Everything About C SectionsFear of childbirth is not a good indicator that you should have cesarean. Hollywood mom Britney Spears (who obviously didn't know everything about c sections) glamorized the procedure by choosing a c section because she "feared the pain of delivery". Not a good idea. There are more risks associated with cesareans than benefits. The bad news?Childbirth hurts. It will either hurt on the front end, with a vaginal delivery and relatively quick recovery; or it will hurt on the back end, with a relatively quick cesarean delivery, and a longer recovery. Either way, a mother will be sacrificing comfort at some point for the benefit of delivering her baby.How Long is the Surgery?The remainder of the surgery is spent on effectively cleaning up the wound and sewing the layers of tissue and skin back together. The good news?Millions of moms have done this before you. Most of those moms didn't even have the amazing medical advancements in pain management that we have today.There are all sorts of ways you can control pain during labor. You can choose the natural methods like breathing, massage, and concentration (which I've done). Or you can go straight for the drugs (which I've also done). During my second delivery, most of hard labor was spent comfortably playing cards with my husband, due to a successful epidural.
When is Having a C-Section a Good Idea?Knowing everything about c sections means you know when to have them:
Concerns for the Baby:
Concerns for the Mother:
The First 30 Minutes
The average cost of a cesarean section is almost $7,000 more than a vaginal delivery. Everything about c sections is expensive - from the pain medication to the longer stay. The average hospital stay for a c-section is 3-5 days, rather than the standard 2-3 days for vaginal. The first hour after your delivery may be frustrating because your access to your newborn will be somewhat limited. Be patient and dont get discouraged. There will be plenty of time for bonding after you're all sewn up. Finally, the prize for actually experiencing everything about c sections is lying in your arms, sleeping peacefully. Usually, the first feeding is done in the recovery room right after surgery. If you are breastfeeding, explore the tips included in this article for comfortable feeding positions. If you choose not to breastfeed, bottle feeding using those same holds will promote effective bonding. The most important part of this initial bonding time is eye contact and touch, and less about where the milk comings from.
What is a Cesarean Birth Doula?The word doula is Greek for "women's servant". A cesarean birth doula is a professional trained woman who whispers everything about c sections in your ear - while it's happening. She supplies emotional, physical, and educational support to you and your spouse. Best of all, she does it before, during, and after the delivery.
Antepartum Doulas
Birth DoulasBirth Doulas are there for the actual delivery and provide comfort, encouragement, and knowledge for every step of the birthing process.Both cesarean and vaginal delivery mothers find them helpful.
Postpartum DoulasPostpartum Doulas help during the first few weeks of motherhood. They provide breastfeeding support and will even help with cleaning, cooking, or babysitting while Mom grabs a nap.During the cesarean, a doula will concentrate on answering questions you may have and telling you what the doctor is or will be doing. (Nurses and doctors are sometimes concentrating too hard to offer this important communication). After the baby is born, your husband may be busy with the baby or (heaven forbid) have to follow her to Intensive Care. Having a doula there with you during the remaining 45 minutes of surgery can be immensely comforting in a time that would have been scary and stressful by yourself.
Can't Afford a Doula? Get a Good Babysitter
SitterCity is America's First and largest online babysitter network, SitterCity will provide you with all their references, any special skills (like CPR training) and all the other things you want to know, but may forget to ask. They also have a section for parents to share their experience and rate each babysitter. You are guaranteed to find a helpful (and safe) helper during this recovery time. ![]() Everything about c sections hints toward a long and painful recovery.
Unless you have one of the conditions listed above, it is strongly encouraged that you choose a vaginal delivery.
In the weeks following your baby's birth, your body will thank you for it!
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