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The caesarean (also called caesarean section or C-section) is a type of delivery performed when the baby cannot be born through the vagina. This surgical procedure involves cutting open the mother’s abdomen and uterus to remove the baby. In Québec, about one in four women give birth by C-section.

Your baby has finally arrived. Who does she look like? Her daddy? Her mom? Maybe a distant relative? Whatever the resemblance, your baby is unique, and now it’s time to get to learn all about her.

Skin-to-skin contact with your newborn in the first hours, days, and weeks of life soothes and comforts her. Skin‑to‑skin contact is an excellent way to get acquainted with your baby and develop an emotional bond.

Hospital stays generally last 24 to 36 hours after vaginal delivery and 36 to 48 hours after a caesarean section. At birthing centres, the stay is usually about 24 hours. The length of your stay may vary depending on you and your baby’s health.

All parents want a healthy baby. But sometimes the happy event of childbirth can take an unpredictable turn.

Even under the best conditions, things may not go as planned. Having a family brings great joys, as well as its share of challenges and uncertainties.

Your body needs time to recover. Be patient—it’s normal. It will take several weeks to get to a good level of energy.

Within moments of being born, your baby will announce his arrival with his very first sounds. He will be placed on you. The care team will dry your baby off and make sure he’s doing well. If needed, they will clear the secretions out of his nose and mouth.

After the birth of your baby it’s normal to have mood swings and to cry more than usual. Many new moms experience the baby blues for a short period of time.

After the arrival of a child, new parents sometimes go through a difficult period or even a depressive episode. Depression often manifests itself differently in men and women.

Unlike the baby blues, which is temporary, the changes in behaviour and mood associated with depression are present almost every day for at least two weeks.

Some people feel less sexual desire after the birth of the baby. Fatigue, the adaptation to parenthood, the time and energy invested in caring for the baby, physical or emotional complications, and hormonal changes can all lead to a decreased interest in sexual activity. After the birth of a child, the time available for intimacy can also be limited.