Cesarean Section

In non-emergencies, regional anesthesia is routinely utilized for Cesarean section because it is safer than general anesthesia and allows the mother to hold the baby in the delivery room. General anesthesia for Cesarean section - during which the mother is put completely to sleep - is occasionally necessary in emergency situations or if the other has had extensive back surgery.

Regional anesthesia for Cesarean section includes spinal or epidural techniques. Both forms allow the mother to be fully conscious while the lower half of her body is numb. Following birth, the mother and father may hold the baby to allow bonding. Morphine is routinely given via the epidural or spinal to provide long-lasting post-operative pain relief while not interfering with breast feeding or normal activity. A pediatrician from the hospital evaluates the baby following Cesarean section.

Saint Barnabas Medical Center is a teaching institution and anesthesia residents rotate on the Labor and Delivery floor. The anesthesia care team, consisting of the attending physician and resident anesthesiologist, is present to initiate and manage the different anesthetics administered for labor and delivery. The attending physician oversees and supervises all resident activities.