Participation in birth during VBAC
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Participation in birth during VBAC
You and your birth partner can participate more fully in a vaginal birth than you can in a cesarean delivery.
During a cesarean delivery, the mother receives either a regional anesthetic or a general anesthetic and cannot fully participate in her baby's birth.
- Some mothers feel very strongly about being able to bond with the baby immediately after birth. Unless there is some complication, a mother can usually hold her baby within the first few minutes after a vaginal birth. After a cesarean, the mother's time with her baby may be briefly delayed as her surgery is completed. This delay can be extended if she remains in the recovery room for a time afterward.
- When a general anesthetic is used, usually during an emergency cesarean, the mother is unconscious through her baby's birth.
- If regional anesthetic is used during a cesarean, the mother remains awake but may not be as actively involved in the birth as during a natural birth or a birth without using medicines. If sedatives are given, she may be groggy, fall asleep, or not remember much about the birth.
Whether you plan a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) or a repeat cesarean delivery, discuss anesthesia options with your doctor before your delivery.
If you have a routine cesarean delivery, your birth partner can hold the baby while your medical needs are taken care of.
Credits
| Author | Kathe Gallagher, MSW |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Last Updated | April 20, 2007 |
| Last updated: | April 20, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW |
| Reviewed By: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
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