C-Section (Cesarean section)

Do you worry about having a cesarean section surgery? I know I did. From the minute I found out that I was expecting my first child I worried about not being able to give birth naturally. Let me explain to you the good and bad that go with a having a c-section.

Believe it or not but about 1-in 4 births are by cesarean section. This rate continues to grow over the years. C-sections happen when the mother is unable to give birth naturally due to medical conditions or complications. Some women now a days are even electing to have a c-section done when there is no reason behind it. Below is a list of c-section rates per state. Check your State out and you might just be surprised.

STATE	PERCANTAGE	STATE	PERCENTAGE
Alabama	28.7	Missouri	25.7
Alaska	19.5	Montana	24.2
Arizona	21.3	Nebraska	30.9
Arkansas	29.1	Nevada	19.1
California	26.8	New Hampshire	27.1
Colorado	21.1	New Mexico	26.4
Connecticut	26.1	New York	23.1
Delaware	27.3	North Carolina	23.6
Florida	26.5	North Dakota	28.1
Georgia	28.5	Ohio	23.4
Hawaii	25.9	Oregon	24.8
Idaho	21.4	Pennsylvania	26.2
Illinois	19.7	Rhode Island	26.2
Indiana	23.9	South Carolina	24.8
Iowa	24.8	South Dakota	26.3
Kansas	24.8	Tennessee	27.5
Kentucky	28	Texas	27.9
Louisiana	30.4	Utah	19.1
Maine	25.7	Vermont	20.9
Maryland	27.5	Virginia	26.8
Massachusetts	28	Washington	24
Michigan	24.9	West Virginia	29.3
Minnesota	22.2	Wisconsin	20.6
Mississippi	31.1	Wyoming	21.1

Recovery from a c-section surgery is different from person to person, depending on your age, body type, and general health. But remember you just had major surgery and a new baby. You may be plagued with gas pains from being opened, incision pain is very common for the first few weeks or months, uterine contractions (your uterus will still need to work to get back to it's original shape). You may also be very tired from the pain medication, labor (if you had one), or just in general.

Your staples or stitches will usually be removed about 4-7 days postpartum. A lot of doctors are now using a surgical tape with dissolving stitches. But make sure you try and take it easy. Walking always speeds up the healing process so try to get up and move a little. The rule of thumb is to not lift anything heavier than your baby. When you get home, take the steps only once a day (if at all). Get as much help as you can with other children and food preparation. .

After six weeks most people say they are feeling pretty good, although still dealing with some pain and sleeplessness. After this period you can usually resume most activities (Some doctors will allow you to drive after about 2 weeks, others request that you wait the entire 6.). Make sure you consult with your doctor before returning to exercises.

Breastfeeding after a cesarean may take some more effort on your part, but do not hesitate to ask for help. Your hospital should have a lactation consultant on hand to help you get started. You want to start breastfeeding as soon as possible after delievery, for some this will be in the recovery room, for others you may have to pump for a sickly baby or to encourage your milk supply. There are different positions that will be helpful to you in breastfeeding after a cesarean, like the football hold, or any other position that keeps the baby off of your incision. A breastfeeding pillow is a great help as well. You can find these at most local baby stores.

As far as a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) Recent studies have shown that there was an over 80% success rate. Finding a care provider who is supportive and being educated are still the keys to preventing an unnecessary cesarean, even if it is a repeat cesarean.

One of the biggest fears of having a woman labor after having had a previous cesarean was the fear that her scar would tear. That is very unlikely, especially with the mid-line (bikini-cut) incisions that are the most popular today. Talk to your care provider about any fears you have and read books, talk to others who have experienced VBAC.

Form more information on c-sections

visit: C-section, history and process