New: preparation meeting for expectant mothers scheduled to undergo Cesarean sections

Once every two weeks, a virtual meeting with a certified midwife will be held, during which the midwife will explain the process they are scheduled to undergo before, during and after the surgery. The special service is free of charge and is designed to benefit expectant mothers scheduled for C-sections at Hillel Yaffe. It is conducted virtually and lasts for about one hour only. The meeting is conducted with a certified midwife, and the expectant mothers will receive all the information they need before, during and after surgery.

Approximately 20% of all deliveries today are by Cesarean section - some are prescheduled, and some are emergency surgery. When the surgery is elective, for example, when the baby is breach or a repeat C-section, a date for the C-section is scheduled in advance, and on that day, she is supposed to come in to be admitted for the scheduled delivery.

A new mother with her baby after having a C-section at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center

Tanya Levy, Head Nurse of the Delivery Rooms at Hillel Yaffe, who came up with the idea, said, “Up until now, expectant mothers who were scheduled for C-sections would come in on the day of surgery, and most had no idea what to expect. We decided to hold virtual meetings for expectant mothers every two weeks, in order to guide them on where to go on the day of surgery, what tests they need to undergo, what options are available for C-sections (standard or gentle C-section), breastfeeding by choice even in the operating room, stay in the Obstetrics Department, the importance of breastfeeding and about the process of recovery following surgery. During the meeting, they can ask questions, consult and even voice their concerns and any issues in order to alleviate uncertainty so that they come for the surgery more prepared and relaxed.

Rowan Younes, a midwife and certified lactation specialist at Hillel Yaffe, added, “The meeting focuses on increasing awareness of the importance of breast milk for the newborn. Before surgery, the expectant mother may receive a colostrum kit - a special kit for extracting the initial breast milk, and then after surgery a nurse in the Neonatal Care Department can feed the newborn with this milk. Additionally, the expectant mother can choose to have a gentle C-section, which focuses on the family birth experience and simulates, to the extent possible, the environmental conditions of a regular childbirth. In this case, there is a clear curtain that allows the expectant mother and her companion to see what is happening. A gentle C-section enables the mother-newborn bond from the very first moment and through the end of surgery, with the newborn and companion remaining beside the mother, allowing the mother to have skin-to-skin contact with the baby and breastfeed immediately following surgery.”

Note that breastfeeding has clear advantages both for the mother and newborn. In addition to strengthening the initial bond between them, the baby receives the nutrition required, while having their emotional needs met, and being protected against viruses and diseases. For the mother, breastfeeding is available everywhere, helps reduce the risk of breast cancer, burn calories and contract the uterus.

For more information and to join the C-section preparation meeting, contact the Maternity Club at: [email protected]