So, you’re getting close to the magical moment of labour… congratulations!

As your baby is ready for arrival, your doctor may have to deliver him or her by Caesarean section – so chances are you will find yourself googling about it during the last few weeks of your pregnancy.

Our article “C-section Questions – All the things you didn’t know you needed to know” will help you with all the answers you might not find anywhere else!

WHAT IS A C-SECTION?

Also known a C-section, a Caesarean Section is a surgical procedure that might become necessary if the baby is large or descending breech; the cervix is not opening enough; or there are health complications with either the baby or mother.

According to NHS:

“Most caesareans are carried out under spinal or epidural anaesthetic.

This mean you’ll be awake, but the lower part of your body is numbed so you will not feel any pain.

During the procedure:

• A screen is placed across your body so you cannot see what’s being done – the doctors and nurses will let you know what’s happening
• A cut about 10 to 20cm long will usually be made across your lower tummy and womb so your baby can be delivered
• You may feel some tugging and pulling during the procedure
• You and your birth partner will be able to see and hold your baby as soon as they have been delivered if they’re well – a baby born by emergency caesarean because of foetal distress may be taken straight to a paediatrician for resuscitation”

C-SECTION QUESTIONS ANSWERED: THE FEAR

Having a C-section can be scary – whether it’s planned or an emergency, it’s still likely not what you envisaged when you first got pregnant.

It’s perfectly ok to be scared, and your health professional will be able to put you at ease and help dispel any fears.

If there’s time to plan the procedure, your midwife or doctor will make time to discuss the benefits and risks of a caesarean.

You can also talk to friends and family about any concerns, and there are numerous support groups on social media where you can talk to others who have been through it – or are going to go through it and understand what you are feeling.

THE GUILT

Some women feel like they are failing at the first hurdle and while it’s totally normal to feel this way, if you do feel like this, you MUST remember that you are not failing in any way at all!

Also… don’t forget you are NOT alone, around 1 in 4 pregnant women in the UK has a caesarean birth!

Since C-section is major abdominal surgery, it requires a greater recovery time than a vaginal labour, but BOTH are bringing your baby into the world, so neither is a better or worse way for you.

Both are whatever way is best and safest for both you and your baby at the time of their birth.

You may notice I refer to ‘vaginal birth’ as opposed to ‘natural birth’; this is because I strongly believe that opting for the safest delivery method IS the natural thing to do.

Nature has allowed us to evolve to have the skills and tools for medical intervention in labour, if it’s so required, making us very lucky to have the option.

THE INDIGESTION

As mentioned, a c-section is major abdominal surgery.

The incision will be made through layers of skin and muscle and the subsequent ‘rummaging around’ (which has been likened to a tugging and pulling feeling or the sensation of someone ‘washing up’ in your lower stomach. This can cause terrible indigestion/heartburn!

While this is something your healthcare provider might not warn you about… heads up! Try to have indigestion tablets and mints available to suck on following the op!

THE TIMING

C sections are relatively quick!

Generally, for a section your baby will be out of your womb, been checked over and handed to you, in less than 1 hour, often around 40 minutes!

It generally takes longer to stitch you back up than to get your baby out.

C-SECTION QUESTIONS ANSWERED: THE RESTRICTION

For some heading for a C section, the idea they won’t be able to move easily afterwards is a worry.

It takes a while for the epidural to wear off, so your lower body will still be numb for a good 4-5 hours afterwards and you won’t be able to get out of bed until it does.

To cater to this, you’ll be in a private hospital room, with your baby’s crib placed right next to you, for ease of picking them up – and encouraged to call for assistance should it be needed.

So, bonding with your baby and being able to feed and comfort them will still be perfectly possible for you.

C-SECTION QUESTIONS ANSWERED: GETTING UP

Once your epidural has worn off, you will be encouraged to get up and gently move around as soon as possible.

Although years ago, it was thought it was better to have strict bed rest for days afterwards, research in the last 15 years shows that it’s good to move and get up, if you don’t overdo it.

It helps promote healing and prevents blood clots.

 RECOVERY

Following a c-section, you can typically expect a stay of 2-4 days in hospital, depending on what support is in place at home for you and your new baby.

Once home, you should take things steady for at least 6 weeks – the good news is certain chores, like laundry and hoovering should be avoided – and who doesn’t love a good excuse to avoid housework?

You’ll be able to go for short, gentle walks with your baby and do light household duties.

You won’t be able to drive for 6 weeks, so a lot of people arrange home deliveries of groceries to get them through this period.

C-SECTION QUESTIONS ANSWERED: YOUR BODY IS AMAZING!

Making a baby.

Carrying it safely for 9 months.

The things you’ve given up or restricted during your pregnancy – all for the sake of this brand-new little person who you are soon to meet, and love beyond all comprehension.

However, they arrive in the world – you are amazing – never forget that!

Natalie Moss Photography – based in Woking – specialises in newborn, baby, and maternity photography for families in and around Surrey.

Want to know more about Newborn Photoshoots? Visit www.nataliemossphotography.co.uk/newbornphotography

And why not adding a specialist Maternity Session? Visit www.nataliemossphotography.co.uk/surrey-maternity-photographer

Well, you’re nearly there – 8 months of growing the new addition to your family and now you have your eye firmly on the prize.

It won’t be long till you’re cradling your little bundle of joy in your arms and trying to remember what sleep feels like.

There is so much advice out there on the important tasks you should be doing in those last few weeks of pregnancy.

You’ll find that much of it focuses on baby related ideas like:

• Buying those last-minute baby items: Nappies, wipes, creams, muslins…
• Finishing touches to the nursery: Putting the cot together, hanging curtains, making it all pretty…
• Preparing food: Batch cooking meals for the freezer, arranging online food deliveries – all to make things easier for when the baby arrives…
• Putting to bed any last-minute disagreements with your partner on baby names and refining your shortlist of names!

And ALL these things are perfectly reasonable items to feature on your “last month of pregnancy to-do list”.

HOWEVER!

How about last-minute things YOU should be doing before your lives get taken over (in the nicest possible way!) by the tiny, totally dependent, brand-new person you’ll soon be welcoming!

Very soon, it will be all about your baby (quite rightly so!) so take some time now to recharge those batteries and prepare yourself.

So, ready for an alternative to-do-list for mums going through the last month of pregnancy?

LAST MONTH OF PREGNANCY TO-DO #1: REST!

You’ve probably heard it a million times now and unless this is your first baby, you will understand how important it is to rest now, while you can!

Whilst you may get a super sleeper baby (unlikely!) chances are, for at least the next few months after they arrive, you’re going to be snatching a few hours of sleep here and there.

Bank some sleep time now!

#2 ENJOY A DATE NIGHT

Two plus one is three, Three is family… but three can also be a crowd in terms of date nights!

It might be months before you get the chance to have a night out, just the two of you. Trusted babysitters are hard to come by, plus you’ll be so enamoured by your little one (and knackered) that date nights could be off the menu for some time.

Book your favourite restaurant, go, and see a show, even pop away for a night.

Some ‘couple time’ before your family expands.

#3 BOOK A PAMPER TREATMENT

Haven’t seen your toes in a while? Have a pedicure!

Feeling sore and achy? A pregnancy massage is perfect.

Many masseuses are specially trained in maternity massages, and you’ll be left feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Feeling a bit less than your best?

Having your eyebrows done, a haircut, a mini facial – these things will help you feel a million dollars.

The pressure of getting everything ready for baby might be high in these last few weeks, but a little self-care can go a long way in making you feel less overwhelmed!

#4 WATCH A FILM OR BOX SET

That series you’ve been meaning to catch up on?

The one everyone is raving about?

Get it seen!

Grab yourself some snacks, put your feet up and indulge yourself in a TV binge.

And if you still don’t have a Netflix subscription this might be the best time to sign up!

LAST MONTH OF PREGNANCY TO-DO #5: READ THAT BOOK!

Is there a book you keep telling yourself you really must read?

Now is the time.

Or grab a stack of magazines and relax, catching up on the celebrity gossip, or latest interior trends.

#6 SEE YOUR FRIENDS

Of course, your friends will still be there when your baby arrives, but your little one will be the star of the show for the foreseeable future.

Have some mates’ dates where you can have ‘grown up’ talk before the cooing over the newest arrival begins.

#7 GO TO THE CINEMA

If you can handle sitting in one position for so long, a final cinema trip is essential – your next trip could be months or even years in the future – with a ‘U’ rating attached – lovely, 2 hours of Paw Patrol!

FINAL ADVICE: LAST MONTH OF PREGNANCY

Whatever you do, invest some of the time of these final weeks in YOURSELF, before the biggest adventure of your life begins!

And if you have not done that already… why not book a Newborn Session for your tiny one?

Natalie Moss Photography – based in Woking – specialises in newborn, baby, and maternity photography for families in and around Surrey.

Want to know more about Newborn Photoshoots? Visit www.nataliemossphotography.co.uk/newbornphotography

And why not add a specialist Maternity Session? Visit www.nataliemossphotography.co.uk/surrey-maternity-photographer

 Wrinkles, acne, redness, spots, dryness and fuzz are just some common newborn baby skin problems.

Just think, For 9 months, your baby has been surrounded by amniotic fluid in the womb, so the weeks after birth, their skin is adjusting, maturing and developing its own natural protective barrier against the outside world.

Don’t forget, unlike your skin, a newborn skin is 30% thinner, and prone to irritation.

When born, a baby is covered in Vernix, the white substance that covers a baby’s skin whilst in the womb  It’s a natural mosturiser that acts as a barrier and protects against infection in the first few days.

That’s why if your baby is overdue, they often have dry, cracked skin, because all the vernix has been absorbed before they were born.

So, what are the most common newborn baby skin problems?

Baby Acne

Also called Neonatal Acne, it is a common newborn baby skin problem and in the majority of cases clears up within the first few months.  Mum’s maternal hormones are still circulating in a newborn baby’s bloodstream, and a baby’s sluggish oil producing glands, mean that hair follicles become blocked, leading to a build up of the natural oils secreted in their skin.

Apart from giving it time, there is not much you can do to treat infant acne.  It is vital that you don’t squeeze, pick or scrub acne. Clean the area with water two times a day, and carefully pat the skin dry.

As a baby’s skin is delicate, it is advisable to avoid using soap or lotions to the affected areas.

Milia

Nearly half of all newborn babies have milia. They usually disappear within the first few weeks, so nothing to worry about.  They are tiny, slightly raised white or yellowish spots, that normally appear across the nose, cheeks, chest, forehead or around the eyes. Each spot is usually about one or two millimeters in size.

Milia are blocked pores, thought to occur because your baby’s sweat glands haven’t yet fully developed.

As they leave no scarring and disappear on their own, please do not touch them.  It is best to just wash the area with water two times a day, and carefully pat the skin dry, and wait for them to clear on their own.

Dry, Flaky & Peeling Skin

In the first few days of a baby’s life, the top layer of their skin sheds.

Once the protective vernix layer (white substance covering them when born) has gone, this is when the peeling really starts.

It can be alarming for new parents to see the flaky, scaly skin coming away, but its very normal and doesn’t require any special treatment.

Some tips to help with peeling and flaky skins are

1. Leave the vernix on- try and leave on for a little while too keep the skin moist, as the vernix acts as a mosturiser.
2. Postpone your baby’s first bath.  At least until the umbilical cord has fallen off – give sponge baths in the meantime.
3. Reduce the amount of baths – this will help with dryness. Its been suggested, three baths a week is sufficient and for not too long
4. Avoid harsh soaps and bubble bath.  Plain water is perfect.  If you feel the need to use soap, always make sure its suitable for newborn babies
5. Dry the skin carefully.  Pat gently.
6. Apply a suitable moisturiser cream all over your baby’s body as often as needed to prevent dry

What are the best products to use on a newborn babies skin to help combat these common newborn baby skin problems?

As mentioned, often simple water is the best! However, if you want to consider a mosturiser to help aid drying skin, here is a great article on the best skincare products available for newborn babies.

It’s important to stress that all these 3 newborn baby skin conditions should clear on their own.  However, if you have any concerns or worries, please do check with your GP or midwife.

Hi, I’m Natalie, a photographer based in Pyrford, Woking Surrey.  My passion and speciality is newborn, baby and maternity photography.

Want to know more about my newborn sessions – head over to www.nataliemossphotography.co.uk

Let me capture your story!