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Preparing for a planned cesarean section – Project Parenting
Preparing for a planned cesarean section
When medical reasons make it necessary to perform a planned cesarean section, this can bring great discomfort to the pregnant woman. In some cases, a cesarean section is a life-saving operation for the woman and the fetus. But how can we best prepare for the day of delivery? What kind of preparation is needed for a planned cesarean section? This article aims to inform and empower women who are faced with such a diagnosis.
How can I give birth with VBAC?
There is a lot you can do to create ideal conditions for you and your baby! Preparing for a planned cesarean section and your participation in childbirth It is just as important as if you were giving birth naturally.
Preparing for a cesarean section before childbirth
- Stay informed about when is the latest possible and at the same time medically safe date to schedule a cesarean section.
The fetus benefits from every additional day it remains in the uterus, as it matures and develops. Especially if a cesarean section is planned due to placenta accreta (when the placenta covers the cervix) cesarean section should be strictly avoided. onset of laborSetting the date is a decision where many factors should be taken into account together with your doctor.
- Decide whether you want to give birth in a private or public maternity hospital.
In a private maternity hospital you have more freedom to shape the conditions of your birth. Unfortunately, in Greece, regardless of the structure, partners are still not allowed to enter the operating room during a cesarean section. Talk to your doctor about your wishes. Only in this way can outdated conditions be changed. - Make an appointment with an independent midwife.
She will explain to you individually the entire cesarean section process, as well as how you can best prepare. Together you will create your birth plan. If you wish, she can also accompany you during labor and support you in the first breastfeeding. - Learn how to milk by hand.
You will become familiar with your breasts and develop great confidence in your body's abilities. Breast milk begins to develop in the second trimester of pregnancy. breast milk to be able to feed even a very premature baby. After 36or week of pregnancy you can start collecting colostrum. Don't worry, your newborn won't run out of it, as it is produced continuously. Get 1ml syringes (without a needle) from the pharmacy and caps in sterile packaging to seal them once they are full. Don't be discouraged by the small amount: A newborn's stomach is the size of a cherry, so 1-2 ml of colostrum per feeding will cover his needs for the first twenty-four hours! After collecting the colostrum, write your name and the date and time of expression on the syringes and store them in the freezer. Don't forget to take them with you on the day of delivery! Search the internet for "Antenatal expression of Colostrum" for more instructions and read the contraindications, as nipple irritation can cause uterine contractions. (NHS) (League). - As the incision is made low in the abdomen,
near the pubic hair, choose to shave the front area of your vulva the day before surgery. This way you will avoid shaving with cheap disposable razors in the maternity ward.
Deal with the changes in your body during pregnancy! The power of Yoga
Preparing for a cesarean section on the day of delivery
- You will need to go to the maternity hospital early in the morning, fasting.
When you arrive, you will be asked to wear a gown that is open on one side. Discuss with your doctor whether you can wear an elastic strapless top underneath that your baby can have direct contact with. skin to skin contact after birth. (Bonding-Top/C-Section Top) - Ask the IV catheter if it is possible to avoid placing it in your elbow area, as it will interfere with breastfeeding.
Encourage the staff to place it in a place on the forearm or hand where it will be less bothersome. Ask for the urinary catheter to be placed after the anesthesia has taken effect in the operating room. - Choose epidural anesthesia over general anesthesia.
An epidural temporarily numbs your body from the waist down while you remain awake. This will allow you to be present when your baby is born and will make the post-operative adjustment easier. Before the procedure begins, your doctor will make sure you are not in pain. You will feel the touch and a strong jolt as the baby comes out. - Most women are surprised by how quickly the baby is delivered after surgery begins..
From the start of surgery until you hear your baby's first cry, it may only be a few minutes! In contrast, the duration of the suturing afterwards can last up to an hour. - Discuss with your doctor whether it is possible to create a calm atmosphere that respects the birth process.
You might be surprised by the large number of people involved in a surgery (gynecologists, midwives, pediatricians, nursing staff, anesthesiologist, etc.) You can listen to soft music through headphones or some Hypnobirthing meditation that relaxes you. - Ask your doctor if delayed cord clamping is possible.
Every extra second that the newborn receives the blood it needs from the placenta through the umbilical cord is valuable for its health. (Welsh, 2020) - During surgery, it is common for the woman's right and left arms to be stabilized.
Discuss with your doctor whether this is necessary or if you can resolve them for to hug your baby.
Preparing for a cesarean section after childbirth
- If the baby cannot stay with you, ask that he/she stay with your partner in skin-to-skin contact.
It is the most effective method to maintain a stable body temperature for a newborn, to adapt to extrauterine life while at the same time having better glucose levels. (Chiruvolu, 2017) - Learn about common practices and interventions in newborns.
If he is healthy, do you want a nasal and throat suction? Do you consent to the preventive administration of antibiotic drops in his eyes? Do you know what Vitamin K is? Do you want the staff to wash your baby? (Papaventsis) - Ask your midwife to support you during the first breastfeeding already in the operating room.
Find out in advance about breastfeeding positions after a cesarean section. Don't worry if you don't succeed right away, since ideally you will have the colostrum with you! - Be understanding with your body.
Don't hesitate to ask for painkillers when you are in pain. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are analgesics compatible with the breastfeeding. Ask for help with the first trips to the toilet and enjoy as much direct skin-to-skin contact with your newborn as possible. Limit visits from relatives and friends as necessary. - Ask for support from a freelance midwife in the postpartum period!
The midwife will come to your home to help you breastfeed painlessly, assess the healing of your cesarean section, and answer all your questions about the arrival of your new family member!
Congratulations, you are now very well informed about the options you have to contribute to your birth experience when a cesarean section is planned! I wish you an empowering, beautiful experience when you are finally able to hold your child in your arms!
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