C-Sections: Everything you need to know

Giving birth is a wonderfully terrifying experience, no matter how you do it. But many expectant parents are doubly fearful of having a caesarean section, as it’s two processes rolled into one – childbirth and a surgical procedure! Here’s what to expect i

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. 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 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 determined based on your experience and medical history too.

AN EMERGENCY C-SECTION

When a mother is in labour, and progressing through a natural labour, she and her baby are regularly monitored to ensure the baby is doing well. If there’s any sort of medical emergency during labour, moms may have to undergo an emergency c-section. Your doctor will monitor you throughout your labour, and you may be determined to stick to your birth plan, but bear in mind 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, tells us that moms should expect their doctors to talk them through what will take place during the procedure. “There may be a delay in the c-section being performed, as the hospital 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 cut out through a small incision made in the mother’s abdomen. A spinal block is usually used during a c-section, so moms won’t be able to move their 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 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.

PREPARING FOR YOUR C-SECTION

Bear in mind that recovering from a c-section 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’re discharged. But, before you head to the hospital, don’t forget to pack comfortable pyjamas with button-up tops, as these are easier for breastfeeding and clothes, nappies and blankets for your baby. For moms who are having a c-section, Sarah also recommends that you pack “netting panties – these are more comfortable as they don’t rest on the wound”.

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’ll also have a six-week check-up after you’ve given birth, so don’t forget to keep to those appointments.

YOUR CHILD’S BIRTH IS A MAGICAL MOMENT, SO DON’T LET THE IDEA OF IT ALSO BEING A SURGICAL PROCEDURE DISSUADE YOU FROM MAKING IT SPECIAL