I know this is an old thread, but I finally have a spare 5 minutes to start going through the archives here, LOL! So, forgive me when I revive a few!
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Originally Posted by Tiffany
Please Note: This topic is NOT for debate over reasons for cesarean sections
When your client becomes high-risk or needs a scheduled c-section...
A few questions:
1. How does your support plan for her change?
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My support plan doesn't really change except I do try to give her extra information about the procedures she will be receiving/alternatives she can try before-hand if there is an opportunity to do so, maybe have a few extra prenatal meetings if there's time (mostly to talk about her high-risk situation or the c-section to come), and try to reassure her of the best possible outcomes.
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Originally Posted by Tiffany
2. How do you help your client (and her partner) prepare for a c-section?
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One of the best assets can be referring them to a support group, even before the c-section. This allows them to be prepared for what is coming, and to see first-hand the effects it will have on them all as a family unit. I give them information about taking active roles in their c-sections (should they want to), and help them befome familiar with the process they will be a part of. I always encourage them to ask if the father can scrub in first so that they can both go into the operating room together, and mama isn't left alone for something that can be quite scary.
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Originally Posted by Tiffany
3. Do you feel like your role has lessened if you know she is going to have a c-section and you can't be in the operating room?
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Something I always try to do is have her discuss whether I will be "allowed" in the operating room with her care provider during one of her prenatal meetings. I am sure to go to prenatal meetings with her beforehand, so that her care provider is familiar with me already. Once the topic has been put forth, I send the care provider a letter explaining that I am not there for anything else but to support the mama, and that I will stay out of the way and by the mamas head. I include information about how beneficial it is to have this kind of support.
If the care provider is adamant that only one person can accompany the mama in the operating room, I provide an alternative option: that once the baby is born that I am able to swap out with her partner, so that her partner can go with the baby and the mama isn't left alone during the recovery period.
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Originally Posted by Tiffany
4. What does your postpartum support plan look like for clients with c-sections?
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I do a lot more housework for her, make sure she doesn't lift anything heavier than the baby, and (if requested) I'll go with her to postpartum check-ups, pediatric appointments, and support group meetings. I try to make sure she gets a lot of rest, is eating healthy foods (I either bring or cook a meal while I am there, being sure to leave leftovers that can be reheated/eaten cold), and staying hydrated. Other than that, there isn't much change between caring for a c-section mama or a mama who delivered vaginally.
When your client becomes high-risk or needs a scheduled c-section...
