As a 2 time c-section mama going into my 3rd c-section I wanted to do a round up of questions I am asking my OB this time around. A lot of these questions I didn’t even realize were options for me as a c-section mom. I wish I would have known these going into my second experience. I honestly am so excited going into my 3rd c-section knowing that I have way more options to customize my birth experience. Cherry pick what you like from this list and ask your OB if they are options for you. Every OB, hospital and birth are different and not everything is available to everyone due to a variety of reasons. I just recommend asking and knowing your options. Because if you don’t know your options, you don’t have any. And I truly believe so much birth trauma comes from things happening to mothers vs them taking an active roll in their birth, even when things stray from their birth plans.
I also did a podcast episode on these questions if you would rather listen!
When do you want me to bring in my birth plan? I think it is so important for you to bring in your birth plan before the big day so your OB can review and add your preferences to your chart vs you showing up the day of your planned c-section with your birth plan. Some things will be to be prepped, like making sure there are clear drapes for the surgery for example. You can also do a vibe check with your OB, if they don’t feel supportive of a birth plan in general or your preferences then I would take this as a red flag to start interviewing other providers. Remember they work for you, not the other way around.
Are videos allowed of the C-section? This is totally up to you, but I wanted to see baby being pulled out and I wanted it in video form too, because this is my babies ‘birth’ video. Its important to chat with your OB prior to being in the OR room because some providers do not allow recording and can take legal action if you record the surgery. Same for vaginal deliveries.
Can we delay cord clamping until the cord has stopped pulsing? Just ask to see what their protocol is. My ob said they usually wait 30-40 seconds due to the state of the rest of the surgery.
Is cord milking an option? If you can’t delay the cord clamping until the cord is done pulsing, ask if the cord milking is an option, where they literally push the blood from the umbilical cord into the baby by rubbing or milking the cord.
When do we plan C-section date- does it guarantee a that you do the surgery? This was super important to me that my ob was actually the one doing my c-section. If he had OOO dates, I would work my delivery date around that. Just because you have an OB, doesn’t mean they will necessarily be the one at your delivery.
Do you have the option of clear drapes or dropping the blue drape when baby is coming out? Again these are just more options for you. Ask in advanced for both or neither will be offered.
Opt for having or not having students in the room. If you aren’t comfortable with students in the room or doing any procedures, then make that known.
Opt for OB explaining the c-section as it happens if you want. Or minimize unnecessary conversations happening around you. I had my second c-section with an OB who explained step by step what he was doing as he was doing it, which was so great for me. I also, during this 2nd c-section had a room full of students and strange conversations happening around me before the surgery started. I had no clue I could voice my preference in having that not happen.
What protocols are used to minimize adhesions? Like intercede etc. Its in your best interset to ask what protocols are used to minimize scar tissue and adhesions because this has lasting impacts on your healing and function postpartum.
What do you usually use to close incision – Difference between staple, sutures, stitches and glue…If you have a preference, ask if it could be an option for you.
Can my hands be free during surgery? For both of my previous c-sections, I had both arms strapped down. I didn’t expect it the first time and it was really negatively impactful to my birth experience. Knowing what was coming the second time, made it easier to swallow but with my 3rd planned c-section, my OB is saying my arms can be free, which is so exciting for me.
I don’t want any medications that would prevent me from breastfeeding right away? If you want breastfeed right away, make it clear to your provider so you aren’t given anything that jeopardize that from happening. At least without your consent. It happened with my first emergency c-section and I was so devastated that I could nurse my baby when I got back to her.
Can we do skin to skin in OR? This is an option I didn’t know what possible!! I am so excited to finally be able to experience skin to skin during the golden hour. I never got it with my first two babies.
Can dad do skin to skin right away if i can’t? You can always opt for you spouse to do the skin to skin if for some reason you aren’t able to. This is what my husband did with our girls.
Is the pre-op room the same room we will be in our whole visit? I’ve always checked into the room that ends up being our postpartum room too, but I have been learning that its not always the case. So I asked and for this delivery, we will check into a small room before the surgery and then head to OR, then we will check into our postpartum room for the rest of our stay. I recommend asking the room situation just so you know 🙂
What is the difference between spinal, epidural and general anesthesia and which will I be receiving? For my first, I had an epidural and then my second I had a spinal block. I will be having another spinal block for this baby’s birth too.
Can I take Arnica pellets with my postpartum pain management plan? My OB said that was totally fine.
What Medications used prescribed post op – For my c-section my OB will be ibuprofen, colace, and Oxycodon
Ask your OB about placenta encapsulations if you are interested in that. Again this is something to ask prior to birth, so the team knows to save your placenta.
Things to consider about routine baby procedures
If you like your OB, ask if they have a recommendation for a pediatrician
Let your provider know which routine baby things you will be declining. You can decline, eye ointment, vitamin K, and all vaccines
Choose to wipe down baby or not. We choose to not bathe or wipe vernix off the baby
Opt/in out of bathing baby
Opt in/out of circumcising
I hope this was helpful to see different questions and options you have as a c-section mom. I encourage you to ask these questions, and then make your birth plan to give to your doctor for them to review prior to delivery and make notes in your birth chart.
If you are looking for pregnancy safe workouts and postpartum recovery plans for after your delivery, I highly encourage you to check out the free trial of my app! You can get coaching from me and all my workouts are under 30 minutes!
Love you guys! – Jesse