C-Sections With Diana Health: What You Need to Know

At Diana Health, we care about your labor and birthing experience. Whether you have a planned cesarean section or just want to know more about these procedures, keep reading to learn more. Regardless of the circumstances for having a cesarean section, your healthcare provider will review all of the necessary information with you prior to the procedure. If you have any questions along the way, please ask. We care about you and want you to feel as comfortable as possible. We are only a call away and will be there with you throughout your birthing process.

If your Diana Health Care Team gives you any instructions that vary from what is below, please follow those instructions or modifications, as they know your medical history and the specifics of your pregnancy, and are here to guide you. 

What is a Cesarean Section?

A cesarean section, also referred to as a C-section, is a way of giving birth where the baby comes through an incision in the mother’s abdomen rather than through the vagina. Your Diana Health obstetrician had four years of special training after medical school, to be able to routinely do cesarean sections, so rest assured, you are in good hands. 

Reasons For and Different Types of Cesarean Sections

Cesarean sections are done for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they are planned and scheduled prior to a mom going into labor, but sometimes they occur when a woman has had previous cesarean sections or there is a contraindication for a vaginal delivery (such as the placenta blocking the opening of the cervix). They may also be scheduled if a baby is breech (bottom down) at the time of labor.

Some C-sections are unplanned. Although the majority of pregnant patients deliver vaginally at Diana Health, there are times when a cesarean section is the best way to deliver a baby for the mom or the baby’s health. This may occur if the baby is not descending through the mom’s pelvis or if the baby showed signs of distress where delivery needed to happen more rapidly than possible through a vaginal delivery. Since there is always a possibility of an unplanned C-section, it is important for you to have a basic understanding of what a cesarean section is prior to labor. 

The typical incision for a cesarean section, in the majority of occasions is very low on a mom’s abdomen where it would typically be covered by a bikini swimsuit.

Prior to the Procedure

Prior to your procedure, you will talk with your Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) or doctor to ensure that you understand the procedure. They will also answer any of your questions and ask you to sign a consent form. 

If the surgery is planned, you will want to make note of who to call and where to go if you go into labor prior to the C-section.

During the Procedure

At Diana Health we aim to help you have the best birthing experience, regardless of whether you have a vaginal delivery or a cesarean. 

• Prior to the surgery, you will have numbing medicine in your back so that you don’t feel any pain. This may be done in the labor room or in the operating room. Rarely cesareans are done under general anesthesia.
• Usually, you can have one support person with you in the operating room. They will sit by you throughout the surgery. The anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will also sit by your head and ensure you are comfortable. 
• Bright lights in the operating room allow your doctor and surgical team to see well. Many silver instruments are also on tables to help with the surgery.
• You will lay on an operating room table and a catheter will be placed in your bladder. This is important to protect the bladder during the surgery.
• Your stomach will be wiped with a special cleanser to decrease the risk of any infection. 
• A drape will cover your chest and legs so that only your abdomen and upper pelvis are exposed during the surgery. 
• If you would like to see when your baby is delivered, the drape can be lowered. We can also use a clear drape that allows you to see your baby. 
• The doctor goes through several layers to reach the uterus (womb). Once an incision is made in the uterus, the baby’s head is lifted out of the incision and the rest of the baby’s body is quickly delivered.
• The umbilical cord is clamped and cut and the placenta is removed. 
• The baby is taken to a warmer or brought to be by you immediately.
• It takes time for your doctor to carefully sew up the various layers so the surgery will take some time to complete even after your baby is delivered. During this time you can talk to the others in the delivery room, enjoy time with your new baby, or close your eyes and relax. 

Recovery from a Cesarean Section

Although general information is below, there may be circumstances that necessitate a change from the suggestions below. Follow the instructions of your nurse and your doctor as they will better understand your individual needs. 

• The recovery from a cesarean section depends upon the type of cesarean section and whether or not you were in labor prior to the surgery. 
• After the anesthesia wears off, you will be given other medications for any discomfort.
• You will have a bandage on your lower abdomen where your skin was closed with special surgical staples or sutured closed. Leave this bandage on until you are told to remove it. 
• Your nurse will let you know when it’s alright to eat and drink after the surgery as well as when you can get up to use the restroom after the catheter is removed. 
• Your nurse will also help you to know when it’s okay to stand and start walking around. 
• Immediately after the cesarean section the top of your uterus will be at about the level of your belly button. Some cramping is normal as your uterus gets smaller and smaller over the next several weeks.
• Some vaginal bleeding is normal after delivery. If you start to have heavy bleeding or notice a foul smell, this is concerning, and you should inform us immediately. 
• Pelvic rest is needed for several weeks after delivery so that you can heal. This includes:
  • Nothing in the vagina including vaginal intercourse, vibrators, or tampons
  • No pools, hot tubs, or baths (showers are alright) 
• Your healthcare provider will let you know if there are any further restrictions. 
• If you have any problems after going home such as a temperature greater than 100.5, moderate to heavy bleeding, severe pain or other concerns, you should seek care and reach out immediately. 

At Diana Health we care about your entire pregnancy, labor, and birthing experience. 

Sometimes feelings of disappointment may occur with having a cesarean section. Please ask questions and talk to us. We can help explain the reasons why a cesarean section was recommended. We can even continue to discuss this at your postpartum follow-up visit if it is helpful. It is okay to feel disappointed if you wanted to have a vaginal delivery and instead had a cesarean. Even though you likely know that it was the best decision, it may be difficult if it’s not the type of delivery that you had hoped for. If you need additional support, our mental health therapists are available for you. 

If you decide that you want to focus on your overall health prior and/or after your recovery from your C-section, we have experts to guide you. Whether it’s healthier eating, moving more, handling life’s stress in a healthy way, sleeping more, or supporting your mental health. We also have a wellness coach on staff who is eager to support you if you want to embrace a healthier lifestyle as you move along your wellbeing journey. At Diana Health, we are here for you every step of the way. For additional questions, you can book a visit with us or call your local Diana Health practice.