Desert Storks

I’m Having a Caesarean Birth!!

What is a caesarean?

Caesarean Birth is the surgical technique whereby the baby and placenta are delivered through an incision in the uterus. The operation may be performed electively before the onset of labour or as an emergency once labour has commenced.
Types of incisions

There are 2 types, named in relation to where the uterine incision is made:
The lower uterine incision – the transverse or bikini line incision (most common)
The upper uterine incision or classical incision – the vertical incision.
Anaesthetic

This may be a General Anaesthetic or an Epidural Spinal Block.
Each type has its advantages and disadvantages; your doctor will discuss the type of anaesthetic suited for you.

If having an elective caesarean when do I come to hospital?

Depending on what time your caesarean is booked for will depend what time you come to hospital, you may need to come in the night before if it is early in the morning.
Do I still come to the Maternity Ward?

Yes, your pre-op care will be attended to on the Maternity Ward.
Preparation for Caesarean Birth

Apart from the emotional and psychological preparation that accompanies any birth, there are some physical preparations that are required before any caesarean birth.

- Your doctor will discuss the operation with you and a consent form will need to be signed.

- You will need to fast (not eat or drink for 6 hours before the operation.

- You will need to have a shower before the operation, remember not to use any talc.

- All nail polish will need to be removed, fingers and toes.

- False teeth or mouth plates will need to be removed.

- All jewellery will need to be removed, if you can’t remove your rings they can be taped.

- The top of your pubic hair will need to be shaved; your midwife will do this before you go to theatre.

- An indwelling catheter will be inserted into your bladder to drain urine; your midwife will do this before you go to theatre.

- You will be given an antacid premedication to reduce your stomach acidity; any other medications will be prescribed by your doctor.

- You will be given a gown and cap to wear,

- You will be transported to theatre on a trolley, your midwife will accompany you, and if having an epidural anaesthetic your partner or support person will also accompany you.

- You will be able to hold your newborn in theatre and may be able to stay with you until you return to the maternity ward.

On your return to the postnatal ward

- Your midwife will be monitoring your vital signs, checking your suture line; you may have a suture or staples, and also checking your peri pad.

- You will have a dressing over your suture line, and may have a drain tube.

- You will have an intravenous infusion providing fluids; this will be removed once you are tolerating oral fluids.

- You will have an indwelling catheter into your bladder to drain away urine until you are able to go to the toilet, which is usually the next day.

- You will be given regular pain relief, let the midwife know if you have pain.

- You will be able to hold and feed your baby, the midwife will help you.
Wound Care:

- A dressing will cover your suture line and your midwife will inspect this regularly for any bleeding, ooze or redness.

- The dressing will be removed on day 1. Gently wash it in the shower each day and pat dry. Your suture will be cut and taped on day 3, and removed on day 5. If you have staples, alternate staples will be removed on day 4 and the remainder will be removed on day 5.

Blood Loss:

- Your vaginal blood loss is known as lochia, this should be like a period in the first couple of days and should lighten. If you have a heavy loss or pass a clot notify your midwife.
Care whilst in hospital.

To move:
- Bend your knees
- Place your hands on the bed at the level of your bottom.
- Push down through your hands and feed, lift your bottom and push yourself further up the bed.

To cough, laugh or sneeze:
- Bend your knees
- Support your wound with a pillow
- Take a deep breath and give a strong cough.

To stand:
- Put chin to chest then use legs and arms. This protects abdominal muscles.)
- Move to the edge of the bed
- Roll onto one side
- Push up on one elbow while sliding your legs over the edge of the bed
- Push with your hands into the sitting position. Take a few deep breaths and stand.

Pain relief:
- Pain relief will be offered to you as ordered by your doctor or ask your midwife.
- Pain relief is encouraged for you to mobilise as soon as possible.

Your Baby:

- You may return from theatre with your baby or your partner may bring him/her back to the ward.

- Your midwife will help you breastfeed, this can be done lying or sitting.

- Your midwife will help with attending baby cares such as nappies and soothing until you are able.

- The day after your caesarean you should be able to get out of bed and be shown a bathing demonstration.
Postnatal exercises:

- The physiotherapist will show you some exercises, which can be commenced whilst in hospital.
Having a Baby is an exciting time, recovering from a caesarean birth will take a little longer than recovering from a vaginal birth, remember to ask your midwife for pain relief and help with your baby and try to get some rest.

Enjoy your new baby!
Your Baby:

- You may return from theatre with your baby or your partner may bring him/her back to the ward.

- Your midwife will help you breastfeed, this can be done lying or sitting.

- Your midwife will help with attending baby cares such as nappies and soothing until you are able.

- The day after your caesarean you should be able to get out of bed and be shown a bathing demonstration.
Postnatal exercises:

- The physiotherapist will show you some exercises, which can be commenced whilst in hospital.
Having a Baby is an exciting time, recovering from a caesarean birth will take a little longer than recovering from a vaginal birth, remember to ask your midwife for pain relief and help with your baby and try to get some rest.

Enjoy your new baby!