by
Midwife Andrea Jordan
THEY SAID I NEEDED A
CAESAREANGOOD
THING I WAS PREPARED!
Caesarean births are now one of the most common surgeries in the world, with worldwide totals showing that we now perform approximately 18.5 million yearly (WHO 2010). Some mothers are choosing this method of delivery, even where there is no significant medical reason, but the majority of mothers do express a preference for a vaginal birth, no matter how foreboding this may sometimes seem. For some of those, as circumstances may have it, a caesarean section happens to be the safest option for birth, either before labour begins (elective Caesarean), or during the process (emergency Caesarean).
So how can you be best prepared for one of the most awesome, powerful and potentially scary things you’ll ever do, without looking back on the experience as one of trauma and despair?
Needless to say, it’s easier to be well prepared for your Caesarean birth if it’s a pre-planned procedure (elective), but there are also things you can do to ready yourself for an emergency C-section when your plans, expectations and desires are actually for a normal vaginal birth.
Here are just a few:
• Ask your care provider, midwife or Ob/Gyn about C-sections, what to expect, what would be the reasons for it, who will be involved, if your birth partner be present and any other questions you may have.
• Don’t be afraid to research it for yourself, no matter how much you may want to avoid having one; watch a video, speak to a mother or read up about how it was for them.
• Research the pain relief options available to you if a Caesarean section is needed. It is usually epidural, spinal block or general anaesthetic. The benefits of the former are that you will stay awake and be able to greet your little one at the moment of birth. These days, the latter is usually only done if baby needs to be born very quickly or mother has low blood platelet levels.
• Create birth preferences (or a birth plan) that includes stating clearly what you’d prefer if you needed to have a C-section. For example, if skin-to-skin contact, delayed cord clamping or breastfeeding very soon after birth is important to you – as long as it is possible, make sure this is discussed beforehand with your care provider.
• Prepare your partner for any possibility of a Caesarean birth by raising the topic and discussing what you know and any concerns they may have. Reassure them that their presence would still be vitally important in supporting you through the birth; for example, if it’s an emergency C-section, your partner can make sure that the reasons why this is necessary are very clear. If you are awake for the procedure, your partner can remain in theatre, sitting by your head and offering reassurance throughout, and of course once baby is born you can welcome your little one together and also both provide skin-to-skin contact.
• Ensure that you make any necessary dietary improvements during pregnancy, to give your system all the nutrients needed for recovery from the birth, no matter how baby comes, but especially if it’s via Caesarean. C-sections are major abdominal surgery, so taking in a nutrient-dense diet with additional prenatal supplements, and ensuring you have the help and support you need in the weeks after birth, are good preparations to put in place.
• Explore factors that might reduce the likelihood of having a Caesarean in the first place. These include: Receiving care from an Ob/Gyn who respects any wishes you have to keep birth as low-intervention as possible (if that is your preference), this helps reduce the likelihood of needing a C-section. Also, receiving one-to-one support from another woman during labour, e.g. the midwife, doula or supportive friend/relative has been shown to reduce chances of needing a C-section.
Waiting until you pass 41 weeks before inducing labour if your pregnancy has been uncomplicated; and considering methods like ‘External Cephalic Version (ECV)’ to turn your baby if it’s in a breech position.
• Preparation is usually the key to feeling positive and in control of any experience, and giving birth is no different. Play your part towards creating a great birth and you won’t regret it!
Andrea Bonita Jordan is a Registered (freelance) Midwife, Breastfeeding Specialist and co-founder of two charities: The Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Foundation (The BCNF Charity # 1169) and Better Birthing in Bim.
