You will be given a pre op appointment in our Antenatal Clinic usually the day before your Caesarean Section Date. It is essential you attend for this appointment otherwise your Caesarean Section Date may be cancelled. A midwife will go through some checks with you to ensure you are prepared for your operation and have all the information your need to get ready for your surgery including the times of when to stop eating and drinking. You will normally have your blood taken at this appointment and be given some pre op medication to take prior to coming into hospital.
It is an opportunity for you to ask any questions about your planned caesarean section and ask about any birth preferences you have.
A week before....
Arrange childcare
You need to arrange childcare for any other children while you are in hospital. You stay in hospital for at least 1 night.
We do not provide childcare. Your children are welcome to visit you after you have had your baby on the Maternity Ward but the hospital is not a suitable environment for children for long periods of time.
You can have 1 birth partner with you in the operating theatre. Birth partners are not able to stay overnight in our post operative bay, so if you have to remain here for longer than the usual 6 hours your partner may be asked to go home. If you have been moved to a side room your partner will be able to stay overnight.
Prepare your skin
You need to stop shaving or waxing your pubic area or bikini line at least 1 week before your caesarean birth. This reduces the chance of infection.
On the day...
Wash your skin
Wash your pubic area (the area above your genitals and below your stomach) and bikini line (the skin around your genitals) with soap and water.
Do not use any lotions, creams or talcum powder on your skin.
Remove jewellery, makeup and false nails
Remove all jewellery and piercings. You can keep on your wedding ring, if you have one.
Do not wear any makeup and remove false nails.