My experience having a C-Section in Ireland

I know this is primarily a travel website but I think it’s good to sometimes go ‘off topic’ and write a post about what I struggled to find information on when I was searching for answers. In this case, it’s having a C-Section in Ireland (in particular Cork University Maternity Hospital).

Here is my detailed experience of having a C-Section in Ireland.

My experience having a C-Section in Ireland

I had a Caesarean Section at Cork University Maternity Hospital on September 16th, 2020. It was a last-minute operation – I went into the hospital for my Clinic Appointment (I was 38 weeks) on September 15th and due to my baby being in breach, my amniotic fluid levels were on the low side at a level 6 and high blood pressure – the Obstetrician felt it safest to perform a C-Section early.

This was to avoid an inevitable emergency C-section closer to my due date. My baby girl was delivered at 38 weeks plus 3 days. It was a bit of a shock to me as it wasn’t my birth plan but I was happy to know the hospital was being cautious of my and the baby’s health in ensuring I had the safest delivery possible.

The day before the surgery:

The Obstetrician gave me a prescription for Omeprazole – to reduce stomach acid – with one tablet to be taken after my dinner that night and the second tablet to be taken the morning of the surgery. Before I left the hospital the day before, I had blood taken which was to be used in case of an emergency during my surgery.

On the day of the C-Section surgery:

At 8 pm the evening before I received a call asking me to check in at the main reception at the hospital at 7 am. On checking in I was told to go straight to my ward where I’d be given a bed. The Midwife there told me I was 6th in line for surgery so likely would be called down at 3 or 4 pm. So, I just relaxed in my hospital bed. Although, I was starving having been told to fast since 9 pm the evening before.

My Midwife came in at 1 pm to let me know I was being called down early. I quickly called my husband who was to meet me in the waiting room of the Theatre. The Midwife gave me a hospital gown and compression stockings to put on and then she walked me down. I brought a camera, the baby’s first outfit, a nappy, and a cellular blanket down with me.

Consultation with Theatre staff

In the Theatre waiting room, I met with the Head Surgeon and an Anesthetist who went through the surgery in detail with me and my husband. I will admit I was very nervous at this point as I didn’t know what to expect. They helped to put my mind at ease and happily answered my questions. We were then left there until they were ready to bring me into surgery.

Unfortunately, there were two emergency sections coming through at that time so we had to wait an hour longer.

What to Expect in Theatre

Eventually, I was wheeled into the Theatre. In here were my two Anesthetists, the Head Surgeon, an Obstetrician, two Midwives, and two medical students who asked my permission to watch the surgery.

The first thing was for a cannula (needle) to be inserted in my hand for fluids and antibiotics to be fed to me during the surgery (this was honestly the most painful part of the surgery and FYI, it wasn’t that painful at all). A urinary catheter is also placed in your bladder so you don’t need to get up to go to the toilet, this will remain in place for 12 hours.

Then, the Anesthetist administered the epidural. You are to sit on the edge of the bed with your shoulders hunched forward, the second Anesthetist will stand in front of you and hold you while the second Anesthetist administers the epidural on your lower back. This wasn’t painful at all and to me just felt like a pinprick in three separate areas on my lower back.

After a few minutes, the Head Surgeon tests the epidural by pressing different areas of your stomach/legs to ensure you can’t feel anything. After all of the above is completed my husband was allowed into Theatre. This was due to the COVID-19 restrictions at the time – he was dressed in scrubs.

For the surgery, I opted to have the curtain up, but you can have it down and witness the surgery itself. All in all, you will be in the Theatre for about an hour.

When your baby is born

The strangest part of the surgery for me was the pulling to get the baby out, you don’t feel anything but your body is jerked from side to side. I didn’t expect this to happen (and it may not happen to everyone) but I remember being concerned and asking the staff if everything was okay. They assured me everything was normal.

When my daughter was born they held her over me. Then took her to the side with my husband to be weighed, and dressed, ID bands and security tags put on, and a vitamin K injection was administered (with your permission). They then administered skin to skin for me with the baby, by lifting her onto me for a couple of minutes.

Following your surgery you will be stitched up. Your partner must leave the room for this part (again a COVID-19 restriction), you feel nothing thankfully. Then you are transferred to another bed and wheeled into the recovery room. You will remain here for just over an hour with your partner and baby.

The staff will help you breastfeed your baby if this is what you have decided. We took most of our photos here. Then, when the hour was up my husband unfortunately had to leave due to the COVID restrictions – which was difficult!

You are still not allowed to eat after surgery, only allowed sips of water for the next 6 hours. This was tough – as I was starving. Even worse was that after those 6 hours your first meal is small – tea and toast only. For the next day too you are on a light diet menu, this is to aid your stomach recovery.

Your recovery in the hospital

Due to the epidural, you are unable to move from your bed for 12 hours. After the 12 hours is up your Midwife will assist you in standing up and walking a few steps. She will also remove your bladder catheter. They will likely wait a few more hours before removing the cannula in your hand.

**This is just my personal experience of having a C-Section in Ireland, it may be slightly different for everyone.

Last Updated on May 14, 2025 by snaphappytravel