THE BIG DAY
Arrive in good time, and report to the maternity ward of the hospital where you are going to have your baby. Because of Covid, protocols about who is allowed to be with you change frequently. Check with your gynaecologist and on the hospital group’s website, so you aren’t disappointed if your partner, birth photographer, doula or midwife have to leave you at the door. You will receive a folder with a number and stickers with all your information. Make sure you have your ID number and all your medical aid details handy.
It is often possibly to save a lot of time and hassle with the hospital admin by completing all the forms and getting pre-approval online a few days before the procedure. In fact, the hospital and medical aid prefer this route too.
You will be shown to your bed and asked to change into a surgical gown. You can keep your undies on, or you might have to wear the ones they provide. Your baby’s heartbeat will be monitored, and a drip will be put in your arm so that fluids and medication can be administered with ease during the operation.
Next up is a visit from the anaesthetist, who will explain the procedure to you. After that, things can move rather quickly…
As soon as you’re dressed, you’ll be wheeled to the theatre. You’ll be asked to climb over onto the operating table. Depending on Covid protocols, your partner will be there, all dressed in his theatre garb, waiting for you.
The anaesthetist will administer a spinal block that will numb the lower part of your body. You will be asked to sit upright and curve your back into a C shape, so the long, thin needle can fit through the gap between your vertebrae.
Many women fear this bit of the procedure, but it really isn’t painful at all. The block will do exactly what the name promises; feeling will be blocked from your breasts all the way to your toes. The theatre team, including your gynaecologist of course, will get to work very quickly then, mostly behind a screen that is put up over your stomach. This is for hygiene purposes, mainly. The anaesthetist will keep you company above the screen. Some nausea is common during a c-section, but can be fixed very easily, so speak up as soon as you feel queasy. If your partner can handle seeing you cut open, he might be able to peek over the screen. Your tummy will be washed in a disinfectant, and a catheter will be inserted in your urethra to drain urine from your bladder.
The gynaecologist will make a horizontal cut about two fingers above the top of your pubic bone. Your abdominal muscles will be exposed and then separated lengthwise to get access to your uterus. Your bladder will be gently moved out of the way. A cut is then made at the base of your uterus. You might feel some tugging as they go in to get Baby. About 10 minutes after your arrival in the theatre, your gynae will lift your baby out! Wait for the cry! Will your partner cut the umbilical cord? This is the moment! Your newborn will be given a wipe to encourage breathing, and his nose and mouth will be cleaned out. You and your partner might very well be able to meet and hold him now, before the paediatrician examines him. Some paediatricians are happy to do their checks while Baby is on your chest.
In the meantime, the team are working on you still! Oxytocin will be administered to make your uterus contract. Your placenta will be removed and examined. The uterus is stitched up with dissolving stitches. All the layers that were cut through are closed up. Your skin might be closed with staples, stitches or glue – doctors have their own preferences – and covered by a firm stickerlike plaster.
After that, you will be taken to the recovery room, so your pulse, temperature, blood pressure and wound can be monitored, for about 20 to 30 minutes. “Some moms take the opportunity to practise skin-to-skin contact with their baby during this time, or to attempt breastfeeding,” Tina says.