Even if your partner has chosen in advance to have a cesarean delivery she’ll still be anxious, because it’s quite a major operation. But if she has to have an emergency cesarean after labor has started, she may feel distressed, bewildered, and helpless. There’s much you can do to smooth the way for her. If she’s finding it difficult to talk to the doctors, make sure you find out exactly why they want her to have a cesarean. Although she has to give her permission for the operation, she may still not be quite clear afterward what the reasons were, so it’s important for you to help her understand them.
Cesarean under local anesthesia Unless your partner particularly wants a general anesthetic or the operation is too urgent, ask if it can be done under epidural anesthesia. This means you can share the experience and meet your new baby together. During the operation, you can sit by your partner’s head and reassure her that all is well. You don’t have to watch what’s going on; you’ll both be shielded by the surgical drapes. But if you find the operation distressing or you feel faint-and many people do, even nurses-leave the room quickly. Don’t hang on-the medical staff have enough to do without caring for you.
Cesarean under general anesthetic If the cesarean is being done under general anesthetic, your partner may not regain consciousness for an hour or more, and you’ll probably be given your baby to hold for much of this time. Do cherish this very special time with your baby: father-child bonding can often be at its best following a cesarean section birth, because the early time you have together is so precious.
SUDDEN BIRTH-THE FATHER’S ROLE
Occasionally labor comes on with such speed that a mother is overwhelmed by the desire to push before her partner can get professional help, let alone take her to the hospital! Although the second stage can take a couple of hours, it may not, and babies have been known to be born after a couple of pushes. If it looks as if this is about to happen, there’s no need to worry babies who come quickly are almost always strong and vigorous, and most emergency births are perfectly straightforward, with no complications.
What to do first Don’t leave your partner alone for more than a minute or two; she needs to know that you are right there. Help her get into a comfortable position, then call the doctor or midwife and explain the situation. If you can’t get hold of them, call the emergency services and ask for an ambulance to come as soon as possible. Wash your hands well and get a heap of clean towels ready. Fold one and put it to one side for the baby. If you’ve got time, find some old sheets or plastic sheeting to cover the floor and furniture.
During the birth Watch for the top of your baby’s head appearing at the vaginal opening. When you see it, ask your partner to stop pushing if she can and just pant. This will give her vagina a chance to stretch fully without tearing. Feel around your baby’s neck to check if the cord is looped around it. If it is, hook your finger under the cord and draw it over her head. Hold your baby firmly as she emerges-she’ll be slippery-and give her straight to her mother to hold. Wrap her immediately in the spare towel so she doesn’t get cold. Don’t touch the cord. If the placenta is delivered before medical help arrives, put it in a dish or plastic bowl so it can be checked by the midwife or doctor.
Related Website
http://www.pregnancy-calendars.org/
