C-Section Care

At Adventist HealthCare, you’ll receive skilled, compassionate care before, during and after a Cesarean birth.

What’s a Cesarean Section?

A Cesarean section is also known as a C-section or Cesarean birth. It is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby.

Do I Need a C-Section?

Your care team may recommend you have a planned or scheduled C-section. Or your care team may determine you need a C-section during delivery if unexpected issues happen that may harm you or your baby.

What to Expect

Your C-section will take place in the Surgical Suites at the Birth Center. Before the procedure, your doctor and an anesthesiologist will answer your questions, listen to your concerns and explain what to expect.

Your Support Person

For your safety and privacy, one support person can go with you to the Surgical Suite. Other loved ones can stay in the waiting room and see you and your baby after your little one is born.

Before the C-Section

Your support person will put on a pair of scrubs. They will wait in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) until you are ready for surgery.

During the C-Section

Your support person will join you in the Surgical Suite, where they can sit on a stool near you. Taking photos or using a video camera isn’t allowed in the Surgical Suite.

Gentle C-Section

If your care team recommends a Cesarean birth, you may be able to have a gentle C-section, so that your experience in the operating room is more similar to a labor-and-delivery room birth. You’ll have the option of a clear drape (instead of the typical sold-colored drape) or a lower drape so you can see your baby being born.

When Your Baby is Born

If possible, you’ll have skin-to-skin contact with your baby right after birth. For your baby’s safety, your support person must stay seated while they hold your baby.

After the Procedure

Your care team will transfer you to the PACU to begin your recovery. Your baby will ride on the stretcher with you.

Benefit from our close attention while you get to know your newborn. Get support right away if you’re planning to breastfeed and feel able to do so. Your baby will also receive his or her first checkup and newborn assessment.