So, I know it’s a somewhat controversial topic because there are those who strongly advocate for vaginal birth, but let’s talk a bit about cesarean delivery. Cesarean delivery has been the most commonly used type for quite a few years now, sometimes out of necessity and other times for convenience. This type of delivery is somewhat debatable depending on when it’s applied, but let’s be honest, there are many situations in which it is more than valid. Some moms have one out of fear of pain, others because they could not deliver vaginally for some other reason, and know that the cesarean saves many lives in an emergency.
But the purpose of this article is not to stir controversy but to inform moms who are still a bit afraid or have never had a cesarean. My three children were all born via cesarean, the first by emergency due to fetal distress, the second because he was a very big baby and I had already had a prior cesarean, and the last because I wanted to have a tubal ligation.
All three times the procedure was the same, let me describe more or less: First, an IV is inserted, a gel catheter usually in the hand to make it easier for mom to move around after surgery. Through this, all fluids and medication are administered during the procedure. After the IV is placed, the anesthesia is given—and don’t be fooled by the pain, because pain really depends on who’s giving it and each patient’s pain tolerance. In my three births, the anesthesia felt different each time: the first I felt nothing, the second I felt a lot of pressure from the doctor’s hand, and the third was like getting a regular shot.
After the anesthesia, the delivery truly begins. The obstetrician starts to cut through the seven layers of our body and, upon reaching the uterus, very carefully and skillfully pulls the thin uterine tissue and makes a delicate incision to remove the baby. After the birth, the uterus is cleaned and all the residue from delivery is removed, and medication is given through the IV to make the uterus contract and expel whatever is left. This is the post-delivery bleeding. Suturing the seven layers takes about 30 minutes, more or less, depending on the experience of the doctor and assistant, sometimes less.
Of course, it’s an invasive procedure, a surgery like any other, but if the mom is healthy and has done all her prenatal care and tests, there’s no reason to be afraid because you don’t feel a thing! Technically it’s like this, but us moms see this moment as magical—there, a child is born and with them a mother. No matter how many children we have, each pregnancy and birth is unique!
Well, recovery was also different for all three surgeries I had. The first was smooth, the second I felt more discomfort, but the third was more complicated, but that’s because I had a tubal ligation and the doctor trimmed the extra skin—I’ll just say he took advantage of the anesthesia and reduced that pouch that bothered me so much. With the medication, it was a very easy recovery. All three times I took cephalexin (antibiotic) as a preventive, but that really depends on the doctor, and whether or not they see it as necessary. Usually, anti-inflammatories and post-op painkillers like Lisador are given, which do not interfere with breastfeeding.
Nowadays, mothers can and should have someone with them during delivery. Dads who are willing and have the stomach for it, haha, will never forget this unique and magical moment, and if the maternity ward refuses, know it’s the law ‘Federal Law No. 11,108’ make sure your rights are respected! Remember, regardless of the type of delivery you choose or the needs at the time, the most important thing is the well-being of mom and baby. As long as both are well, that’s what matters most.
Here is a step-by-step video, and if you’re afraid of blood or are easily shocked, I suggest you skip this one, okay?
Now, here’s the video of my daughter Melissa’s birth—it all went very smoothly.
See also: What is Recovery Like After a C-Section?
