Caesarean birth - no pain, no strain

Most elective Caesarean sections are performed a week before the mother’s EDD. (Estimated Date of Delivery.) This is because it is easier (and safer) to cut a non contracting muscle (the uterus) and do an operation when all the theatre staff are on site, prepared and alert, rather than in an emergency when staff may be scattered round the hospital, flustered and tired. Most hospitals ask the mother to come in the night before, and the operation is done next morning.

There are some disadvantages.

• The recovery period is longer than it is following a normal delivery, which means you stay in hospital for at least five days, rather than the usual two or three days after a vaginal birth.
• You are likely to find moving around uncomfortable. Getting in and out of bed will be tricky so you will be dependant on people passing your baby to you for feeding.
• Because you have a abdominal wound, it is sometimes more difficult to find a comfortable position for the first days of breastfeeding.
• When you go home, you will need to have someone around for a week or so as you’ll find standing for long periods difficult.
• If a you’ve had one caesarean section, then it’s likely that subsequent deliveries will also be by Caesarian.
• Because c-sections are surgery, they carry the risks of surgery.

• With elective Caesareans, you know when your baby will born and can make the necessary arrangements – and so can your husband.
• It may be the safest option in the case of breech presentation or if the baby's head is determined to be too big for the mother's pelvis.
• Emergency Caesareans may be necessary to preserve the health of the baby and/or the mother.