Being prepared for a C-section

[tuscany123]

When I had DD, (c-section), I was frightened by the fact that it seemed to take forever from the time they pulled her out of me to hearing her cry. I have since learned that C-section babies can have respitory problems due to the mucus in their lungs not being pushed out during a normal labor and delivery. Just recently, my friends daughter was born via c-section - and my friend told me the same thing, it seemed to take forever to hear her daughter cry, and later, in the hospital room, she turned blue and had to have assistance to pull more mucus from her lungs.

I realize my descriptions are very "lay-person", and I apologize. But DS is due 5/26, and I have to have another c-section. What can I do/read/ask Dr about to be better prepared this time? I am very worried about respitory problems, is there anything I should be asking for during delivery to better ensure my DS does not have problems?

Thanks in advance - Tuscany

[Wittyone]

Tuscany~
Allowing labor to begin spontaneously rather than scheduling a c/s may decrease your babe's risk for respiratory problems. By allowing the baby to initiate labor and determine his time of birth, you will know that he is fully mature and his lungs are ready to to born. Also, during labor your body will release stress hormones (catecholamines) that will serve to prepare the baby to breathe.

It may be very difficult to get a doc to agree to spontaneous labor - scheduling is so convenient! - but it's worth a shot. Remember, it's your birth and you really do get to call the shots

Finally, are you certain that you must have a repeat c/s? A VBAC would offer your best chance of decreasing lung problems related to a c/s However, I understand that this is not always an option.

[maxmama]

However, c/s after labor begins have higher infection rates.

Slow to cry isn't respiratory distress, and it happens in vaginal births too. Your second could be like my daughter, and cry as her head was delivered. Or s/he could be slow to transition and need some encouragement. It doesn't really matter in terms of outcomes. True RDS is a very different thing.