Cesarean Section at CHRISTUS Health
When you choose CHRISTUS Health to deliver your baby, our team provides you with comprehensive maternity care for your entire Cesarean section journey, from your initial consultation to your complete recovery after surgery. Whether your procedure is planned or an emergency, you'll receive compassionate, personalized support to ensure the best possible delivery for you and your baby at our hospitals.
Delivering Your Baby by C-Section
A Cesarean section (C-section) is a procedure used to deliver your baby safely through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. If a vaginal delivery could put you or your baby at risk, your doctor may recommend this method. At CHRISTUS Health, you can trust that we perform every C-section with the highest level of care, giving your little one a safe and welcoming arrival.
C-Section Procedures, What to Expect
From the moment you arrive at the hospital, every step of the delivery of your baby is planned with precision and care:
- Pre-Procedure Consultation: Detailed discussions with the health care team to understand the process and address any concerns you may have.
- On the Day: Upon arrival, you will be prepared for surgery, with each step explained to ensure your comfort and understanding.
- During the Procedure: Performed in a sterile operating environment, the surgery typically lasts about an hour, with your support person welcome to be by your side.
- Post-Procedure Care: Postoperative care includes monitoring, pain management, and support with breastfeeding and bonding with your newborn.
Recovering From Cesarean Section
Recovering from a C-section involves physical and emotional healing. The team at CHRISTUS Health supports you through this process, offering guidance on care at home, pain management, and postpartum support services. They are here to ensure your recovery is smooth and comfortable, allowing you to focus on bonding with your baby.
Labor and Delivery Services
Your Questions Answered
Not every pregnancy will require a C-section, but certain situations may make it the safest option. These include:
- Fetal Distress: If the baby isn't getting enough oxygen or seems in trouble, a C-section may be done to make sure the baby is safely delivered.
- Breech Presentation: If the baby is positioned with their feet or buttocks first instead of head first, a C-section may be the safest way to deliver.
- Placenta Previa: A condition where the placenta is covering the cervix, blocking the birth canal.
- Failure to Progress: If labor stops or the cervix doesn’t open enough, a C-section may be needed.
- Multiple Pregnancies: In cases of twins or more, a C-section might be recommended, especially if the babies are not in the right position.
- Maternal Health Issues: Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or infections may make vaginal delivery too risky.
It can be both. A C-section can be either planned or an emergency. A planned C-section is scheduled before the baby is born, usually for medical reasons. An emergency C-section happens if there are problems during labor, like the baby being in distress or other issues with the birth.
Most C-sections are done with regional anesthesia, like an epidural or spinal block, which numbs the lower half of your body while you stay awake. In some emergencies, doctors might use general anesthesia, which makes you fully asleep.
A typical C-section takes about 30 to 60 minutes. The time can be different for each person, depending on the situation and how complicated the surgery is.
Yes, you can breastfeed after a C-section. CHRISTUS provides lactation support and will help you start breastfeeding as soon as you're able, and skin-to-skin contact is encouraged to help you bond with your baby.
Why Choose CHRISTUS Health for Your C-Section
You will be cared for by a team of highly skilled and compassionate medical professionals who understand the importance of your birthing experience. With state-of-the-art facilities and a patient-centered approach, CHRISTUS Health boasts high success rates in C-section deliveries, focusing on minimizing discomfort and facilitating a speedy recovery for you.