In a typical C-section, a set of drapes shields the operating field, which means the mother can't see what is happening.
"You don't actually watch the procedure or them do the incision." In fact, a regular opaque surgical drape covers the clear drape, and is only lowered when the doctor actually delivers the baby.
"Dad can usually be in the operating room during a cesarean section, so he gets to see the baby immediately after birth," explains Siobhan Dolan, MD, MPH, medical advisor to March of Dimes, and author of Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby.
Things to Avoid:
Sexual intercourse until your health care provider tells you that it is safe. The use of tampons or douche. Taking baths until your incision is healed and you are no longer bleeding. Public pools and hot tubs.
No catheter is placed, so we can't give you extra medication to make your anesthesia last longer. You'll remain awake during the C-section and delivery of your baby. Your baby doesn't get sleepy or numb from the medication that we give you in a spinal block.
Most women are awake and simply numbed from the waist down using regional anesthesia (an epidural and/or a spinal block) during a C-section. That way, they are awake to see and hear their baby being born.
Women who have a Cesarean section usually have a choice of two or three options: A general anesthetic, where they are completely unconscious, and two types of regional anesthetic known as “epidural” and “spinal” anesthesia. Regional anesthetics numb the body from the waist down.
Getting in and out of bed can be difficult or uncomfortable while you're recovering from your c-section. To make it easier to get out of bed, you could try: rolling on to your side. dropping both legs over the side of the bed.
Although healthcare providers recommend you wait to have penetrative sex after childbirth for at least four to six weeks, oral sex is usually fine sooner. Oral sex and other forms of "outercourse" or external simulation after birth could be safe even a few days after delivery.
This may not be for 6 weeks or so. Ask your midwife for advice if you're unsure when it's safe to start returning to your normal activities. You can also ask a GP at your 6-week postnatal check.
Whether or not you can have someone with you during a c-section is generally determined by hospital policy. The vast majority of hospitals will allow you to have one person of your choice to attend the birth. This can be your partner, doula, mother, friend, etc.
Painful urination after a C-section
That has to do with the fact that C-sections almost always include having a catheter placed, which can cause soreness and pee pain for a day or two. If you spent time pushing before having your C-section, that can cause the same temporary symptoms too.
“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.”
What is the Golden Hour? After the birth of the baby, both vaginal and c-section birth, the Golden hour consists of uninterrupted and immediate skin to skin contact, limited interventions that are not necessary, if possible and desired having delayed cord clamping, and having the first feeding of baby completed.
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.
Activity. Getting up and walking around once you are home will help you heal faster and can help prevent blood clots. You should be able to do most of your regular activities in 4 to 8 weeks.
The doctor should let you hold them right after the C-section is finished. If you're planning to breastfeed, you may also be able to try feeding your baby. But not every new mom gets to hold their baby right after a C-section.
Laughing, Sneezing, and Coughing Can Hurt—A Lot
While it's rare for your stitches to come apart, it is important to give yourself literal, physical support after a C-section. The best thing you can do when you feel like laughing—or coughing or sneezing—is to put a pillow over your stitches and press it onto yourself.
The wound may feel sore for a week or two. The muscle surrounding the wound may also feel weak. A doctor may prescribe pain medication for the first 2 weeks. People should ask their doctor about the safety of nursing while taking pain medication.
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.
How long does a C-section surgery take? The typical C-section takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. After your provider delivers your baby, they'll stitch your uterus and close the incision in your abdomen. Different types of emergencies can arise during a delivery.
Sleepy baby
Babies born by caesarean section may be a little sleepy. They may need some extra encouragement to stay alert during the first few feeds. Skin-to-skin contact will encourage them to latch and feed more often.
Leaving the Mother's Arms Free: During a traditional C-section, your arms may be secured to the operating table. With a gentle C-section, your arms are free to move. Providing Contact with Your Baby: Your baby is placed on top of you after delivery to allow for skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding.