Planned c-section prep!

Hey! I also had a planned.
I was allowed to make a playlist for the theatre which was so nice!
The whole experience was really nice in terms of the lead up to surgery as it was planned I felt in control and knew what to expect.
Before going in I had an everything shower, did my hair etc!
You'll have a pre op a few days before and you'll need to stop eating 12 hours or so before you're due to go in.
The spinal injection, is done with a numbing injection first of all, and it is a weird feeling lot being able to feel anything once that kicks in!

Moving after the c-section is encouraged after about 8 hours. This will be very painful. Make sure you stay on top of meds. You will likely have to ask for them whilst in hospital. Ask to alternate pain meds so you have something every few hours.

In terms of when at home, walking / stairs is hard - walk a few mins at a time to start with. Then increase this as you feel ready.

I think I felt the intense paid for about 12 days.

Pain*
Try and limit lifting anything heavy. Keep the would clean and dry.
I was recommended to use medi honey on three wound as apparently this helps healing and I did use it. My scar has had no issues at all and no tears etc. I also stayed in hospital an extra day due to the pain and not feeling ready to go home. Hope this helps. Please message if you have any questions. Good luck.

I had an elective c section due to a breech baby in April and would be happy to answer any questions you have if you want to message me xx

I had an emergency but I would say try to be up and walking as soon as possible. It helps with healing. Don’t overdo it though. Walk to the toilet then rest then when you feel ready again treat yourself to a nice shower. Bring shower shoes and a fluffy towel and your toiletries from home. Then rest up for a while afterwards. Short bit of walking every few hours will help 😊 try to sleep as much as you can when you have someone to watch the baby. You will be going through major surgery so looking after yourself is the best way to look after baby too 😊.

Also, remember the doctors perform hundreds of these procedures a year so an elective one will be a breeze. You’ll be meeting your little one within 10 minutes of it starting and you won’t even notice the time they stitch you up as you’ll have your little one 😊

Good luck x

Second this.

Make your own playlist. Me and hubby had a bet what time hed be born. I bet 12.15pm ,he bet 12.45pm, friends bet 12.26pm he was born 12.25pm 🤣 and we each bet a song we thought hed be born to. We were wrong. He was born to Best Friend by Eminem. 🥰

I had a c section birth plan printed out so the team will read and make it happen as much as they can 🥰

I got up after 2 hours, also. Just follow your body cues. 🥰🥰🥰 all the luck for you girl x

Practice holding in your sneezes. No lie. You do not want to sneeze or cough after your section. Be extra extra careful to social distance before to avoid catching something!!

Anything you will need make sure it is hip height or higher. Leaning over or bending down isn’t possible. With that in mind make sure to have some support putting on underwear / pants / etc.

Stay on top of pain meds. For two weeks. Even if you don’t think you need it. You do. Two weeks. I was fine alternating Tylenol and ibuprofen (I forget what you call these on the UK). I did NOT fill my opiate prescription.

Before your section, proactively ask for meds for nausea/vomiting and itching. Much better to get these intravenously than have to take pills after.

Move move move. Even when it hurts, just move a bit.

Milk is statistically delayed for a section. You have also not eaten before the procedure. Everything is stacked against you. Don’t be afraid to supplement with formula if you are wanting to

breastfeed.

Getting up is tricky. I found it much easier to pull against my hamstrings/back of my upper legs. Some people tie a rope or towel to the bed to help.

Do not pack your hospital bag. Make your partner do it! That way when you need something but can’t get up because your spinal hasn’t worn off, they can help right away.

The actual c section experience is beautiful for many, but I felt like a cow being led to slaughter (full transparency lol). I had a great experience but did not find it a “calm” experience like many claim. It’s significant surgery. Lots of blood. Lots of pulling and yanking your body around. But no pain and baby is yours in 15 minutes ❤️ and no labor! Yay!