Elective c section

I had to have a c section with my 1st and I found preparing myself for recovery and knowing what to expect made me feel more confident. Here are a few things I did in case they are helpful to you: I had a mindfulness/meditation track I practised in the weeks leading up to the c section so I could use this to keep calm before and after the procedure. I read up about c sections and anesthetic options. I looked at options I had during the procedure (e.g. requesting delayed cord clamping if possible). I think on the website of the Royal College of Obstetrics I found a good document with all of this information. I looked up how to move comfortably post operation: https://youtu.be/Um9e9YmuU4g?si=2OnNSMMp8UQrxh1l I took a tupperware tub so I could keep everything I needed within reach and a bottle that I could tip up while in a reclined position to drink without it leaking.  I would consider taking an extra pillow/cushion and some skin tape for the cannula because it kept getting in the way post op.

I drank plenty of water, prune juice, ate jelly for hydration and took a bottle of laculose with me to help pass the first stool easily. I wore underwear that supported my abdomen and a belly wrap whilst moving around once safe to do so. This really helped with any pain or aches. John Lewis have some good post C section pants. Having a towel rolled up to hold against the incision when standing, laughing/coughing really helps with any soreness.  I made sure I took paracetamol and ibuprofen continuously on time as it is harder to treat breakthrough pain. I asked for oramorph before standing and day 2&3 as these were when I was most sore. I stayed active in my 3rd trimester before the c section so my recovery went a lot better than I expected. By week 2 I felt much more comfortable and like myself. It might be worth researching scar desensitisation (gently rubbing different textures over the scar), massage and scar silicone strips.

I had a really positive experience over all. The theatre was such a calm, happy environment and the baby was out in no time so that took all my attention. I hope it all goes well for you and you are able to focus on meeting your little one and all of the joy that will bring you 💕

I had an emergency C-section with my 1st I’m having an elective C-section in 3 weeks and I would say just make sure your resting as much as you can before , right down yours worries and talk to to your midwife about them to give you peace at mind if you got family support then use the support as much as you can after having baby you will need it and don’t feel like your not doing enough as that hoe i felt with my 1st and over did and end up getting an infection so take al the help you can xxx

During my c-section what really helped was how they told me all the steps as they were happening - I have massive anxiety so this just made it so much calmer for me. After just try to rest as best you can. Keep a drink and snacks close by. But mostly don’t rush trying to do things. Good luck!! X

High waisted underwear!!! Normal pants will sit on the scar, high waisted is all you need ❤️