How To Prepare For Your C-Section
Going into hospital for a C-section can be a daunting prospect. You are excited and nervous about seeing your newborn for the first time, but also may be worried about what to expect during the operation and how you will cope afterwards. But when you’ve prepared properly, you’ll feel less worried and more informed about what’s to come. To help you, we’re sharing our guide on how to prepare for your C-section.
(A) Preparing for your C-section operation and hospital stay
If your C-section is planned in advance, then there’s plenty you can do to get yourself ready for the operation and the stay in hospital afterwards, which is normally around four days.
Write a birthing plan
This should cover what you want to happen during the c-section.
For example:
Who your birthing partner is
Any music you want to be played – or if you want silence
If you want someone to film or take pictures
Whether or not you want a screen and if you want it removed at the point of birth
If you want delayed cord cutting
When you want skin-to-skin contact with your baby
Pack a hospital bag
Put in everything you’ll need for your stay, such as:
Books and magazines to read
Phone and charger
Loose and comfortable cotton pants to wear after the operation
A nightdress, rather than pyjamas – as you’ll have a catheter in for the 12 hours after your C-section and won’t be able to wear pyjama bottoms
Comfortable slippers for walking around the ward
Comfy clothes, including a button-up top to make breastfeeding easy
Wet wipes to keep yourself fresh
Remove make-up, piercings and nail varnish
You need to do this before your C-section, so it’s best to come to hospital prepared. You’ll also need to take out contact lenses before the operation, and remove any jewellery - apart from one plain ring, which will be taped up.
Don’t shave your bikini area
This could result in a wound infection after your c-section.
Remember to do everything your midwife has told you
Your midwife will have given you full instructions on what to do, including when to stop eating and drinking, and which medications to take and when. It’s vital that you follow these instructions, or it could delay your surgery.
Arrange a lift home
Arrange for someone to give you a lift home, as you won’t be able to drive.
Further information on (A) Preparing for your C-Section and hospital stay:
1. NHS - Caesarean section https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/ Accessed on 25/03/23
2. Tommy’s - https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/giving-birth/caesarean-section/how-prepare-your-c-section Accessed on 29/03/23
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(B) Preparing for C-section recovery at home
Arrange help from others
You are recovering from a major operation. So, you should, ideally, have someone at home with you 24/7 for at least two weeks.
Tell older children what to expect
If you have other kids at home, explain that they’ll need to be gentle with you for a few weeks, and that you won’t be able to do as much as normal with them.
Stock up on meals
Stock up on ready meals, or prepare and freeze some meals, to make cooking easier.
Stock up on sanitary pads
Have a good supply of sanitary pads at home, as you may experience some light vaginal bleeding. Don’t use tampons, as they increase the risk of infection.
Stock up on pain relief
You should be given a supply of painkillers by the hospital before you leave, but it’s also a good idea to have some paracetamol and ibuprofen at home.
Further information on (B) Preparing for C-section recovery at home:
3. Tommy’s - https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/giving-birth/caesarean-section/how-prepare-your-c-section Accessed on 29/03/23
4. NHS – Caesarean section recovery https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/recovery/ Accessed on 23/03/23
5. NHS - Caesarean section https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/ Accessed on 25/03/23