Amy Lipson I was advised from the onset of my pregnancy that due to a previous (and complicated) myomectomy, I was high risk for a uterine rupture. As such, I would have to deliver via Cesarean at 38 weeks. I wanted a vb but after visiting 2 additional specialists and hearing the same, accepted their recommendations. While this was not my first choice, I came to terms with this and focused on the positive aspects of a planned C-Section:
- Lowered risk of birth injury
- Convenience & flexibility of a fixed date
- No contractions
- No labor
- Nobody coming in and checking out/touching my lady bits on the regular
- No vaginal tearing, cutting, stretching, etc
Obviously, there are more cons by far but I was determined to concentrate on the silver lining.
As with many surgeries, I was advised to cut food and water the night before. I also showered and cleansed the area with a surgical wash the night before and again, on the morning of the surgery.
Tip #1
Be sure to shave, sugar, Wax, etc a few days before your c-section. You will be told not to do so before your surgery as it increases your risk of infection. (I wasn’t aware of this until I was given my pre-op paperwork a couple days before and was very surprised to learn this!)
Tip #2
Pack comfortable pajamas that will not rub against your incision. I preferred men’s style pajamas with a button front shirt and drawstring pants. The waistband was high and sat just above my belly button and the button front shirt made breast-feeding much easier. I also stuck to soft bralettes because they were more comfortable and provided easy access.
Tip #3
Eat light the day before.
OMG no one tells you how bad that first poop will be! The hospital won’t release you until you have so make your life easy and eat light soups and salads, FIBER, anything that will help the process along.
Tip #4
Wear a girdle that does not rub against your incision as soon as possible. Many hospitals will provide you with one. Check in advance if yours does or order one from Amazon and pack it in your hospital bag. While it is definitely not comfortable, it will give you support and help everything come back together and heal so much better. It will also help you poo. I know, I know, too much focus on the poo but you’ll see…
Tip #5
Go home as soon as you can. As a first time mom, deep down, I was terrified of going home. There’s such a sense of safety in the hospital knowing your baby is being checked constantly by professionals and the fear of how you will handle it all when you get home. Fear something could happen. Fear you will be in pain and not have help.
You’ll be fine. You will feel so much better in your own environment than you ever did in the hospital. You will walk and move more naturally in the comfort of your own home as opposed to the long, painful walks up and down the hospital corridors. And while it’s great that they’re constantly checking on baby in the hospital, waking you up every three hours to check your vitals is no fun.
Tip #6
Pain medication is available for a reason. Don’t be a hero. You want to do whatever you can to feel better and speed the healing process so you can be your best self for you and baby.
Tip #7
Move. While it hurts, it definitely speeds up your recovery. Walk around the house, do light chores, just move. You will start feeling better so much faster this way.
Tip #8
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You are NOT a burden. Your partner, family, friends, neighbors and coworkers are usually thrilled to be able to do something for you, given the opportunity. Be clear about what you need when asking for help. Generalized or vague requests will only leave you and others frustrated.
Tip #9
Stay hydrated. Drink a ton of water. Because it’s good for you. Plus, we never really drink as much as we’re supposed to, right? And it will probably help with the poo…
(Ha. Thought we were done with that, didn’t you!)
Tip #10
Last of all and most important.
Enjoy it. The good, the bad and the ugly. You will laugh, you will cry, you will hurt. You will heal.
But most of all, you will love and be loved like never before.
