Worry Free C-Section Tips 7-Part Mini Course

Welcome to Part 4 of the 7-Part Mini Course

I read about c-sections every day and listen to comments and posts made from women all over the world and one thing that I've noticed on a rather consistent basis is how women, and husbands too, don't realize or concern themselves with the fact that a c-section is major surgery!

Having a c-section exposes you to complications such as infection, punctures, bleeding, pain, headaches, there are even some uncommon things that I won't go into  :-\  but suffice it to say, there are enough dangers and complications that you should take surgery, of any kind, VERY seriously.

I'm not here to scare you because chances are, your doctor is very skilled at performing c-sections, but when it comes to your health and the health of your baby, I don't want you to take anything for granted. 

But I'd also like to say, if you are thinking of having a c-section to avoid the pain of childbirth or out of convenience, I urge you to think again.  C-section births raise the risk of placental complications in later pregnancies, there are risks to your baby and the above mentioned complications, just to name a few.

Having said all that, c-sections are often a very necessary surgery and if you need one, you want to get through it as safely and easily as possible.  

Here are a few tips:

Keep yourself as germ free as possible
Beginning three to five days before surgery, shower daily with 4% chlorhexidine soap. If your drug store doesn't stock it ask them to order it for you.  One of the easiest brands to find is Hibiclens. Afterwards, keep your hands clean, washing them after doing anything. Germs spread faster on your hands than from anywhere else.

Too Much Fussing
Sometimes it can feel like there are too many people doing things around you.  For example, someone is inserting an IV someone is asking for you to sign consent forms, someone may be taking your blood pressure, etc. Don't be afraid to ask them to do things one at time.  Don't let yourself become overwhelmed.

Drink Plenty of Water
Be sure to drink plenty of water a few days before your surgery! Anesthesia tends to dehydrate the body and you will recover quicker if you started out well hydrated. I know, it's not like you don't go potty enough as it is, but believe me it helps with hydration.

Stop Smoking
This might be tough for some of you, but it's really important because patients who smoke are three times as likely to develop a surgical site infection than nonsmokers. Smokers also have significantly slower recoveries and longer hospital stays. Women who quit for more than four weeks seem to have a decreased risk of complications and quitting for ten weeks or more have their risk reduced to almost the same as patients that have never smoked. 

Enjoy the Music!
Many surgery rooms will allow music to be played. Find out if your hospital can play music during your surgery. This can help you relax and concentrate on something less stressful.  

Get the Scoop on What's happening
Ask the doctor if he'll explain to you everything that is going to happen. If your doctor isn't receptive to doing that, use your anesthesiologist to keep you informed. They are usually more than happy to do so.

Keep Warm
It gets very cold in the delivery rooms. It keeps everyone awake I guess :-)  If you get cold, ask for a heated blanket. They often have them on hand but don't usually give you one unless you ask for it. 

Don't be afraid to be request what you want. 
For example, I remember reading about a woman who just wasn't satisfied with having her baby wrapped up and taken away after she was born . The woman wanted the baby to be put on her chest immediately after birth so she could hold her while she was being stitched up. 

The doctor was not comfortable with doing this, he said it was much too cold in the room.  The woman replied that her body was warm enough and putting the baby on her chest, skin to skin with a sheet over them would keep them both nice and warm. Surprisingly, the doctor agreed and met her wishes.

I appreciated the woman's insistence and I encourage you to step up the same way ...and there are plenty of opportunities to do so.

Use your anesthesiologist.
He or she is there not only to keep you out of pain, they are there to help comfort you as well. I remember that any time I felt something weird, needed something or had a question, I would just ask my anesthesiologist and she did her best to accommodate me. 

With Warmest Regards,

 Elizabeth