We’ve described what to expect in the hospital after vaginal birth. But we know that babies get here in more than one way, and we want you to be able to write a good birth plan, no matter what. There are a few differences in what to expect after a cesarean birth (a c-section).
Immediately After a Cesarean (C-Section) Birth
You and your baby will of course be in the OR (operating room) after a cesarean. Because this birth is a surgery, a few things are done differently for everyone’s health and safety.
You can expect to see your baby very quickly after birth. While there is usually a curtain draped between your head and your abdomen where surgery is taking place, you can ask for a couple of things in your birth plan:
- You can request the curtain to be lowered so that you can see your baby’s birth
- Some hospitals have clear drapes, giving you a better view
Your baby’s umbilical cord
Because the umbilical cord is in the area where surgery is taking place, it is unlikely that your partner or other support person will be given the opportunity to cut the cord. You do have the option to talk to your doctor about delayed cord clamping, and if the surgery is not being done because there is concern about the baby’s well-being, it may still be an option.
Skin-to-skin time after a cesarean birth
Unfortunately, operating rooms tend to be pretty cold, and the surgical drapes meant that it is more difficult to place the baby on your belly or chest to rest and have direct skin to skin. You can expect a few things:
- The standard procedure is likely that your baby is swaddled in the operating room because of the temperature
- Your baby may be taken to the warmer. This is in the same room with you, but may mean that your infant is not within eyesight the entire time.
- We often recommend to doula clients that they have their partner take pictures of the baby during this time, or ask a nurse to do so if your prefer your partner stay by your side.
Ask your provider before birth is there support for you to hold your baby after birth. This would mean that you have your arms free during surgery, and there may be a nurse helping you to hold your child.
Your placenta will be delivered after your baby
After your baby is born, your OBGYN will also deliver your placenta. You still have the option to:
- See your placenta
- Request to take it home with you
Your OBGYN will close your incision
Likely while you are meeting your baby for the first time after birth, your OB is completing your surgery. They will stitch your uterus closed internally, and you will also have external stitches in your skin that will be visible to you.
If you plan to have more children and would like to have a vaginal birth, you can request your medical records to learn how the cesarean incision was closed.
Newborn procedures may happen in the OR after a c-section
It’s not unusual during a cesarean birth for all the immediate procedures for your baby to be done while your OBGYN is finishing your surgery. This often occurs in the operating room, and you and your baby stay in the same place if your baby is healthy. Your baby’s pediatric team will give them:
- The hepatitis B vaccine
- Vitamin K injection
- Erythromycin eye ointment
Have conversations with your provider ahead of time if you would like your baby not to receive any of these.
After a cesarean birth, you’ll go to one of three places:
- Some hospitals have a separate recovery room
- Other hospitals will take you straight to a postpartum room
- If your birth was not a planned cesarean, you may return to your labor and delivery room before going to postpartum
Wherever you are, this is the time that you can initiate skin to skin contact with your newborn. You might have their first latch, if you’re planning on breastfeeding. You’ll be given pain medication, that is safe for breastfeeding, and your nurse and doctor will monitor your vital signs, including your blood pressure, temperature, bleeding, and pain levels.
Expect to be encouraged to walk on that same day.
Check out this blog for more information about the next few days of cesarean recovery.
