Having a Cesarean Section

When you schedule your Cesarean Section at Rush-Copley, our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible. Here is what you can expect before, during and after your surgery.

Once Your Cesarean Section is Scheduled

A Family Birth Center nurse will contact you before the scheduled time for your Cesarean Section. At this time the nurse will:

Review your health history.
Provide pre-operative instructions.
Answer any questions you may have.
Inform you of what time you should arrive at the hospital on the day of your Cesarean Section.

Pregnancy

Insurance and Pre-certification

Verification of your insurance coverage and/or pre-authorization for hospital services from your insurance company is usually necessary. Your
physician’s office will take the necessary steps to obtain this certification. Financial counselors are available at 630-978-4990 to assist you.

Registration

Registering early speeds the registration process and may be done by phone or online. Call 630-978-6290 or pre-register online. On the
day of surgery, your registration will be completed upon admission.

The Day Before Your Cesarean Section

The nurse may give you specific instructions to follow before your Cesarean Section. As a rule:

Drink extra fluids, but avoid alcohol.
DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight. Depending on the time of your Cesarean Section, your doctor may allow you to drink a small amount of clear liquids 8 hours before your surgery. Clear liquids include water, black coffee or tea, clear juice or broth.

The Day of Your Cesarean Section

On the day of your surgery, be sure to follow the instructions the nurse gave you. You should also:

Refrain from smoking.
Bring a case for your eyeglasses or contacts.
Leave your jewelry and valuables at home, including body piercings.
Bring needed items for discharge including a “going home” outfit for baby and yourself, an infant car seat and baby blankets.
Arrive at the scheduled time. Enter the hospital through the main entrance.
Upon admission, you will be escorted to your room and complete necessary paperwork.
Your support person may accompany you in the Operating Room for your Cesarean Section. The nurse will provide your support person with the appropriate attire.

Anesthesia

An anesthesia representative will meet with you in your room before your surgery. If your physician recommends it, or if you have questions ahead of time, you may wish to contact one of our anesthesiologists or arrange an appointment by calling 630-978-4888 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

After Your Cesarean Section

After the birth of your baby, a nurse will accompany your baby and your support person to the recovery room. After your Cesarean Section
is completed, you will return to your room for recovery where you will be reunited with your baby and your support person.

Visitors

We encourage your family to be involved in this very special time in your life, but request up to four visitors at a time. Visitors are welcome between 9 a.m and 9 p.m. Your primary support person is welcome 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We also recommend limiting visitation during Quiet Time in the Family Birth Center which is from 1 to 3 p.m.

Visitors should be in good health and free of contagious disease when visiting you and your newborn. Healthy siblings are welcome to visit their new brother or sister, in the company of an adult who is not the patient. Visitation is available for other children 12 years and older. Children under the age of 12 must be a sibling and provide a completed health screening form. This form will be available in the department for completion.