Your baby after a c-section As long as you are both well, you and your baby will stay together on the postnatal ward after your c-section. This is an important time for you, and your partner if you have one, to bond with your baby. For example, by having skin-to-skin contact.
Caesarean section surgery usually takes 30-60 minutes, although the entire process takes a few hours. There'll be many people in the operating theatre with you. You can usually have a support person. You can usually see and hold your baby straight after a caesarean.
Risks to your baby
breathing difficulties (common) – this most often affects babies born before 39 weeks of pregnancy; it'll usually improve after a few days and your baby will be closely monitored in hospital.
Like other types of major surgery, C-sections carry risks. Risks to babies include: Breathing problems. Babies born by scheduled C-section are more likely to develop a breathing issue that causes them to breathe too fast for a few days after birth (transient tachypnea).
Through two decades of clinical observations, Mao and Jing (2005) found that newborns delivered via Cesarean section did not like to be touched or hugged as compared with newborns delivered via natural childbirth. The neonates expressed stress regarding physical contact with their mothers.
“So, every patient is different and every case is unique. However, from the current medical evidence, most medical authorities do state that if multiple C-sections are planned, the expert recommendation is to adhere to the maximum number of three.”
For example, they can make sure you have privacy for skin-to-skin contact with your baby. A c-section is major surgery and your partner will need time to recover. It can take at least 6 weeks, but they may have discomfort for much longer than this. They will feel sore and find it hard to move around.
If you've already had a cesarean birth (also called c-section), you may be able to have your next baby vaginally. This is called a vaginal birth after cesarean (also called VBAC). Cesarean birth is surgery in which your baby is born through a cut that your health care provider makes in your belly and uterus.
With a cesarean or c-section birth, you must wait six weeks to lift your toddler or anything heavier than ten pounds. This is critical to your recovery. While these lifting restrictions may not always be possible, following them as closely as possible (especially for those with incisions) is essential.
Once the baby is delivered the uterus is closed with a double layer of stitching. Four of the five remaining layers are stitched with a single layer of stitching, but one layer is not restitched as it heals better – with no buckling and reduced chance of scar tissue developing, without restitiching.
The first day after a C-section is often the hardest, and moving around may hurt. Take any prescribed pain medication on schedule, and time your trips to the bathroom or around the room to coincide with when the pain medicine kicks in, suggests Dr. Woeber.
After a C-section, she recommends women take eight weeks off and to avoid heavy activity to prevent complications. “A lot of women still have significant pain at two weeks after,” she said.
Dad's chief role during the delivery will be to hold your hand and provide comfort. He should use a calm, low voice to reassure you that everything's going well. After the surgery, you may be shaky or weepy. These are normal reactions, according to the American Pregnancy Association, but they may seem frightening.
Long-Term Effects of C-Sections
Children born by C-section also suffer increased rates of diseases, including asthma, type I diabetes, allergies, obesity, as well as reduced overall cognitive functioning and lower academic performance.
Answering the question of whether the second cesarean section is more painful, the answer is: Usually no more pain depending on the condition of the old incision with little or no adhesion, and the surgical technique, and pain relief of the doctors.
The reason for the lower likelihood of pregnancy after a C-section is not known, but the lead author, Kristen H. Kjerulff, a professor of public health at Pennsylvania State University, said that scarring of the inside of the uterus during the procedure and ensuing low-grade infection may be factors.
For most moms, it will take four to six weeks to make a full recovery. The day right after your surgery, you'll be encouraged to walk around within the first 12 hours after delivery to help relieve gas buildup in the abdomen, and to eat something light as soon as you feel able.
After a c-section, you should sleep on your back or side. This shouldn't put too much strain on your c-section wound. You can also try sleeping on your back with your head elevated. Use pillows to keep your spine aligned and take pressure off your joints.
Increased bleeding after your lochia starts to decrease can be a sign you're overdoing it and need more rest. Seeing ongoing clots could mean your uterus is having trouble getting back to its pre-pregnancy size. In either case, it's always best to call.
Any pain should decrease after 2 or 3 days, but your cut will remain tender for up to 3 weeks or more. Most women need pain medicine for the first few days to 2 weeks. Ask your provider what is safe to take while breastfeeding.
Your wound will feel sore and bruised for a few weeks. You will need to take pain relief for at least 7–10 days after your c-section. Your midwife or doctor will tell you what pain relief you can take.
A c-section should be for medical reasons only. What are the risks of having a c-section? A c-section is major surgery, so it may have more complications for you than a vaginal birth, including: Your incision (cut), uterus and other parts of your body, like your belly and bladder, may get infected.
Items like carbonated drinks, citrus juices, coffee, tea, and spicy food should be avoided as they increase bloating and gas. Fermented and fried food can cause heartburn and indigestion. Since mothers are breastfeeding, such foods can affect the milk and cause growth problems in the newborn.