Content Map Terms

VBAC: Participation During Birth

Overview

You and your birth partner can take part more fully in a vaginal birth than you can in a caesarean delivery.

During a caesarean, the mother gets either a regional anesthetic or a general anesthetic. She can't fully take part in her baby's birth.

  • Some mothers feel very strongly about being able to bond with the baby right after birth. Unless there is some complication, a mother can usually hold her baby within the first few minutes after a vaginal birth. After a caesarean, the mother's time with her baby may be briefly delayed as her surgery is completed. This delay can be longer if she stays in the recovery room for a time after the birth.
  • When a general anesthetic is used, the mother is unconscious through her baby's birth. This most often happens during an emergency caesarean.
  • If regional anesthetic is used during a caesarean, the mother stays awake. But she may not be as actively involved in the birth as during a natural birth or a birth without using medicines. If she gets sedatives, she may be groggy. Or she may fall asleep or not remember much about the birth.

Whether you plan a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) or a repeat caesarean, discuss anesthesia options with your doctor before your delivery.

If you have a routine caesarean, your birth partner can hold the baby while your medical needs are taken care of.

Credits

Current as of: November 9, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Femi Olatunbosun MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology