How long after epideral (for c-section) can you hold baby?

Question

I had a c-section with my first daughter but I wanted to be put out competely so I have no idea how long it was before I actually got to hold her after she was born.

This C-section my doctor said he wants me to stay awake so apparently i'm going to get an epidural.

So since I'll be awake how long will it be before I get to hold my baby after the operation?

My mom said she had to lay flat for 12 hours before she could hold me but that was over 20 years ago.. I'm just curious. Any answers will help

Thanks!

Answer 1

It really depends on the hospital and their procedures. With my first two (both born by c-section) the babies were in the recovery room with me and I could hold them then. They were born at the same hospital. With my 3rd (born at a different hospital) I had to wait until they finished all their baby checks and bathed her. That took a few hours. She was also born by c-section. So I would say talk to your doctor and the hospital where you plan to deliver to see what their procedures are.

Your doctor can either give you an epidural which is like an IV in your back or a spinal which is a one shot deal. I have had both. The spinal was nice because you don't have to worry about laying on the IV and cutting off the epidural medicine. But it's really something to talk to your doctor about.

Also, they believe now that the sooner you are up and moving, the sooner you will recover. And they push to get you off the IV and onto normal food as that aids in recovery. All of my children were born at night and I was up the next morning in the shower. I went home 2 days after the surgery (really 1-1/2 as they were born in the evening and I went home around lunch).

Best of luck!

Answer 2

when i had my c section, the epidural only really lasted as long as the surgery, I started to get feeling back in my legs only a short time after the surgery was finished. I still had problems standing right after wards, because the the actual c section was very sore and tender, and it will be that way for about 2 weeks. but you will probably be able to hold your baby, laying in bed, not long after the c section is performed. I held mine right afterwards in the recovery room

Answer 3

You can hold the baby (with help, and assuming the hospital will let you) while they are stitching you up in the operating room. Obviously it won't be a normal cuddle hold, but the baby can be laid across your chest so you can wrap an arm around it (someone else has to keep their hands on the baby too since you won't have a good grip on it). And once you are moved to recovery, you can hold the baby immeadiately.

Answer 4

I had both of my children c-section the youngest is 9. The epidural basically numbs your body from the chest down so arm movement is pretty limited. If I remember correctly it was several hours before I was able to hold the baby.
I would discuss this with your doctor, if he can't answer your questions regarding the issue ask him if he can put you in touch with an anesthesiologist who might be able to answer your questions.

Answer 5

I held my little girl within 30 minutes. As soon as the Dr finished stitching me up and the nurse was done with the baby's check up. I even nursed in the operating room.

It wasn't until the next morning (c-section was 5pm) that I could physically pick her up. I could hold her before that, but someone had to hand her to me.

Answer 6

You can hold your child right away if you have A vaginal birth. It normally takes A little over an hour to a half an hour to hold your baby after A c-section. Hope this helps, God bless

Answer 7

I had 2 c sections with epidurals. They let me hold my babies as soon as they got me back into the recovery room a stabalized from the surgery. So as long as there are no issues with you or baby, you should be able to hold him/her within an hour or so.

Answer 8

when i had my c-section three and a half years ago. my surgery was not normal i had two procedures in one incision. i gave bith at 12:59pm i didnt hold him til like 8 that night but i was in surgery fo another 2 hours after he was born. i was put to sleep so the urologist could repair my bladder. i had a tear in it. talk to your doctor they can give you a better idea every case is different

Answer 9

I didn't have to lie flat-you don't need to do that anymore. You probably will have to wait until the baby has been checked out-they seem to do this more thoroughly these days with c-section babies. Then you need to wait until they bring you your baby. I want to say a few hours or so.

Answer 10

u have to wait like 24 hrs before u get to hold the baby unless something goes wrong