How to Prepare for a Cesarean Section
If you're scheduled for a cesarean section, you'll want to prepare ahead to make the day go smoothly.
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Instructions
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Take a special C-section prenatal class, if you're not too far along when you learn how you'll be giving birth.
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Expect a longer hospital stay (insurance usually covers four or five days). Have someone lined up to care for older children, pets and your house.
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Follow your doctor's advice about what to eat before surgery. Because of the anesthesia you will need, doctors generally recommend no food, water or even breath mints for 12 hours prior to surgery.
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Go out to a nice dinner the night before - you won't be eating solid food again for up to 48 hours.
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Take a long bath - it will be a while before you will have that luxury.
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Ask for a regional anesthesia, if you want to be awake for the arrival of your baby.
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Ask whether your partner can be with you in the operating room, if that makes you (and your partner) more comfortable.
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Ask to hold the baby right after delivery.
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Tell your doctor you want to breast-feed immediately, if you feel up to it.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask questions throughout the operation so that you can understand and be comfortable with each step of the procedure.
If you let labor progress a bit before the C-section, your baby will have the advantage of uterine contractions to stimulate breathing after birth.
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Comments
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I had a c section last year and am having another in 11 days time. Although I did not go through labour prior to my c section I found my recovery speedy and am by no means scared of going under the knife again. Because my pregnancies are so close it is safer for bubs and I to have a repeat c section and I feel the only thing that occasionally gets me down is never knowing what labour will feel like (although im told that may not be such a bad thing lol). I am just grateful that I have a beautiful healthy baby daughter and another on the way. Good luck everyone!
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This is like the worst Ehow I have ever read. All it did was state the obvious and make me super hungry thinking about the last meal I had and how glorious it was. 5 days is a little long to be staying in the hospital....
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wessonluv
Aug 06, 2010
with my first, i went a month overdue. finally deciding to induce me, they pumped me with pitocin which caused intense contractions and labor, no sleep for 36 hours. to no avail, not even one centimeter, finally they decided to give me a c section which i was scared stiff while they prepped me. i couldn't even turn my head to look at my husband. he came out 10 1/2 lbs, then with my second, i was afraid to go through that again, just deciding a week before i wanted my c section. went in, clean, rested, no problems. within 45 minutes i held my daughter. perfect. now pregnant with my 3rd, at 33 weeks, im ok with having another, i know i have more rest that way, which new moms dont realize how important that is until theyve had none and gone through it. sometimes i wonder what it would have been like to have at least one vaginal, but then i know i like my c sections. recovery is painful,... -
paulsbabygirl
Jun 21, 2010
I am 36 weeks and my baby is breech, they said i will have to have a c-section. I am very nervous but your tips have helped calm me a little. Thanks
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boozle
Nov 21, 2008
I had a c-section after a failed induction. It was the most positive experience I could have expected. I didnt have to undergo any pain, until after the op but that was well controlled with pain killers. My baby was given to me immediatly and we bonded well. I dont feel I recovered any diffeently than friends I know following natural delivery & my baby is a healthy 2 yr old. I think c-section has its place as long as you know the risks and benefits.
