I'll be a scheduled c/s at 38 weeks due to previous uterine surgery. I noticed on Riverside's web site that it's "standard" for baby to be taken to the nursery 1 hour post delivery for monitoring for 2-4 hours. I really don't want the baby to leave us for a variety of reasons, including breastfeeding (obviously if the baby is having difficulties I understand the necessity of it). We're doing the maternity tour this coming Saturday so I'll be able to ask specific questions, but in the meantime I'm wondering if any of you have been able to refuse this and keep the baby with you?
Also, we toured St. Ann's today and were told that it's standard protocol for a c/s baby to go to the nursery for monitoring of temp and lungs when mom is taken to recovery after the surgical repair is done. I do understand that babies born via c/s vs. vaginal birth are more prone to "wet" lungs, but if baby has been fine during the 45-60min of surgical repair, I don't understand why a routine trip to the nursery is necessary. Has anyone been able to get around this and keep baby with you?
Thanks for your help!
L.
Make sure that you tell them that you are breastfeeding and they should let you have the baby with you in the recovery room so that you can nurse the baby for the first time.
Just be adamant about the fact that you are going to nurse the baby and that you do not want them to give your child a bottle.
enjoy your precious gift,
Mel
Hi, L.. You said you read this on their website? Honestly, taking the baby to the nursery after a section used to be standard protocol, but, I'm 99% certain that isn't the case at Riverside any longer. I worked for OhioHealth (owns Riverside, Dublin Methodist, Grant, Doctors, etc.) before having a section at Dublin Methodist last August, and their number ONE concern and goal is not to separate mommy and baby if not medically necessary. If you have a choice, I would definitely recommend Dublin Methodist for ANYONE. I had a c-section, and because she was doing very well, I was never separated from her for a minute! But, I really believe all OhioHealth hospitals have the same philosophy. For example, they give your baby his/her first bath in your room (instead of the nursery) so you don't have to be apart at all. In addition, you are together in the recovery room, where they start latching on and "kangaroo care" (skin-to-skin contact with your baby). Just to clear up any questions, I would definitely call Riverside's labor and delivery department and talk to the charge nurse to clarify any questions/concerns you may have. Also, something to keep in mind is that St. Ann's, to my knowledge, doesn't have a NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), whereas Riverside does. This is also something to consider, in my opinion. Good luck and congratulations in advance!!
I delivered at St. Ann's via scheduled c-section about a year and a half ago. My daughter stayed with us a little while after birth (can't remember how long as it all blurs together), but I do know that she came with us to the recovery room. They did take her for about an hour up to the nursery to monitor and run some tests, etc. But she was back with us within the hour and from that point on was able to stay with us.
Good luck!
I had a c-section at St. Ann's in June. I think they told me the same time frame, but she was back with me in less than 30 minutes. We had just enough time for the final discussion about her name. It seemed like a very short time. We were nursing pretty soon. Honestly, a little time isn't going to make much difference with that. It was a few hours before I nursed my first, who is 2 now, and she was a really great nurser. I know you are so eager to get the baby in your arms that any time apart seems like too long, but try not to worry too much. I loved my experience at St. Ann's, by the way. Really wonderful care!
Hi L.,
Congratulations on your soon to be baby! I hope all goes well with the delivery.
I had a c-section at Riverside (my baby was born with a heart defect and needed to be delivered early). They were wonderful before, during and after the surgery. I promise that you will not be separated from your little one for very long. And you will need that time to recover a bit from the surgery. I think the main reason they want to monitor the baby is this - during a vaginal deliver most of the fluid that is in the baby's lungs gets squeezed out, so they can get nice, full breaths when they are born. During a c-section obviously this does not happen. The do try and suction as much fluid out as they can, but most c-section babies tend to be a bit "juicer", so they are just playing it safe. Also, you will be surprised at how tired you are, and you will most likely feel like resting for a bit. Daddy should be able to stay with baby in the nursery while you rest. And baby will be resting too - it will be a big day for him/her too! : ) And just a side note about breastfeeding - milk takes just a bit longer to come in after a c-section! Work with the lactation consultant at the hospital if you have any questions.
Best of luck and congratulations!
One of the reasons why the baby needs to monitored after a c/s is b/c their fluids don't get pressed out of their lungs during birth as it happens during vaginal birth. So they usually want to monitor the breathing and ensure that all or most of the fluids are out of their lungs. Why don't you double-check w/your OB or if you have found a pediatrician for you baby already, check w/the pediatrician. They can explain it much better.
