birth
There will be a vertical sheet or screen which hangs ar your chest.
Your surgeon will check to be sure that the anesthesia is fully working by asking you whether you feel them putting pressure on your belly in various locations
In most cases, a horizontal incision will be made on your lower abdomen (right at your bikini line) and through the wall of your uterus (the scar from this will be about 4-6 inches long)
In most cases, from the moment of the first incision to the time your baby is born is approximately 10 minutes
Your baby will be birthed through your belly; during this you may feel a tugging and pulling sensation but it should not be painful
You will be stitched up, often with dissolvable stitches; however, this is decided by your doctor and this process may take anywhere from 30-40 minutes on average
If you have not planned to have a c-section, some things that can occur with your body and your baby resulting in the need for your baby to be born via cesarean, can be issues such as if the baby’s heart rate becomes irregular (this could signal your baby is in distress), the placenta has started to detach from the uterine wall (this is less common), the baby is not moving down and/or cervical dilation has slowed or stopped, or the flow of blood and oxygen through the umbilical cord is being severely restricted causing baby to be negatively effected. If you have to have an emergency c-section the same steps as above will be taken, but just a little more quickly than a planned one. This can be nerve-racking, but there is nothing less intimate about having a cesarean birth versus having a vaginal birth. You are finally getting to meet your baby after several long months!
““Each person heals and grows into their new role of a parent at their own pace and it is important not to put time limits on this process.” ”
A c-section is a major surgery so expect to be very tired and sore in the following days after your baby’s birth. Some have found relief from using pillows to support their abdomen when turning, standing, coughing, and nursing. You will need lots of rest and to be lying down as much as possible. Ask for help from nurses when you need it. Nurses will help with the care of your newborn with tasks such as changing the baby’s diaper. Talk to your doctor about pain medication, let them know how you are feeling. If you choose to breastfeed, positioning yourself can be difficult and uncomfortable so ask your nurse and/or lactation consultant to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Having a c-section should not prevent you from feeding your baby. Most women are able to feed within an hour of the surgery. You will slowly begin to eat beginning with drinking water or juice and then starting with bland foods such as crackers. The simplest food will taste extravagant after these last few tiring days. About 6 hours after surgery, you will have your catheter removed (according to PubMed 2019 article). The next day you will be advised to begin moving and walking around the halls. Once you have peed and and passed a bowel movement on your own with no troubles, you’re on your way to being discharged and going home very soon!
Once you are discharged and sent home, your hormones will be high. Mix that with fatigue, and you will more than likely be not only physically exhausted but emotionally as well. But, you will get through it! You can expect to have some light bleeding for the first month or so. Get as much rest as you can, listen to your body, don’t push any limits. Go for a walk around the neighborhood, or if that is too much, walk to the mailbox to grab the mail. To make things a bit easier, have a few diaper changing stations around that are easily accessible. Wear loose, comfortable clothing (try not to wear pants or clothing that will rub against your incision site). Staying in your PJ’s may remind guests and family members that you are still recovering whenever the visit. If you get hungry and just don’t have the energy to make it, just ask! Whoever you ask will be more than happy to help out in any way they can. Have a small bag/basket full of little things that may be useful that you can move around the house wherever you are. Things like snacks, a water bottle, lotion, nail file, chapstick, travel-size tissues, wipes and a book are good, simple things to have around.
It is important that you listen to whatever your body may be trying to tell you, good and bad. Some things to keep an eye out for are fever, headaches, dizziness, or signs of postpartum depression. If you notice these signs or if you have any other concerns or questions or think something is not quite right, do not hesitate to call your provider.
It is very important to keep up with any prescribed medications, eat nutritious, healthy meals, get as much rest as you possibly can, stay hydrated, take care of yourself, and enjoy your new baby!