How to Deal With Cesarean Birth

About one-third of childbirths are Cesarean births, also known as C-sections. There are many reasons for Cesarean birth, such as a large baby, the baby's position position in the womb (breech) or an active labor that does not proceed after many hours. In many cases, a Cesarean birth will reduce the risk for both mother and newborn, but since it is a major surgical procedure, you should know how to deal with it when the big moment comes.

Instructions

• 1

  Chose the type of pain medication during delivery, if you already know in advance that you are going to have a Cesarean birth. Most people request spinal anesthesia, or epidural, so they can stay awake during the surgery and see the arrival of their babies.

• 2

  Ask if your partner or family member can be with you during the surgery. Usually baby is born within 10 minutes after the surgery has begun. Having your partner or family members there is a great comfort. You can also ask the nurses to let your partner hold up the baby for you right after birth.

• 3

  Try to breastfeed your baby before the anesthesia is no longer effective.

• 4

  After the surgery, avoid having too many visitors so you can have time to rest. Use a pillow to support your abdomen as you change position or nurse your baby. Make sure your doctor knows that you are going to breastfeed or not so he can prescribe the right pain medication, as some pain medications may interfere with the quality of the breast milk.

• 5

  Once home, call your doctor if you have fever, lower abdominal pain or drainage from the incision site. Other symptoms that might need medical attentions are a foul smell and an increase in vaginal blood flow.

• 6

  Avoid driving for several weeks after childbirth. Avoid lifting or house work. Sexual activity may be resumed when both internal and external incisions heal and vaginal blood flow stops. It is going to take about 4 to 6 weeks for you to resume normal activities.