You were just told your baby will be delivered by cesarean (c-section) and you are scared to death.  Don't be! I was pregnant with my first child and the doctor gave what I thought at the time was horrifying news.  The baby was breach and would not turn so the doctor said he would have to be delivered by cesarean.  Prior to the birth of my son, I had never had surgery performed or ever had to stay in the hospital.  Just the thought of giving birth scared me but now I was told I would have to have a c-section.  Find out what is involved with having a c-section birth.

An I.V. and a catheter will be inserted which both will remain in place after the surgery is done. When all of this is completed, they will wheel you down to the operating room where your baby will be delivered. During this time, your spouse is changing into his scrubs and preparing to be in the room with you. 

Sitting on the side of the table, an anaethesialogist will give you an epidural that numbs you preventing you from feeling anything during the procedure.  The anaethesialogist will stay by your side until your baby is delivered.  Once this is completed they will lay you down on the table, give you oxygen and prep you for the surgergy. 

A "blanket" wall will go up where you will not be able to see the surgery performed.  After the nurses are finished prepping you, the doctor will come in and perform the procedure.  Your spouse will also be allowed to come in during this time. 

The doctor will talk to you during the procedure explaining what is taking place.  He will let you know when he makes the first incision.  He will make a horizontal cut in the lower part of your abdomen and then will make another cut into your uterus.  You should not be able to feel this.  The only thing you may feel is tugging when they are pulling the baby out.  

Once the incision is done, they suction out some of the amniotic fluid and pull the baby out.  The doctor will anounce the birth of your baby and cut the umbilical cord.  Some doctors will hold the baby up so you can get a glimpse of them. 

The nurse will take the baby over to the incubator, check the baby over, clean him, wrap him up warm and bring him for you and your spouse to view. During this, the doctor will remove the placinta from your uterus, stitch the uterus and check for any abnormal bleeding.  The incision on your abdomen is usually closed with staples that is taken out before your departure from the hospital. 

After the birth of your baby, the baby is taken for further examination and you will be placed in a recovery room for a couple of hours or until the epidural has worn off. Then you will go to your own private room where you can enjoy your new bundle of joy. 

While recovering in bed, a pillow is given to place on your abdomen to help with the pain.  A nurse or your spouse will hand you the baby as you are unable to get out of bed hours after your surgery or possibly the next morning depending on when your baby was born. 

One of the hardest part of the c-section was the first time getting out of the bed after the surgery.  Once you are able to get up, it gets easier each time you do it. 

The cathater is taken out once the epidural has completely worn off and the I.V. is usually taken out the next day.

You will be required to stay in the hospital three to four days.

Once you see your new bundle of joy, you forget about the pain and know that it was well worth it!  

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