We talked about skin-to-skin contact with the baby from the zero minute, that the dad or the companion can cut the umbilical cord, that mom can breastfeed in the same operating room and even help her baby to be born ... And many other innovations in the protocol of these interventions that humanize childbirth more and give prominence to women. That is the objective to be achieved, according to WHO recommendations.
To better understand this new project, called cesarean section, in which the Vall d'Hebron Hospital in Barcelona is an international pioneer, We talked to Dr. Elena Carreras, head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the center and promoter of this initiative.
Pioneer initiative
As Dr. Carreras explains, “the idea came at the request of the mothers, who They asked us to choose their birth and enjoy the birth of their children, even if it was in an operating room. ”
In the United States, for example, work is already being done on 'family caesarean sections' or 'humanized' that allow the presence of the father and offer a more personalized delivery, but it is the first time that all possibilities are developed together and a specific protocol is developed to facilitate that immediate contact between the parents and the baby. "Although it has only been running for two months, there is a previous work of about two years behind," he says.
"In fact," he adds. the term 'cesarean section' is a mother's merit. I asked him to name the caesarean section we had just done, because it was the first one. "
What is the cesarean section
It is a surgical intervention and therefore safety for the baby and the mother must prevail. Further, "Caesarean section should only be performed when strictly necessary, not by protocols. But from there they can afford licenses, ”explains the promoter of the idea.
- Being a surgery, the woman must wear electrodes. They are placed on the back, not on the chest.
- The heart rate monitor, also necessary, can be placed on the toe, rather than on the hand.
- The same goes for the pressure magnet, which is located on one leg and not on the arm.
The three-step key to supply medication by route if necessary is close to the drip, so as not to have to constantly manipulate the mother's hand when she has her child in her arms.
The curtain is removed and the mother can see how her son is born and even help take it out and pick it up.
It can be accompanied at all times and the father or who she wants can cut the umbilical cord when it stops beating.
- And throughout the birth, with the music and the light that the mother decides.
- From the medical point of view, the difference is that the obstetrician puts long gloves up to the armpits, of a larger size, above the normal ones to work with the parents. Once the family is happy with their newborn, the medical team runs the curtain, the extra gloves are removed and the surgical development continues.
All are benefits in humanized delivery
International studies show that humanized caesarean section It is no less safe: there is no more risk of bleeding, infections or other types of complications, and instead mothers feel much better cared for and enjoy their delivery.
According to Dr. Elena Carreras, taking care of the emotional aspect of caesarean section and favoring the bond has many advantages. The most immediate:
Facilitates breastfeeding. Traditionally in caesarean sections, milk takes longer to leave but when the baby is put to the breast from the zero minute, it is established as in a vaginal delivery.
Mom is happier and conveys that positive emotion to her son.
The head of Obstetrics of the Vall d'Hebron Hospital feels very satisfied with the reaction of the mothers in the two months that this project has been underway, but assures that she is not surprised “because we already expected it”.
What does stand out “is the great reception it has had among professionals. It requires more effort but the parents are so happy that they encourage the doctors and make them feel satisfied. It has been a long process, but it was worth it. ”
In Babies and More The closest thing to a vaginal birth: this way the baby's head appears in a 'natural caesarean section' (video), The experience of my birth: respected and humanized caesarean section of twins
