First Cesarean Section at Health Center

Sarah, a mother pregnant with her second child received her prenatal care at St. Francis Health Center. At her 4th prenatal visit, Dr. Patrick discussed with her the preferred mode for giving birth to her second child.  Sarah had delivered her first baby by cesarean section due to failure of her cervix to dilate. She wanted to deliver her second baby vaginally.

Sarah received counseling about the different indications for cesarean section. Doctor Patrick suggested that she be given a trial of labor and to be operated on only in the event that her labor did not progress well.

One evening, Sarah checked into the health center complaining of labor pains. The doctor recommended that she remain at the health center since her labor had started. She stayed overnight but by day-break her contractions had reduced but was advised to stay at the center and drink warm sugary tea.

By 7pm, despite her contractions having increased during the course of the day, her cervical dilation rate remained very slow.  At 8pm the health team with Sarah’s agreement decided to deliver the baby by cesarean section.

The staff prepared the operating theater and the team was very enthusiastic to participate in the first caesarian section at St. Francis Health Center. At 8.30pm, Sarah received spinal anesthesia and at 8.55pm delivered a healthy baby boy 6.6.lbs (3.0kg) by C/Section.

Postoperatively Sarah recovered very well as did her baby who began breastfeeding within 1 hour after birth. Sarah was discharged in good health smiling with her beautiful baby boy.

We are grateful to the ChangeALife USA team for the support especially by the Health Advisory team who mobilized funds and GlobeMed students who assisted in procurement of theatre equipment to mention but a few. During the next month and a half, six more infants were delivered by C/Section.  The ability to perform C/Sections is an signifcant step in St. Francis Health Center tp become a center of excellence for Maternal and Child Health.