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Emergency C-section surgery can be traumatizing and often results in the baby needing extra care in the NICU

C-section incision scar

Also known as a spinal block, this is when an anesthetic drug is injected into the epidural space around the spinal cord to numb the pain of labor.

Troubles that can occur with the umbilical cord: Cord prolapse, wrapped around the babies neck or foot, crushed in the birth canal, too short, tied in knots etc.

A rash caused by an allergic reaction to the Betadine scrub used during surgical prep. Also used to prepare injection site for Epidural. Betadine scrub is the yellow disinfectant liquid that surgeons paint onto skin to prepare the area around an incision site. Also used to prepare injection site for Epidural.

the gradual process of the Cervix thinning and effacing to make the birth canal wide enough for the baby to be born.

"Failure to Progress" is one of the most common reasons for C-section. Stalled labor during either dilation or pushing stage, labor has “gone on too long”. Hospital protocol sometimes dictates that a woman can only labor for a certain number of hours before she needs a C-section even if the labor is progressing smoothly. These protocols and time pressures can cause a laboring woman to feel unsafe or uncomfortable which can slow or stall the progression of her labor.

A device worn by the woman either as a belt or as a probe place directly on the baby's head through the opening of the cervix that monitors the baby's heart rate constantly.

Emotional healing takes time and sometimes a ceremonial act or ritual process can help to bring closure. Something simple and ceremonial like planting a tree over the placenta or umbilical stub on the baby's first birthday can help to bring a feeling of peace with the emotional turbulence of a traumatic or unexpected c-section.

The liquid that fills the uterus before the baby is born and the waters "break"

Baby's who need extra care after birth spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Placenta Previa is where the placenta covers the mouth of the cervix

"Running out of time" is a common cause of C-section's. Hospital protocol sometimes dictates that a woman can only labor for a certain number of hours before she needs a C-section even if the labor is progressing smoothly. Hospital Protocol also creates a sterile, busy environment which can cause a laboring woman to feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Feeling afraid can slow or stall the progression of her labor. "Failure to Progress" is one of the most common causes of surgical intervention.

Vaginal Birth After Cesarian

Usually a C-section incision is a horizontal "bikini" cut but sometimes the incision may be Vertical on the inside and horizontal on the outside, or (more rarely these days) both cuts might be vertical.

A drug used to induce labor and begin contractions and dilation.

the adhesive bandages that hold C-section stitches in place during the first week of healing

A supportive person (usually a trained and certified woman) who helps the pregnant mother with physical and emotional support during labor and birth as well as acting as a representative to the hospital staff on behalf of the laboring woman to follow her birth plan and respect her wishes. A doula is not medically trained like a midwife. A Doula is a constant presence throughout labor, delivery and sometimes helping in the home after the birth as well.

when the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall before or during labor.

when the baby is presenting bottom first in the womb

Heart defects, Fluid in the Brain etc.

Trouble with the umbilical cord: Cord prolapse, wrapped around the babies neck or foot, crushed in the birth canal, too short, tied in knots etc.

Pre-eclampsia: a potentially dangerous pregnancy condition charicterized by high blood pressure, swelling of ankles, migraines, and protein in urine.

Multiple babies in the uterus

The process of artificially beginning labor either through drugs like Pitocin or manually opening the cervix using a special balloon.

A condition in pregnancy that can effect how large the baby grows.

When the tissue (frenulum) that connects a baby's tongue to the bottom of the mouth is too tight this is called a tongue tie. There can also be a "lip tie" between the inside of the upper lip and the gum. This condition is quite common and needs to be surgically remediated. Ties inhibit the full motion of the tongue and lips, complicating breastfeeding and making it difficult for the baby to form a good latch and get enough milk. Ties can also negatively effect a child's speech later in life.

Diastasis recti is the scientific term for the separation of the abdominal muscles which naturally occurs during pregnancy. Sometimes if the muscles are stressed too much (i.e. from sitting straight up instead of rolling to the side or being pregnant with twins) they may not close together again and the separation sometimes remains a problem after birth.