Are you scheduled for a c-section birth and have no clue what to expect? These are must-know facts that will calm your nerves and ease your anxiety for the big day!
Welcoming a new baby is extremely exciting and if you're anything like me you're doing all of the research you possibly can to make sure you're very prepared. As a c-section mama myself I am giving you the need-to-know facts about c-section birth.
After learning about all of these c-section birth facts you are going to be a pro and extremely prepared.
This post is all about c-section birth and what every mama-to-be needs to know before the big day!
Must Know C-Section Birth Facts
1. Having a C-Section Birth is NOT the "easy way out."
Let's be clear: a cesarian birth, most commonly referred to as a c-section, is major surgery in which a baby (or babies) is delivered through the abdomen. I'll spare you the gory details, okay, no, I won't—the surgeon cuts through six separate layers of the abdominal wall and the uterus, removes the baby, and then closes the uterus with a double layer of stitching. Yikes!
Oh, and by the way, you can't really properly recover because you have a brand-new baby to take care of. Nothing easy about it!
Not to mention with a c-section birth there are increased risks such as blood clots, reaction to anesthesia and/or other medicines given, blood loss, infection, and injury to surrounding structures like the bowels and bladder.
Another common misconception is that women elect to have a c-section birth to...preserve their vagina? Spare themselves the pain of pushing? I don't know. Your guess is as good as mine.
While some women (very, very few) choose to have a c-section birth there are legitimate medical reasons that a c-section birth may be necessary. Each pregnancy and birth is unique, but some factors and complications may lead to a cesarian birth. These include:
- your labor doesn't progress
- you are carrying multiple babies
- your baby isn't in the head-down position (i.e. breech position)
- the umbilical cord is pinched
- you or your baby is in distress
- your baby has certain birth defects
- your baby is very large
Having any of these "risk factors" does not automatically mean you will have a c-section birth. Your midwife, doctor, and other health professionals will know what's best for you and your pregnancy.
2. You can request a "gentle" C-section birth.
A “gentle” c-section birth is when the hospital uses a clear drape to separate the surgical area so that the mother can see (in real time) the baby being born (i.e. being removed from the abdomen).
For my first c-section, I didn’t know this existed, let alone that I had the authority to request it. To be honest, I’m not sure my hospital even provided it as a service. For my second c-section, I knew a gentle c-section birth was possible but didn’t request it because I was so anxious and forgot to ask for it.
Regardless if you have a traditional c-section birth or a gentle one, immediately after the baby is removed the drape is lowered and you will see your baby. Alternatively, the doctor may hold up the baby for you to see your precious, new bundle of joy.
If the act of physically seeing the baby come out is important to you, this is definitely something to discuss with your medical team and include in your birth plan.
3. Your partner can still cut the umbilical cord (Kinda)!
You know in the movies when the baby comes out and the doctor hands the sharp, shiny scissors to the bewildered dad to cut the cord? Yeah, that doesn't happen during a c-section birth. The surgeon cuts the cord, severing it from the placenta. I know, right? It’s a major letdown.
But all is not lost! Your partner can still have his or her moment to shine. Although the surgeon does the initial cut, there is still enough cord left for your partner to proudly make his or her own cut. Be sure to have your camera ready!
4. You will retain fluid.
A c-section birth is a major surgery. I know, I know, I sound like a broken record, but it bears repeating because all of the things they usually do to prepare you for surgery: not eating or drinking for 12 hours prior, starting an intravenous (IV) line, and giving fluids… these are all things to expect, at least for a planned c-section birth.
The fluids you receive prior to surgery have to go somewhere. For me (and many others) the fluid collects in the lower extremities (i.e. your legs). It’s referred to as edema and it’s uncomfortable at best, and painful at worst.
How long does it last? It varies. With both of my c-section births, it took about ten days for my legs to return to their normal size.
What can you do to alleviate the swelling? The number one thing you can do is to sit with your feet and legs elevated. With a new baby that is next to impossible. What worked for me is drinking lots of fluid; it’s counterintuitive but the more you drink the more you flush your system out. Extra fluid also helps with pooping (more on that later!) so it’s a win-win.
Another thing that I swear by is compression socks. These socks are great because, unlike some compression socks that require you to measure your calf circumference, these go by shoe size. I highly recommend investing in a pair. Bonus: Once you're done with them, stash them with your travel stuff and wear them the next time you’re on a long flight!
5. Delivering via C-Section May Affect Your Milk Supply
I hesitate to share this because I am not a lactation expert. I repeat I am NOT a lactation expert but in my experience, having a c-section did affect my milk supply. While this may not be the case for all women, I wanted to share it because I was naive with my firstborn and didn’t even know this was a thing. Because my milk production was delayed my son did not receive enough milk and ended up being treated for dehydration. As a first-time mom, it was very traumatic. Thankfully he was fine but we ended up supplementing with formula to ensure he received enough milk.
{RELATED POST: Breastfeeding Failure: A Cautionary Tale}
6. You Will be Afraid To Poop
Most (if not all ) anesthetics will cause constipation. That, coupled with the abdominal tenderness, the thought of pushing or straining to poop is scary. This is very common and your medical team is there to help. Remember I mentioned drinking lots of fluid? Excess fluids will make your poops soft and fluffy and therefore easier to pass. In addition, over-the-counter stool softeners (such as Colace) are available. Natural remedies such as warm prune juice are helpful too!
I’m going to be honest, the first poop after your c-section feels like a victory!
7. Coughing and Sneezing Will Hurt Like a Mother
This one you might be thinking, why would I be coughing and sneezing? I'm not sick. Let me assure you, all those tiny movements we do without thinking, like clearing your throat or a random sneeze - you will notice. And riding in the car on the way home from the hospital? You will watch for every bump and brace yourself.
Hugging something to your abdomen or wearing a belly band helps. If you request, the hospital will provide a stomach binder (a belly band) to keep compression on the stomach and incision.
I personally didn’t like compression on my belly (I think it felt worse) but it may be because I used the generic binder the hospital provided. There are many postpartum belly bands available and many friends have sworn by this one.
AND FINALLY, A BONUS...
8. You Still Will Feel That You "Missed Out"
At the end of the day, you did it! Or are going to do it very soon!
You have a happy, healthy, sweet bundle of joy in your arms. Why should it matter whether the baby came through your vagina or through your abdomen? Spoiler alert: It doesn’t.
But still, there’s this sense, a small twinge of failure. The thought that maybe your body failed you. Or if you had just tried a little bit harder, the end result could have been different.
I’m here to tell you, there’s nothing more you could have done. Your beautiful baby will come into this world exactly as he or she is meant to and YOU. ARE. AMAZING.
You are ready. You are strong. You CAN do this.
Now, get out there mama, and get ready to love on that baby!
This post was all about c-section birth and what every mama-to-be needs to know before the big day!
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