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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

C section advice

8 replies

kylierose15 · 04/07/2022 22:19

Had an emergency scan today and baby hasn't grown.
I have a c section booked
What are my do's and dont's, must haves?
Thanks

OP posts:
blitzen · 04/07/2022 22:28

Big knickers
Flip flops for shower
Comfortable clothes
Pillows if you're breastfeeding

Shelby2010 · 04/07/2022 22:37

I’m sorry, this must be a stressful time for you.
I had 2 sections & they were both fine.


  1. You can still have skin-to-skin once the baby is born ask the theatre nurse.

  2. I had more pain from trapped wind & constipation than the c-section so be mindful of what you eat when recovering.

  3. Be aware your milk may be slower to come in, so getting breastfeeding going can need a bit more perseverance.

  4. They will still be messing around with your undercarriage eg putting a catheter in when you have the section.

  5. Because you’ve had a spinal you won’t be able to move your legs in recovery - they are literally a dead weight. This meant DH had to do the first meconium nappy change..

  6. You will still have vaginal bleeding.


Good luck!

Smogtopia · 04/07/2022 22:43

Echo all above and also the worst pain of my life was the constipation afterwards which with hindsight I could have prevented. If you've not been in the 38 hours after the operation then start taking more lactulose / movicol / tonnes of prune juice - whatever you need to do to make sure you go!

Massive knickers

Take pillows to hospital too - in your own distinct covers to help prop you up after

easyday · 04/07/2022 22:50

Loads of maternity pads. Get moving as soon as you can.

Original poster
kylierose15 · 04/07/2022 22:57

Shelby2010 · 04/07/2022 22:37

I’m sorry, this must be a stressful time for you.
I had 2 sections & they were both fine.


  1. You can still have skin-to-skin once the baby is born ask the theatre nurse.

  2. I had more pain from trapped wind & constipation than the c-section so be mindful of what you eat when recovering.

  3. Be aware your milk may be slower to come in, so getting breastfeeding going can need a bit more perseverance.

  4. They will still be messing around with your undercarriage eg putting a catheter in when you have the section.

  5. Because you’ve had a spinal you won’t be able to move your legs in recovery - they are literally a dead weight. This meant DH had to do the first meconium nappy change..

  6. You will still have vaginal bleeding.


Good luck!

Yeah it's horrible but my first was like this but I was induced and ended up having forceps so we said no to an induction and having a section.
Thank you for your advice x

OP posts:
SunshinePie · 04/07/2022 22:58

Peppermint tea for trapped wind - worked an absolute treat. The pain of trapped wind was pretty bad.

barneymcgroo · 04/07/2022 23:05

Don't try to use your tummy muscles for a long time after. Like months. It takes some getting used to, as you have to really think about getting out of bed etc. Don't just try to sit up. Using hands to help, roll onto your side and push yourself up.

Stay on top of the painkillers.

Accept all the help. It's pretty major surgery, and you're then expected to look after an infant. It's nuts.

Will be totally fine, and hope you're up and about soon. Good luck!

Original poster
kylierose15 · 04/07/2022 23:06

barneymcgroo · 04/07/2022 23:05

Don't try to use your tummy muscles for a long time after. Like months. It takes some getting used to, as you have to really think about getting out of bed etc. Don't just try to sit up. Using hands to help, roll onto your side and push yourself up.

Stay on top of the painkillers.

Accept all the help. It's pretty major surgery, and you're then expected to look after an infant. It's nuts.

Will be totally fine, and hope you're up and about soon. Good luck!

Lovely, thank you 😊

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