Father Bonding After Cesarean Birth

You can sit at the head of the table holding your wife's hand during the operation. At the moment of birth, you are able to look over the sterile drape and see baby being lifted up and out. After being surgically removed from the uterus, baby is taken immediately to a nearby infant warmer, suctioned, given oxygen (if necessary), and attended to until all systems are stable. At that time you can enjoy some family bonding time, which usually takes a little longer than with a vaginal birth. At that time you can enjoy some family bonding time. Then when the operation is complete and your wife is in the recovery room, go with your baby to the nursery and enjoy some father-bonding time. Hold your baby in the nursery. Connect verbally and physically. Even if your baby needs special care, you can still be close to baby's isolette. When the nursery staff gives you the green light, hold and talk to your baby. You'll find that your baby will respond to your voice because he's heard it all along in utero. I have noticed that hands-on fathers who take an active part in their baby's care immediately after birth find it easier to get attached to their babies later.