Understanding a C-Section Delivery

Understanding a C-Section Delivery

May 17th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

There is often much anxiety and ill feelings surrounding a C-section delivery. Most women go into the birthing process expecting to have a natural or vaginal delivery, and sometimes that’s just not possible. Though there are a number of viable reasons why a woman would have a C-section, there is a great deal of worry when it comes up as a topic of conversation.

As it is a major surgery, it’s understandable that moms-to-be would not be necessarily excited to have such a delivery method performed. However it is important to know that a C-section can not only be necessary but preferred in light of a few key circumstances. It’s important to understand what these are and how the process works. Then if the situation ever comes up or you find yourself facing a C-section, it might not be so scary.

Reasons for a C-Section Delivery

The reality is that there are a number of reasons that a woman may find it necessary to have a C-section to deliver her baby. There’s the planned type of C-section and then the emergency C-section.

In an emergency C-section, a woman may be forced into this type of delivery if the baby won’t turn, if the baby’s heart rate is dropping, if the cord is wrapped around the baby, or a number of related factors. This is not an optimal situation as there is potential danger towards the baby, but it can be a real lifesaver to ensure that the baby is healthy and delivered quickly and safely.

In the instance of a planned C-section, there are a number of factors that this may be done. A woman may have had a previous C-section and may be asked to consider this as a method for delivery the second time around for a safe delivery. The baby may be breech and won’t flip the proper way, or the baby may just be too big to deliver the old fashioned way. There may be certain health conditions associated with the pregnancy that may make a vaginal delivery difficult such as placenta previa where the placenta is low and covers the cervix making vaginal delivery virtually impossible. As you can see there are many reasons for a planned C-section. Sometimes a planned C-section gives the woman a bit more time to mentally prepare for this surgery.

Knowing What to Expect

A C-section works like any other surgery in certain respects. The woman will be put under anesthesia so that she can’t feel the incision or any of the pain that may occur during the surgery itself. Her partner will be allowed into the room with her after she has been prepped and they will be able to sit next to them the whole time. What may be different about this type of surgery however is that the woman is likely awake the entire time. She is aware of what’s going on, but feels no pain. She may feel a bit of pressure or pulling as they reach in and grab the baby out, but that’s usually it. She can hear her baby cry for the first time and if all goes well, she can even hold the baby immediately after delivery.

There is a longer recovery associated with a C-section than a vaginal birth since a major surgery has taken place. The woman will need to take it easy for a few weeks and limit driving or physical activity, but nothing that would interfere with her ability to care for her new baby. Though a C-section may not be how a woman envisioned her birth experience, knowing the facts can take a bit of anxiety out of things.

The First Days with Your New Baby

The First Days with Your New Baby

March 31st, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

There is nothing like the magical moment when you see your long-awaited baby for the first time. The first few days of life with baby are both the most wonderful and some of the most challenging for new parents. Suddenly everything has changed, and your world revolves around this tiny little person whose health and well-being are entirely in your hands.

What Your Baby Looks Like

Years of seeing babies being “born” on television and in movies have ill prepared new parents for the reality of a newborn. Your baby might not be the perfect bundle of joy you were expecting. The process of birth can be difficult on a baby, especially with a long vaginal birth. You might see things like a cone-shaped head, squished nose, and red marks on baby’s face and body.

Babies often have blotchy skin and still have some of the waxy white coating on their skin known as vernix, which covers a baby’s skin in the uterus to protect it from the long exposure to amniotic fluid. It is not uncommon for babies to be born with a little extra hair on their bodies as well. Both of these will soon be gone.

Your baby will also have a piece of the umbilical cord still attached, which will be clamped off at first. This usually falls off within the first few weeks of life. You may notice that your baby’s genitals appear swollen – this is a normal reaction to hormones passed from the mother, and will recede over time.

What Your Baby Needs

In the first days of life, what your baby will do most is eat and sleep. It is not unusual for baby to fall asleep not long after birth; after all, it has been a long and trying day. While it is tempting to stay awake and watch this sleeping miracle you have waited so long to see, new moms should take advantage of their newborn’s naps to get some much needed rest as well. Sleep in the first days will be erratic, so get it while you can!

If you are breastfeeding your baby, you may put her to the breast immediately following birth, but don’t expect much. She may be tired and has not yet mastered latching on, although the sucking reflex is well developed in full-term infants. When she is awake, you can try again. The first few days are a time for mom and baby to learn the ropes of nursing. Don’t be concerned if your baby doesn’t seem to be eating a lot at first. She is still being sustained by nutrients passed through the umbilical cord, and her appetite will soon grow.

It is entirely normal for a newborn to lose up to 10% of her birth weight within the first few days of life. Your doctor will monitor her weight to ensure it starts to climb again.

Bringing Baby Home

Depending on whether you had a vaginal birth or a caesarean section, you will likely be in the hospital for the first 2-4 days of your baby’s life. During this time you will have the assistance of the nurses in caring for your baby. Don’t be surprised if going home, that much anticipated event, feels a bit overwhelming or even frightening. This is a normal reaction to the realization of the monumental task before you.

In these early days, focus on caring for your new baby and yourself. Don’t worry about the housework, and if you have offers of help don’t be afraid to accept. The first days with a newborn are exhausting and challenging, especially for moms recovering from a difficult birth or from a c-section.

Remember that both you and your newborn are making a major adjustment to a whole new life, and there are bound to be some bumps in the road. You will soon settle into a new routine, and things will smooth out again.