Sometimes, a Cesarean Section (C Section) will be the most effective way to transport a woman through labor and delivery. It is important to consult your doctor about whether this is a possibility for your specific delivery.

C Sections generally take 45 minutes to an hour. The procedure includes an incision to the abdominal wall, after the mother has been given anesthetics. Once the incision is made, the baby is pulled out through the abdomen. Once the baby is delivered, the afterbirth (placenta) is suctioned out, and the incision is sewn shut.

After monitoring, cleaning, and passing the baby to you, you will have the opportunity to bond with and breastfeed your newborn. Upon release from the hospital, you will be given thorough instruction on how to care for your body, and allow yourself to heal from the surgery.

For more information, read americanpregnancy.org’s page on the cesarean procedure.