Gentle C-Section Specialists - Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, FL

If you learn during the course of your pregnancy that you will need a Cesarean 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 professionals 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:

Labor is not progressing
The doctor detects signs of fetal distress, as indicated by changes in the baby’s heart rate
Umbilical cord problems arise
The baby is too large to pass through the birth canal
The baby is in a position not appropriate for a vaginal delivery such as breech or transverse position
There are multiple babies
The placenta separates too early or blocks the vaginal canal
A woman has had more than one prior C-section
The uterus ruptures
The mother has a significant health condition that puts her at risk, such as severe blood pressure issues
The mother has an infection that could be passed to the baby during a vaginal delivery

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.

Pre-op Lab Appointments

If your surgery will be performed at HealthPark Medical Center, unless you prefer to go elsewhere, your pre-op lab appointment will automatically be scheduled at:

Lee Health Bass Rd Outpatient Center
1621 Bass Rd
Fort Myers, FL 33908

If your surgery will be performed at Cape Coral Hospital, then your pre-op labs will be performed on the day of surgery at the hospital, unless you are instructed otherwise.

This is true for gynecological surgeries and for C-sections.

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 professionals in Fort Myers or Cape Coral.