7 Tips to Help You Prepare for a C-Section
Having a c-section doesn’t mean that you don’t need to prepare. Cesarean sections are major surgery, and it changes the timeframe of your recovery and what you can and cannot do in the days after childbirth. Being prepared helps everything run smoothly when your baby finally arrives.
I’m no stranger to c-sections; I had four in eight years. My first two were unprepared, but my final two were planned, repeat c-sections, which allowed me to plan and make sure that I felt prepared for the weeks ahead.
It’s easy to forget that a cesarean section is major abdominal surgery. Not only are you adjusting to life with a new baby, but you also have to ensure you heal properly to avoid further problems. That means taking it easy, even if you have children at home that need care. Here are a few of my favourite tips to help you prepare for a c-section.
7 Tips to Help You Prepare for a C-Section
1. Create a Birth Plan (and Make Sure Your Partner Knows It)
Having a c-section doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have a birth plan. You never know; you might encounter signs labour is days away. C-section dates might need to be changed, and it’s best to be prepared. Make sure your partner knows what you want for your c-section.
Here are a few things you should include in your c-section birth plan.
- Who will be in the OR with you?
- Do you prefer a clear drape or an opaque one?
- Do you want to delay cord clamping?
- Are you planning to breastfeed?
- Would you like to try skin-to-skin in the OR?
Those are just a few things that you can include in your birth plan. You also can include anything for aftercare, such as pacifier use, delayed bathing, circumcision plans, and more. It’s nice for the staff to know all of your desires upfront so that no one gets confused.
2. Prepare Your Home and Create a Baby Space
Walking up and down the stairs is hard after a c-section. Some moms like to prepare space on their first floor to sleep until it’s less cumbersome. Instead of your baby sleeping upstairs for naps, set up a safe sleeping environment in an easy to access spot on the main level.
While walking is essential for your recovery, overdoing it is damaging. If staying on the main level of your home is possible, try it. Arrange furniture and place items in easy to reach areas to avoid overstretching.
Don’t worry; everything will be moved back within two to three weeks post-surgery.
3. Make Freezer Meals
When we had our fourth child, one of the most practical tasks I did was prepare dozens of freezer meals. I made bags of pancakes and easy breakfast burritos. We had multiple casseroles waiting to be put into the oven and slow-cooker meals in freezer bags.
The options are endless! Try freezing muffins for easy snacks. Make life as easy as possible for everyone in the weeks right after delivery.
4. Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
I felt like I starved all the time after my surgeries. When I came home and breastfed my babies, I ate so much. The hunger seems to be most evident at night.
Create a snack bin (or bins – we don’t judge) and leave them where you’ll spend the most time. Stock up on healthy snacks like trail mix, peanut butter crackers, fresh fruit, and whatever else you enjoy. You’ll be thankful when you don’t have to shuffle to the kitchen at 3 AM for a snack.
5. Grab Easy Activities for Your Kids
If you have other kids at home, prepare ahead of time with activities and crafts. Grab colouring books, new books, and premake some easy crafts. While it might sound silly, toddlers need to be entertained and distracted to avoid disasters. Be prepared ahead of time with new, exciting tasks for your child.
6. Don’t Forget the Fiber and Stool Softeners!
One of the scariest things after a c-section is your very first bowel movement. It feels like your incision will break open. It won’t, but have stool softeners on hand at home. The hospital won’t send any with you. Make sure you have a fiber supplement and fiber snacks as well.
Trust me; the last thing you want is to become constipated right after your c-section.
7. Consider a Postpartum Doula
Unfortunately, postpartum doulas aren’t discussed often. These doulas help take care of the mom and the baby in the weeks after birth. Each doula is different, but many offer home-cooked meals, time to sit and chat with mom, help with other kids, and more.
If your budget allows for the help, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Preparing ahead of your c-section helps you feel more relaxed and in control of the situation. You’ll know that you’re ready for whatever heads your way and that allows you to rest easier. Remember, the days and weeks after your c-section are crucial to your overall recovery. Use this time well!
