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“The clear drape is neat because it lets the mother be more a part of the delivery, which is really special.”
Clear Drape Brings Baby’s Arrival into View for C-Section Moms
Ophthalmologist Jessica Mather, MD, knew she would have a Cesarean section for the birth of her baby, who was in a breech position. But she also had an opportunity that hasn’t traditionally been part of a C-section birth: the opportunity to see her daughter, Ava, make her debut into the world.
For families who wish to use it, a “clear drape” is available during a C-section, which allows the mother to see her baby the moment he or she is born.
“The clear drape is neat because it lets the mother be more a part of the delivery, which is really special,” says Brooke Foulk, MD, FACOG, OB/GYN at Fort Sanders Women’s Specialists. “I try to offer the clear drape to anyone who might be interested.”
“I think it was definitely a more unique experience,” says Dr. Mather, who had her baby at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. “A lot of times with C-sections you feel like you’re missing out because you’re separated from what’s going on.”
Pulling Back the Curtain
The drape has two parts: a clear plastic “wall” and a blue cloth wall. They hang together at the mother’s shoulders, blocking her view. After the initial incision, the anesthesiologist drops the blue cloth, leaving the see-through plastic drop as a sanitary barrier.
“I had never heard of the clear drape before [Dr. Foulk] suggested it,” says Dr. Mather. “I didn’t see her make incisions on me and I didn’t see any bleeding, but you could kind of see what she was doing. I saw Ava as she came out.
“My husband was there, too, and while they were still working on me, I was able to see through the drape and over to the warmer as they were working on Ava. Then as soon as they did the initial clean-off and assessment, just a few minutes later, they wrapped her and laid her on my chest, so we had a good bonding experience.”
Dr. Foulk said being able to see their babies’ care right after birth helps mothers who are waiting to greet their new arrivals. “After the surgery, it’s nice for the mother to see the baby in the warmer for a few minutes, and there’s not a big blue drape in the way. Moms are always waiting five to 10 minutes, and that’s a long time when you’re wanting to hold your baby,” she says.
From Medical Student to Patient
In addition to sharing Dr. Mather’s birth experience, the two women share another connection – one that is related to their medical training.
“When I was in medical school, she was my chief resident,” says Dr. Mather, who trained with Dr. Foulk at East Tennessee State University. “I remember how great she was as a doctor. She was brilliant and she really cared about her patients. So when I had the opportunity to make my care decision, it was easy.”
“Jessica and her husband Seth were both my medical students,” says Dr. Foulk. “I helped with their education, so it was really special helping to deliver their baby.”
Dr. Mather says she would recommend Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center to any woman expecting a baby.
“Everything was very personalized and everyone was so kind. The lactation consultants were very accommodating, too,” she says. “I stayed three nights in the hospital, and was glad that I did. It was excellent care at Fort Sanders.”
Your Pregnancy Team is Just a Call Away
Did you know we’ve delivered more than 20,000 babies at the Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center birthing center? Call (865) 331-1122 to learn more, or visit www.fswomensspecialists.com/obstetrics.
About Dr. Brooke Foulk
Brooke Foulk, MD brings with her clinical expertise to assess, advise and treat women’s healthcare needs – whether it’s pregnancy, a gynecologic issue, or simply an annual exam. Dr Foulk specializes in:
- Preventive care
- Pediatric, adolescent and adult gynecology
- Vaginal surgery
- Basic infertility
- Family-oriented prenatal care and childbirth
For more information about Dr. Foulk, view her full profile, here. She is accepting new patients, and you can make an appointment with her by calling the office at (865) 331-1122.