Caesarean Birth
A Caesarean section is an operation to birth a baby. It may be planned or carried out in an emergency.
This information leaflet is about Caesarean birth. Even if you are not planning to have a caesarean, this is essential reading to consider and discuss with your midwife and other supporters. It will help you to feel more prepared to ask questions and understand the answers.
We hope this will help you to have a positive experience, however you birth your baby.
Your midwife or doctor will explain the reason for offering a caesarean birth. Caesarean sections are carried out by our Labour Ward team in our specialist obstetric operating theatres either on Labour Ward or Cearns Ward (for Planned Caesarean).
This information leaflet is about Caesarean birth. Even if you are not planning to have a caesarean, this is essential reading to consider and discuss with your midwife and other supporters. It will help you to feel more prepared to ask questions and understand the answers.
We hope this will help you to have a positive experience, however you birth your baby.
Your midwife or doctor will explain the reason for offering a caesarean birth. Caesarean sections are carried out by our Labour Ward team in our specialist obstetric operating theatres either on Labour Ward or Cearns Ward (for Planned Caesarean).
Planned Caesarean
If you plan to give birth by Caesarean, your midwife or doctor will provide you with a copy of our information leaflet on planned Caesarean birth so you know when to arrive at the hospital and what to do before your birth.
You will also be booked into our enhanced recovery clinic to help you prepare in advance, so you can play an active role in your recovery and return home to your family sooner.
Watch our video on Planned Caesarean birth below to find out more about what to expect from the process on the day.
You are welcome to have one birthing partner with you at all times during your planned Caesarean birth. During this time no swap over of birthing partners is permitted. Once you are transferred to Cellier Ward (our postnatal ward) extra visiting is permitted between 3-7pm, click here for further information.
Please note - the date you are provided for your Caesarean is a provisional date. Sometimes this may be changed due to unforeseen circumstances within the Maternity unit. We will let you know if this is the case.
Last updated27 Mar 2025