- April is C-section awareness month so here are my 10 top tips for Mothers preparing to have an elective C-Section. Having had both an emergency and elective C-section I can draw on my own experiences to help other Mums going through this.
- Bring slippers or sliders so you can walk to theatre (wearing compression socks).
- Pack BIG knickers which will go above your scar.
- Ask your partner to press audio record on their phone when it’s time for baby to arrive. Then you can play back the first cry.
- Pack Windeez tablets to help get rid of trapped wind as this can cause a shooting pain.
- Use the electric bed as much as you need to, that’s what it’s there for!
- Use the time in hospital to recover and press the buzzer if you need the midwives to help.
- Bring a night dress (with buttons for easy breast feeding) rather than PJs to avoid the waistband rubbing on your scar and to avoid your catheter getting tangled.
- Remember to take paracetamol regularly once you are home.
- Do not over do it, your scar will be healing well on the outside but it will still be healing inside.
- Finally, remember you just brought an actual human into the world!!! You and your body are amazing!
This is a photo of me just before my 2nd (elective) C-Section, my 1st was an emergency and happened very quickly.
From entering theatre to leaving the elective c-section took about an hour, there is a much more relaxed and calm environment compared to an emergency where the surgeons are under pressure to get baby out urgently, this is done in minutes.