A woman who has just given birth clutches the baby to her chest. They are skin to skin under a white blanket with pink and blue accents. The woman and baby both have their eyes closed..

Gentle C-section

If you learn during the course of your pregnancy that you will need a Cesarian section, or C-section, you will be glad to know that it has become a more natural childbirth experience with an approach known as a gentle C-section. In a gentle C-section the mother can see the birth and hold her baby immediately afterwards. The obstetricians at Premier Women’s Care of Southwest Florida offer gentle C-sections so you can experience the joy of giving birth in much the same way as you would during a vaginal birth. To learn more about gentle C-sections, you can request a new patient appointment online, book online through the patient portal if you are already an established patient, or call to schedule a consultation with one of Premier Women’s Care of Southwest Florida’s women’s health-care providers in Fort Myers or Cape Coral.

When C-sections become necessary

A C-section, or a surgical delivery of the baby through the abdomen, is sometimes necessary when a health condition makes vaginal delivery risky or when a problem arises during labor. Your obstetrician will only perform a C-section when it is necessary to protect your health or that of your baby.

A C-section could be required when:

What constitutes a gentle C-section

The goal of a gentle C-section is to allow the mother to participate in the childbirth experience. This includes:

  • Using a Clear Drape: While draping is critical to maintaining a sterile field, it doesn’t have to block the mother’s view. By simply using a clear drape, the doctor allows you to see your baby being delivered.
  • Leaving the Mother’s Arms Free: During a traditional C-section, your arms may be secured to the operating table. With a gentle C-section, your arms are free to move.
  • Providing Contact with Your Baby: Your baby is placed on top of you after delivery to allow for skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding.

Vaginal delivery after C-section (VBAC)

Many women can have a vaginal delivery after a C-section, but it’s important for your obstetrician to evaluate your previous incision site and decide whether it’s safe to attempt a vaginal delivery. A weak incision site can rupture during a vaginal delivery.

Whether you know ahead of time that you’ll need a C-section or it’s a decision made during labor, you will enjoy a more natural experience with the doctors at Premier Women’s Care of Southwest Florida. To learn more about gentle C-sections, you can request a new patient appointment online. If you are already an established patient, you can book online through the patient portal. Or you can always call (239) 432-5858 to schedule a consultation with one of Premier Women’s Care of Southwest Florida’s women’s health-care providers in Fort Myers or Cape Coral. 

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