The birth. The baby's head (if full term and in a head down position) is usually at a level lower than the incision, engaged in the woman's pelvis. If the baby is breech, often their bottom is engaged in the pelvis.
The surgeon will use either their hands or a set of small 'lift out'
forceps (forceps are not used on a baby's bottom if the baby is in a breech position, in this case the hands are used), to bring the baby's head (or bottom) up and out of the woman's pelvis and through the incision. This can require some pressure and movement from the surgeon, which the woman is often able to sense if awake. Sometimes the woman's operating bed is tilted in a slightly 'head down' position to facilitate the ability of the surgeon to lift the baby's head (or bottom) out of the woman's pelvis.
Image 9-07 shows the baby's head born during a Caesarean.
The surgeon, or their assistant, may suction any fluid from the baby's nose and mouth once the baby's head is born, especially if there is
meconium in the amniotic fluid, then the rest of the baby's body is pulled up and out of the uterus to be born.
Once the baby's entire body leaves the uterus, this is documented as the time of birth.
Image 9-08 shows the baby soon after being born by Caesarean. The screen has been lowered so the mother can see her baby.
The time period from the first incision to the birth of the baby is usually only about 5 minutes. If the baby is well at birth, the surgeon may lift the baby up over the cloth screen for you and your partner or support person to see. The umbilical cord is clamped and cut by the surgeon and then the baby is given to the 'scrubbed' midwife to take to a special resuscitation table with an overhead heater attached.
Image 9-06 shows the baby being held by scrubbed midwife holding the baby closer for the parents to see before being taken to the resuscitation table.