MODEL RELEASED. Caesarean birth. Father holding his newborn baby in an operating theatre after it was delivered by Caesarean section. The surgical team are closing the incision (not seen) in the mother's uterus and abdomen, through which the baby was delivered. Caesarean section is performed when it is difficult or dangerous for the baby to be delivered vaginally. An epidural anaesthetic can be given (as here) to numb the nerves that supply the chest and the lower half of the body, allowing the mother to remain conscious during the delivery.