Giving Birth-how to prepare for a c-section

I really think each family should prepare for a possible cesarean section. I know not everyone will have one and I know that often times a C-section can be avoided.  But just hear me out!  I think asking a few questions and preparing for the possibility, which I believe can be done in a few minutes, can really benefit you in the long run.  We spend a lot of time as women in childbirth classes and talking to other women about birth, sometimes hours and hours and hours, but often times we don't learn about and discuss the possibility of a C-section.  Here are a few tips and ways I encourage couples to talk about a C-section before It's necessary!

• Ask yourself and your husband if you are afraid of a C-section.  If you are, why?  
• Know that there are times when a cesarean section is absolutely necessary.
• If you are having a home birth ask your midwife what her role would be if you  needed a C-section.  Would she come to the hospital with you?  Stay with you?  Provide some type of postpartum support?  Also ask her what the hospital's protocols are.  Can your husband stay in the OR with you?  Where does the baby go once she/he is born?  Can the baby stay on your chest the whole time?  If you are planning a hospital birth you probably wont be checking out the labor and delivery staff at the hospital or going to the hospital's childbirth classes so it's really important to get all of this information ahead of time from your midwife.
• If you are planning a hospital birth talk to your doctor about C-sections!  You can write down questions in between visits and bring them in.  
• If you have hired a doula she should be able to walk you through the whole process.  Who can come with you, where the baby goes afterward, and how dad can still be a big part of the birth.
• Ask your care provider, any of them, what the hospitals VBAC (vaginal birth after Cesarean) policy is, and what the home birth laws are.  In some states you cannot have a VBAC at home, some states you can.  There are also varying hospital policies and different doctors that will or will not deliver VBAC babies.

I really believe that asking just a few questions can save a woman a lot of fear of the unknown when it comes to C-sections.  Instead of assuming it isn't an option, if it does become necessary you will have some idea of what to expect and feel a lot more in control!

Lastly, please DO NOT watch C-sections on YouTube!!!!