C-Section - Implications mother & child

What does a caesarean section mean for mother and child?

There are many reasons for a caesarean: To wish to have one, fear of the mother, medical complications, illnesses of the mother, illnesses of the child. Sometimes it is wanted and sometimes it is completely unplanned. But what does such an operation mean for mother and child?

This list and collection of thoughts is not meant to be a judgement.
Every operation has its reasons and sometimes it is unavoidable. But sometimes it is good to know about different possible consequences, because an informed person can always handle situations better. - At least that is my personal opinion with which I go through life.

First, some thoughts about the child and what a c- section means for the child:

• There are bifido bacteria in the vaginal birth canal, which humans use for healthy bowel function. Depending on the child, a lack of the bacteria could lead to an excessive spread of pathogenic intestinal bacteria. It also increases the rate of allergic diseases and asthma. For this, Caesarean babies can be given Bigaia drops after birth. This gently regulates the intestinal flora.
• Caesarean babies may develop postural problems and be noticed for their increased restlessness and anxiety. A good paediatric osteopath or atlas therapy can help here. https://www.gravidamiga.com/en/blog/atlas-therapy/
• The respiratory organs and the intestinal tract are activated by the muscle contraction of the uterus. Not only the vaginal birth itself, but also contractions in the opening phase (secondary c-section) contribute to this. Thus the adjustment of the newborn can (not necessarily) be somewhat delayed during a caesarean section. Of course, it also takes place despite a caesarean section.
• As the baby moves through the pelvis, the twisting and pressure pushes amniotic fluid out of the lungs and activates metabolic processes. In a caesarean baby, the lungs are also fully functional, the doctors will just pay a little closer attention to the baby's breathing and oxygen saturation. It may be necessary to gently suction the baby after birth to clear the airways. This is done to avoid having to diagnose respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn. (The rate here is somewhat higher than with vaginal birth).

And what does this mode of birth mean for the mother:

• A c-section can (not must) be a drastic psychological and physical experience for the mother. An emergency caesarean section is often associated with a lot of anxiety, fear and insecurity. I can only encourage everyone to face their feelings after the birth and not to hide them. There are trained psychotherapists and postnatal trainers who can professionally process and discuss birth experiences. Take advantage of this opportunity. Often you feel inhibited, don't want to spend extra money and don't want to be pushed into a "psycho" corner. But even a conversation with a trained, independent person helps. It helps to reduce fears, to understand things and to re-experience situations that happened far too quickly. Only in this way can you say after 10 years: "Yes, my birth was not the way I wanted it to be at first, but it was all right. I think back on it positively. "From my own experience, I can only encourage you to do this. Talk about the caesarean section. Please don't be silent, don't be ashamed. https://www.gravidamiga.com/en/partners/
• The scar looks retracted and not very nice. You can't feel anything up to the navel. That's normal. Many people feel this way after a caesarean. Not everyone looks like a supermodel again after three weeks. Even after three operations, my belly is crooked and hangs a bit above the scar. And I stand by it. But what would have been great for me? A scar treatment with a trained physiotherapist and an acute taping offer after the healing phase. Ask your gynaecologist. You are also welcome to contact us.
• You don't feel well in your body, the ends of the scar (usually only one side, namely where the nodule of the fascia layer is) pull and tug. A little patience, because it definitely gets better and a good postpartum recovery course is the most important thing here. Get to know and feel your body again. This is an important contribution to a positive birth experience. Please look in our calendar for new dates.
• The uterus now has a scar. This needs to heal. It should take at least 1 year before the next pregnancy. A tip from me is to ask your gynaecologist about the thickness of the scar before you get pregnant. When you are not pregnant, you can easily see what the scar situation looks like. In most cases, another pregnancy and a new attempt at vaginal delivery is not a problem.
• The postpartum bleeding is often much shorter after a caesarean section. Sometimes it lasts only 2 weeks. This is due to the fact that during the operation a lot of material that would normally bleed off has already been suctioned out.

I hope these thoughts/information can give you some support and help make your birth a positive experience.

More theoretical information about what a caesarean sections is can be read here.

June 2021 - Gravidamiga - Dr. Christine Krämer
This blog post has been prepared with the greatest possible care and does not claim to be correct, complete or up-to-date.“ This is not a sponsored post and it does NOT substitute a visit to a doctor.

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