Having your first baby is a feeling only a couple can experience, a feeling so beautiful that it cannot be put into words. There are a lot of anxieties and questions in the mind of the couple as well.
Giving birth to a child is not an easy task, and the masked doctors, strange surgical equipment and concern for your unborn can make even the calmest mothers be panic stricken. To add to this, a C-section can be a cause of worry for many couples. Proper planning and scheduling can go a long way in ensuring, the delivery goes as smooth as possible. While it is impossible to predict the correct scenario of the delivery, it is best to be prepared for all kinds of emergencies.
Both mother and father must jointly acknowledge this and make preparations accordingly. If you know what a C-section is all about, there is nothing to be scared of. Having knowledge of all the procedures that will happen just before, during and after the C-section will help reduce stress for both the parents during this time. Here are a few tips for the same:
Packing for mother’s stay at hospital
If a woman gives birth vaginally, she stays in the hospital for a day or two. However, those delivering their baby by a C-section have to stay longer. Ensure that you carry comfortable clothes for your stay, preferably uppers with zippers or buttons to make breastfeeding easy. Carry a few warm clothes like sweatshirts and also essentials like soap, toothbrush and toothpaste. Carry a few of your favorite items, your special fragrance as it may help in alleviating your mood if you feel tired or stressed.
Prior to surgery
Though standard protocol may vary a little, before a C-section the mother has to get several tests done, like test for gestational diabetes, urine and blood tests and so on. Your anesthesia will be discussed and you will not be allowed to eat anything 12 hours prior to cesarean.
Arrival
Upon checking into the hospital room, you will change into the hospital gown and your vital statistics will be checked. Thereafter, your pubic hair will be shaved off and IV will be started.
During the surgery
Your partner may or may not be allowed inside the operation theater. If he is by your side, he will have to wear hospital scrubs. Though video recording the entire event is not allowed, taking photographs might be permitted. After this, the anesthetic is administered and a catheter is inserted for draining off the urine during the surgery. Usually, a local anesthetic is used, so that the mother is awake during the operation, but does not feel anything. You can talk to your partner in private during this time. A curtain is used to separate your upper body and lower body.
Post-operation
After delivery, the mother can see her baby before the doctor takes it away for several tests. During this time, a supporting family member must stay with the mother as well as the new born. The rest of the surgical team completes the remaining procedure and secures the incision made.
Though you can plan for everything to go the right away, small hurdles may still crop up. Do not feel disheartened by small things, like not getting the room of your choice. Also, do not let postpartum depression affect you. Hormones affect woman’s mood considerably after the delivery, but you must understand that it is not wrong if you have given birth surgically rather than vaginally.