Article Summary:
- There are many reasons why a mother may get a C-section, most are rooted in concern for the health of the mother and child.
- First time mothers and those who have never experienced surgery may be the most anxious about a C-section.
- Talk to your doctors to feel as prepared as possible before you head into your surgery. A partner or advocate (like a doula) can help relieve anxious feelings.
Why Some Mothers Need C-Sections
A caesarean section is a surgery to deliver the baby through an incision in the lower abdomen, rather than vaginally.1 In most cases, the mother is awake during the birth and can hold her baby shortly afterward.2 In some instances, healthcare providers may schedule a C-section ahead of time to address an issue:2,3
- You’re pregnant with multiples.
- You have an infection that may pass to the baby during a vaginal birth.
- The baby is breech (not in a head-down position).
- You have a physical issue—such as heart disease—that may worsen during the stress of giving birth and labour.
- The baby has an abnormality that makes labour unsafe.
Other times, a C-section may be unplanned and may occur due to problems that may occur during labour:2,3
- The baby’s heart rate becomes elevated, or the baby shows other signs of distress.
- An issue with the placenta or umbilical cord puts the baby at risk.
- Labour is slow or difficult.
- The mother’s cervix is not dilating.
Some mothers might choose to schedule what’s called an elective primary C-section,2 which is a C-section due to personal reasons:4
- Concerns that pain during labour won’t be controlled.
- Concerns about pelvic floor issues like incontinence.
- Wanting to control the baby’s due date.
- Wanting assurance that their own doctor will deliver the baby, rather than an on-call doctor.
Anxiety Before a C-Section
It’s normal to feel nervous before any medical procedure, and many mothers may feel anxious or nervous before a C-section, whether it’s planned or not. Preoperative anxiety before a cesarean delivery may be especially heightened in first-time mothers and those without prior surgical experience.5
Mentally Preparing for a C-Section
Talk to your doctors about your wishes and any concerns you may have about this surgery, whether it’s planned or not. Your obstetrician can answer any questions that may arise and can walk you through the procedure, step by step, to help allay your concerns. Find out if you’re allowed to have a partner or another person in the operating room with you; their presence during the surgery may help calm some of your anxiety, since you’ll have a person to support you and advocate for you if need be.6
Some mothers choose to work with a doula, a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Working with a doula is very much a personal decision, but they may offer additional emotional support that can help allay any fears you may have.
What to do the Night Before a C-Section
Before your surgery, you and your doctor should have a frank conversation about your concerns, any health problems you may have, and any medications that you’re currently taking.1 You may be directed to stop taking certain drugs as they may increase the risk of issues during the C-section. You and your doctor should also discuss your care plan – which lets your care team know about any healthcare wishes you may have for before and after the procedure.
Your admitting hospital, anesthesiologist, and obstetrician will have specific instructions for how to prepare for a C-section. You should follow their directions to the letter. While the specifics may vary from hospital to hospital, on the night before a C-section you should:1,8
- Take a bath or shower before you go to hospital. Be sure to clean your torso thoroughly.
- Don’t apply any lotion, deodorant, perfume, or nail polish prior to arrival at the hospital.
- Remove all jewelry and piercings.
- Follow the directions given to you about what you can eat or drink. Failure to do so can lead to complications during the surgery.
You’ll also need to collect your hospital bags and any paperwork required by your hospital. This may include:8
- Your health card, a photo identification card, and any private insurance cards you may have.
- Any paperwork from your obstetrician and copies of your heart test results.
- Medicines that you are currently taking, as previously discussed with your doctors.
It’s normal to be nervous about heading into surgery, but know that at the end of it, you’ll be holding your sweet new baby. The doctors and nurses are there to help you and want what’s best for you and your baby. They’ll answer any questions you may have and will do their best to help you feel calm and safe.
Learn about what to expect during C-section recovery and how to care for yourself during the fourth trimester. Whether you choose to breast feed, supplement with formula or formula-feeding, Enfamil A+ has a range of nutritionally complete formula options for newborns and infants that are enriched with DHA to promote growth and brain development. Find the Enfamil A+ product that works for you and your baby.
Prepare for baby by signing up for the My Family Beginnings program. Members receive free product samples, coupons and access to partner discounts.
References:
- https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ud1237
- https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthwise/caesarean-section-0
- https://www.pregnancyinfo.ca/birth/delivery/caesarean-section/
- https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abp8154&lang=en-ca
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9382617/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37227622/
- https://www.pregnancyinfo.ca/your-pregnancy/preparing-for-birth/doulas/
- https://www.hrh.ca/patient-education/005169_Instructions%20for%20C-section%20surgery.pdf
