Month 6: Having a caesar? This is what you need to know
THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Giving birth is a wonderfully terrifying experience, no matter how you do it. But many moms are doubly fearful of having a c-section, as it’s two processes rolled into one – childbirth and surgery! WHY ARE YOU HAVING A C-SECTION?
Generally speaking, c-sections are performed by choice or for a specific purpose. If you’re delivering your child through a private healthcare facility, your gynaecologist may ask you if you’d prefer to have your baby via c-section or if you’d like to give birth naturally. This is called an elective caesar. In a public healthcare setting though, c-sections are only performed for medical reasons or emergencies. If your baby is large, breech, if you have some sort of obstruction in your belly, or if you are HIV-positive, it will be recommended to you by your gynaecologist or clinic nurse that you have a c-section. Almost all multiple baby births are now c-section deliveries, so if you’re having twins, you’ll most likely be booked in for this. If you’ve had a baby via c-section before, your doctor or clinic sister may also recommend that you have your next child via a c-section, but that will be decided based on your experience and medical history too.
AN EMERGENCY
When you’re in labour, you and and your baby are regularly monitored to ensure you’re both doing well. If there’s any sort of medical emergency during labour, you may have to undergo an emergency c-section. You might be disappointed, as you may want to stick to your birth plan, but remember that your health and your baby’s health are of prime importance. If your labour has stalled, or if your baby isn’t getting enough oxygen or their heart rate slows down, you’ll be admitted to a surgical theatre for an emergency c-section.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Dr Sarah Jackson, who is a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Netcare Park Lane Hospital in Johannesburg, says you should expect your doctors to talk you through what will take place during the c-section procedure. “There may be a delay in the elective c-section being performed, as the staff may need to attend to any emergencies first,” says Dr Jackson. “The doctor will explain the anaesthetic to be used and how the baby will be taken out through a small cut made in your belly. A spinal block is usually used during a c-section, so you won’t be able to move your legs for a few hours after the operation. After your delivery, you’ll be taken to the ward with other moms and their babies and can expect to be discharged from hospital after two days.”
In a private hospital, you’ll stay two to three days, until your doctor is satisfied that you and your child are recovering well from childbirth.
PREPPING FOR A C-SECTION
Pack your bag and Baby’s the same as for a natural birth – comfortable pyjamas with button-up tops, for instance, as these are easier for breastfeeding. Loose-fitting clothes for you, and nappies and the rest for Baby. But Dr Jackson also recommends that if you’re having a c-section, you pack “netting panties – these are more comfortable, as they don’t rest on the wound”. Recovering can take quite a bit longer than recovering from a vaginal birth, so you’ll need extra hands at home, ready to assist when you come out of hospital.
AT THE HOSPITAL
Once you’re all booked in for your c-section, you may be nervous and a bit apprehensive. Remember, you’re in good medical hands! You should be able to have someone with you in the operating theatre, so your husband, partner or birth partner can go in with you. They’ll need to wear hospital scrubs and ensure that they abide by all hospital rules relating to the surgical theatre.
RECOVERING AT HOME
Once you’ve been discharged, your recovery won’t be over. That’s why it’s vital to have extra hands on deck at home, to help you care for your newborn baby and take care of yourself. For feeding, you’ll need help with lifting your baby up, as the wound from your c-section needs to heal. Support your stomach with extra pillows or cushions, and take all the medication as it is prescribed to you. Keep an eye on your wound, and head directly to the hospital if you experience any sign of infection or fever. You’ll have a follow-up appointment with your doctor two to four weeks after you’ve given birth, so that they can check your wound is healing well. You should also have another check-up six weeks after you’ve given birth. Don’t forget to keep to these appointments.