What happens if I need a C-section?

As we continue to mark C-section awareness month we answer some of the common questions people have about the C-section experience when you have a Midwife.

How will I know if I need a C-section?

Midwives are experts in normal* pregnancy and birth, which means we’re also experts at identifying when a pregnancy or labour is NOT normal. If a C-section is the best and safest option for you, your Midwife will recommend one.

Who will do my C-section?

C-sections are surgery, so they are performed by physicians. What type of physician and how quickly you can access a c-section varies from community to community. At North York General Hospital we have excellent OBs who are in-house 24/7. You won’t have any delay in accessing the care you need because Midwives are fully integrated into Ontario’s healthcare system.

Do I have to leave Midwifery Care to have a C-section?

No! But you will be transferred temporarily into the care of the OB on call. Your Midwife will be by your side throughout the surgery and the first couple of hours after, so you may not even notice this transfer. You’ll stay in the hospital for about 2 days with nurses to look after you. We transfer your care back to us when you leave the hospital.

What about my baby?

Absolutely nothing changes with the baby’s care. Midwives are also experts in caring for healthy newborns. If your Midwife has concerns about your baby they will call in additional staff to help, including Respiratory Therapists or Paediatricians. If your baby becomes unwell at any point while in your care we will consult a Paediatrician.

So I’ll still have home visits?

Of course! Midwives prioritize caring for parents and babies together as a dyad and this is an even bigger priority when you’re recovering from surgery. If your recovery is slower or more complicated than we expect, your Midwife may even provide an additional home visit.

Do you still have more questions?

Ask your Midwife at your next visit, or leave us a comment below.

Don’t forget to check out this month’s Book Club read: My Caesarean - Twenty one mothers on the C-section experience and after.

*We realize that normal is a difficult word. What we mean is physiologic, meaning that things are happening in a way that large interventions are not needed. But in consideration for our many clients who do not speak or read English fluently, we have chosen to use the word normal here.