This is a great prop to show what goes into a c-section. Often, parents think a cesarean section is just one cut, and they pull the baby out. I wanted a way to show my childbirth ed students that a cesarean is, indeed, major abdominal surgery. The doctor cuts through many layers, in multiple directions. This information opens conversations about cesarean birth, prepares them for recovery afterward should they need one, and helps to explain why there are risks associated with the procedure.
When discussing topics like this, I find it important to give information in a visual way that will not cause fear or anxiety. There is enough fear, sensationalism, and even guilt used to try to sway pregnant women to make one decision or another. These tactics have always been used, but we are now bombarded with them through the internet – social media, mommy blogs, pregnancy websites, and apps, not to mention the horror stories they hear from both friends and strangers. I want my classes to be informative but non-threatening.
This prop is one that many teachers use, but I had a hard time finding detailed instructions on how to make one. In a quest to make it as accurate as possible, I cross-referenced many resources for this project. Loma Linda University’s blog has a concise list of the 7 main steps of a cesarean section that is a good resource for teachers.
I used 9 different layers in my model to include visuals for the bladder and the baby. My layers include: skin, subcutaneous fat, fascia, abdominal muscles, peritoneum, bladder, uterus, amniotic sac & one to show the baby.
I made the incisions in each layer and labeled them accordingly. Then, I stacked them and used a big, fat needle with thick yarn to hold them together. The video above shows how I put it all together.
This visual aid has been so helpful in my classes. Sometimes I pass it around during the interventions topic. Often, I simply leave it on the display table to allow students to interact with during breaks. It is a great way to open the conversation and invite questions in a safe and gentle way. Feel free to share this post with moms who are preparing for childbirth or with teachers who may wish to make their own!