The following instructions apply to those people who are going to have a scheduled Cesarean section. These instructions are only general guidelines. They should not take the place of instructions and information you receive from your doctor about your specific procedure and health condition.

Before Arrival at the Family Birthing Center
If your surgery is arranged and scheduled through the Family Birthing Center at St. Cloud Hospital, a registered nurse will call you before your surgery to give you specific instructions and answer any questions you may have. If may be helpful to write down your questions and have them near the telephone in anticipation of this call.

If the nurse has been unable to reach you by 4:00 p.m. the day before your surgery, we encourage you to call the Family Birthing Center nurses’ station at 320-255-5745.

Please refer to the instructions below so you know what you are allowed to eat or drink in the hours before surgery. It is very important that these directions are followed. If you do not follow the instructions that apply to you, your surgery may be cancelled or delayed.

Before Surgery

• Sips of water are permitted up to 3 hours before arrival at the Family Birthing Center.
• No food is permitted after midnight the night before your surgery.
• Do not chew gum, suck on candy or smoke after midnight the night before your surgery.
• You may take all medications except:
  No diuretics or antihypertensives with diuretics
  No Norpace medications with diuretics
  No MAO inhibitors
  No oral diabetic medications (check with your doctor about insulin)
  No blood thinners
  No Vitamin E
  No garlic

Day of Surgery
Please arrive promptly at the time given to you by the nurse. You may use Entrance A, located off of 6th Avenue North at the intersection of 13th Street North, or Entrance E located near the entrance of the north parking lot, located off 6th Avenue North and 15th Street North.

An Admissions desk is available at both Entrance A and Entrance E. Please check in with Admissions. For admissions before 5:30 a.m., please use the Emergency Room entrance as hospital doors are locked until 5:30 a.m.

We suggest that you wear casual, comfortable clothing. Please do not bring any valuables or money with you. You may bring music CDs to help you relax.

Helpful Hints

• Notify your doctor if you have a cold, flu or high temperature during the days before surgery.
• Please arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you the night of your surgery to assist you with personal needs.
• You may take a shower or bath. Please do not shave or clip the suprapubic area.
• Remove all nail polish, jewelry, piercings and acrylic nails.
• If you wear glasses or contacts, bring a glasses case or contact supplies with you.
• Bring your insurance information.
• Remember to bring a camera with working batteries.
  

Arrival at the Family Birthing Center
Preparation for your surgery will begin as soon as you arrive. You’ll be escorted to a comfortable room, where you and your family will stay until you go to surgery.

You will be asked to change into a surgical gown, robe and slippers. Your comfort and dignity are of utmost importance to us and will be respected at all times. We will provide safe storage of your belongings while you are in surgery.

A nurse will assist in preparing you for surgery. An anesthesiologist also will visit you to discuss your anesthesia and answer any questions. When it is time for surgery, you will be escorted to the operating room. Your support person will be given scrubs to change into and will have a staff person with them during the surgery.

Additional family members will be escorted to a waiting area.

After Surgery
Following surgery, you will be taken to the Recovery Area where you will be closely monitored by nursing staff. Your baby and support person will be with you as well.

After your stay in the recovery room, we will move you to your postpartum room where you will stay until discharge. Your family may join you in your room.

For your protection, do not operate a motor vehicle or machinery, drink alcoholic beverages or take any medications not prescribed by your doctor for at least 24 hours following surgery.

Depending on the type of anesthesia you have, you may be advised not to sign any legal documents for up to 72 hours following your surgery.