Although vaginal delivery is the most common in our country, cesarean delivery is often necessary and in some cases can save the life of mother and baby. In this article, we will provide you with detailed information about why a cesarean delivery is used, how to prepare for this procedure, what to expect during the procedure itself and during the recovery period, as well as tips for caring for the scar after the procedure itself. Learn everything you need to know about cesarean delivery and prepare for a safe and successful delivery.
Absolute indications for cesarean delivery
A cesarean delivery may be necessary for a variety of reasons. If during pregnancy it turns out that there is a danger to the health of the mother or the baby, the pregnancy is terminated by caesarean section. In such cases, childbirth is not delayed, because immediate intervention is necessary. Some of the absolute indications for cesarean delivery include premature detachment of the placenta, or positioning of the baby in the breech rather than the breech position.
Also, there are several other medical conditions that can be absolute indications for cesarean delivery, such as serious heart disease in the mother or uncontrolled blood pressure, irregularities on the cervix, high risk of transmitting infection to the newborn...
How to prepare?
In order to better prepare for cesarean delivery, you should carry out certain preparations a few weeks before the due date. It is necessary to perform pre-operative examinations, perform laboratory analyses, and it is also important to familiarize yourself with the caesarean section process and the procedures that will be applied. Pay attention to your diet, avoid alcohol and cigarettes, and follow your doctor's instructions.
In addition, the doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for the caesarean section procedure itself. This includes cleaning the skin on the stomach area, using antibacterial soap, shaving hair from the stomach and groin, and wearing sterile clothing. Also, it is necessary to follow the instructions about when you will stop eating and drinking before the surgery itself, in order to avoid possible complications.
Duration of childbirth
The duration of a caesarean section can vary depending on the reason why the delivery was performed this way. The average duration of the procedure itself is about 45 minutes, but in case of complications it can last even longer. After giving birth, the mother will be placed in the nursing unit for a period of several hours to several days. If the caesarean section is performed for medical reasons, more time is needed to ensure that the mother is in a stable state of health before returning home.
If the woman in labor had some health complications or an infection, the postoperative recovery may take longer and she will have to stay longer in the hospital to receive adequate care. After discharge, the mother is advised to rest and avoid strenuous activity while gradually returning to her daily life.
What does recovery look like?
After cesarean delivery, recovery is an important process that requires some attention and care. For the first few days after the procedure, doctors will provide assistance and medical care to prevent complications. Recovery after cesarean birth can take several weeks. In the first few days after the procedure, the woman will feel pain and discomfort in the wound area, and other symptoms, such as swelling and bruising, may occur. Doctors will prescribe adequate therapy to relieve pain and prevent infections.
It is important for a woman to follow all the doctor's recommendations regarding diet, physical activity and wound hygiene during recovery. Initially, the woman will be limited in her physical activities, in order to prevent stitches from breaking or complications from the wound. After a few days, the woman will be able to stand up and walk, but she will still have to avoid physical exertion and heavy lifting. If any complications occur, such as bleeding, infection or high temperature, it is necessary to contact the doctor immediately. Recovery after cesarean delivery can be longer and more complicated compared to natural vaginal delivery, but with adequate care and patience, the woman in labor will gradually return to her usual activities and life.
Scar and complications
A scar usually remains after the postpartum wound has healed. It is mainly located on the lower part of the abdomen, and can be smaller or larger depending on the length of the incision. Maintaining hygiene and proper care of this area can help prevent infections and reduce the visibility of the scar.
Although cesarean delivery is a relatively safe procedure, there are some complications that can occur after the procedure. The most common complications include infection, bleeding, problems with wound healing, pain and discomfort. It is important that a woman monitors her condition and regularly consults a doctor if she notices any symptoms that indicate complications.
What makes cesarean birth specific for a baby?
Babies born by caesarean section do not pass through the vaginal canal, and thus are deprived of beneficial bacteria that are essential for building the immune system. Therefore, their path to immunity may be different, but parents should definitely not worry about that. C-sections can alter birth plans, but years of research have helped experts understand the importance of the beneficial bacteria that babies miss out on when they're born by C-section.
Fortunately, parents have the ability to choose the most appropriate product for their newborn in collaboration with healthcare professionals to help their little ones build a strong immune system and lay the foundation for healthy development. It is an important process that all parents whose children were born by cesarean section should go through.
Nutrition of a baby who was born by caesarean section
The nutrition of the newborn is crucial for the proper development and strengthening of the immune system. Regardless of whether the baby was born naturally or by caesarean section, the mother has an important role in providing adequate nutrition that will support the healthy growth and development of the child. This is precisely why it is important for parents to be aware of the fact that even though cesarean delivery is a somewhat different process, there is still the possibility of feeding the child in a way that will provide him with all the necessary nutrients and protect him from infections.
After birth, the first food a newborn will consume is colostrum, which is also called "first milk". Colostrum is the liquid secreted by the breasts in the first few days after giving birth, and it is rich in nutrients that are crucial for strengthening the newborn's immune system. If breastfeeding is not possible for any reason, there are alternative feeding methods, such as infant formulas, which can also provide adequate nutrition and protection against infection.
It is now available on the market milk formula adapted for babies who were born by caesarean section. This formula is specially designed to meet all the nutritional needs of babies born by caesarean section, whose needs may differ from babies born naturally. Also, newborns born by caesarean section may be at higher risk of digestive and immune system problems, so it is important to ensure adequate nutrition.
It is important to emphasize that nutrition is only one of the factors that influence the strengthening of a newborn's immunity. In addition to adequate nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, vaccinations and hygiene are also key to maintaining a baby's health. Parents should consult a doctor about the best ways to take care of their newborn, and carefully monitor their health in the first weeks of life.
Bonding with baby after birth
If the caesarean section is performed under total anesthesia, skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby is postponed. This period of separation can be difficult for the mother as well as the baby. But give yourself time. There will be many times when you can strengthen the emotional bond, such as breastfeeding or formula feeding, bathing and putting your baby to sleep.
Cesarean section and breastfeeding
The hormones released during vaginal delivery prepare the mother and baby for breastfeeding in the best possible way. In the case of a caesarean section, possible separation from your little one or pain caused by the wound can make it difficult to start breastfeeding. If you are late in lactation or cannot breastfeed your child for some other reason, there are specific milk formulas with an additive bifidobacteria that can help your baby.
Now that you know that despite these specifics of caesarean section, you can quickly get back on track, start making appropriate preparations - make a reminder, get information or contact your doctor or midwife. This will make it easier for you to move through all the initial stages that you will successfully go through together with your baby.
We present to you - bifidobacteria
If you've been slowly preparing for childbirth by attending parenting school or constantly reading about it, we assume you've come across the term bifidobacteria. So let's find out more about it. It's good to know why bifidobacteria are so important for your newborn. They have a positive effect on the development of the immune system, prevent infections and produce important substances that affect further physiological processes. Before, during and after birth, bifidobacteria are among the first bacteria to form in the baby's intestines. Along with many other bacteria, they are part of the gut microbiota – also known as gut flora. This only applies to the natural colonization of bacteria in the intestines. Bifidobacteria are transmitted from mother to baby. Among other things, babies naturally ingest bifidobacteria through:
- birth canal during vaginal delivery
- breast milk when the baby is breastfed.
Breast milk not only contains many beneficial bacteria, but also contains special fibers that reach the large intestine undigested and feed those beneficial bacteria there so that they can reproduce. Bifidobacteria can also be picked up from other sources. Another way of transmission, if you bring your little one into the world by caesarean section or if breastfeeding is not possible for some reason, is through milk formulas that are rich in bifidobacteria.
How do bifidobacteria affect the development and health of the baby?
When a baby is born vaginally, its intestines are colonized by beneficial bacteria, such as bifidobacteria. As the baby passes through the birth canal, it comes into contact with a large number of these bacteria that immediately begin to colonize the newborn's intestines, providing a good foundation for its intestinal flora and immune system. If the baby is born by caesarean section, colonization with bacteria such as bifidobacteria occurs later, and the baby is more likely to pick up the bacteria from the mother's skin after skin-to-skin contact. Colonization of the baby's intestines with bifidobacteria can be supported by breastfeeding. If there is a reason why breastfeeding is not possible, scientists have developed a solution - milk formulas rich in these beneficial bifidobacteria.
A large part of the immune cells, about 70 to 80%, is located in the intestines. Since they are strongly influenced by the bacteria that settle there, bifidobacteria also make a significant contribution to the development and maturation of the baby's immune system. Now that you've learned more about the impact of bifidobacteria, you can further influence and support your little one's long-term health.
A healthy intestine with a balanced microbiota is important for all babies, regardless of the way they were born or fed, because it results in fewer infections, gastrointestinal problems such as digestive disorders, allergies, eczema. We believe that we have brought you closer to the important role of these beneficial bacteria. If you want to know more about bifidobacteria and their impact, you can always contact your practice nurse or pediatrician.
