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Almost 30% of all births result in a c-section.
Most c-sections are planned due to medical conditions; some c-sections are even a choice women make in avoiding childbirth pain, however many occur in the wake of complications during labor, and these are the c-sections that catch moms off guard.
For a mom planning a vaginal birth it can be a mental shock to know that your birth expectations won't be met. Instead you'll be confronted with anesthesia, catheters, surgery, a longer hospital stay and a host of potential complications.
That's where planning becomes such an important component. Without it you are left with your doctor and hospital staff making decisions for you and that can leave you feeling out of control and emotionally compromised.
Whether you expect to have a c-section or not, planning is key.
Statistics show that women suffer a lesser degree of emotional stress and depression from having a c-section if they are prepared for the process, meaning they fully understand why their c-section is needed and take part in the decisions being made.
You may be thinking that it's easy to plan for something you expect to happen, but how do you plan for something you don't expect?
"Expect the unexpected", as they say and plan accordingly.
Planning for a surgical birth means understanding the risks, becoming familiar with the procedures, deciding on personal choices, familiarizing yourself with possible complications and being ready for how you will respond to them.
So how do you effectively prepare?
You've probably heard women say that they didn't feel their c-section was really necessary or that doctors are often too quick to perform c-sections due to convenience or avoidance of legal issues. This may or may not be true in many cases however, wouldn't you want to be sure that your c-section was the best choice for you?
The only way to effectively prepare is to understand why c-sections are performed and be aware of your options. You aren't going to be able to do this while flat on your back in labor. This is why keeping yourself informed, and having a plan for what may occur is so important. The last thing you want is your doctor or hospital staff making decisions for you. This is your body and your baby's birth; it should be as you would like it.
No matter how you expect the birth of your baby to go, take the time to go over possible complications, understand the choices and be ready emotionally and physically:
Here are a few of the items to think about when having a c-section. Give each of them some thought and work them into your birth plan:
Surgical Anesthesia
There are basically 3 types of anesthesia, spinal, epidural and General. Spinal and Epidural are regional anesthesia's which mean they numb a region of your body, in the case of a c-section the region is roughly from the waist down. Most c-sections use a spinal or epidural and you should have an idea for which one you would like.
The urinary catheter
You will be administered a catheter before surgery. Make sure it gets inserted after your anesthesia as inserting a catheter may 'smart' a bit.
Where does your baby go after the birth
Ask your doctor or the hospital about having your baby rest on your stomach after it's born. At this time the baby is often whisked away and never brought back until you are in recovery. Think about how you wish this to be and request it beforehand.
Discuss pain relief with your doctor
Being as pain free as possible is important to your recovery, it also helps get breastfeeding off to a good start. Your milk may be slow to come in so it's important to get the process going as soon as possible.
How do you envision your delivery to be?
Most hospitals will allow your partner with you in delivery but some hospitals will allow other family members as well. Check with your hospital and doctor to find out what their procedures are and plan according. Also don't forget to think about pictures and/or videos.
Your Recovery
Hospital recovery takes about 3-4 days. The first day or so you will be slow and tired, but stay focused on moving about as quickly as you can, and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
Keep in mind that your recovery at home may not be as easy as it was in the hospital. Make sure your home is set up for convenience before leaving for the hospital. Have childcare for older children taken care of, plan meals and household chores so that you are free to concentrate on other baby related things. Work in a modest exercise plan that keeps your energy up and get as much rest as possible while staying focused on yourself and your baby.
Elizabeth is the author and creator of the popular 'Worry-free-c-section'. Get your free c-section mini-course and learn how you can avoid unnecessary pain, enjoy a speedy c-section recovery, calm your anxiety and fears, and reduce the undesirable outcomes of having a cesarean section. http://www.worry-free-c-section.com
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