Planned C-section hacks

[Clauren13]

Before finding out that my baby was breech and definitely not budging I was really enjoying some of the tips and hacks I had heard regarding natural labour such as pineapple and raspberry leaf tea, however I’ve heard that the rlt is not really reccomended for breech pregnancies or planned c sections so I’m no longer drinking it - does anyone have any hacks or tips for a planned C-section? Little rituals, ways to prepare for it, post partum must haves etc, tips for the process and healing? Open to any suggestions at all! ☺️

Remember to take your knickers off before heading the theatre. I was in the gown, waiting for a few hours, then forgot at the last minute and DH had to stuff them in his pocket!

Adult incontinent pads (which last a good while) instead of maternity pads (which last approximately the amount of time it takes to put them on)

I got very nervous on the morning of my planned section, which resulted in my blood pressure spiking and I nearly lost my surgery slot. I lay down and listened to a relaxation app on my phone using my headphones and was able to relax enough to reduce my blood pressure to allow for surgery to go ahead.

After the c section the best advice I can give you is to keep taking your pain meds and don't overdo things but do try to get moving as soon as you can. Also disposable plastic knickers were no good over a c section wound, they made me sweat. Get as many of the hospital mesh knickers as they will give you and then use big cotton granny pants when you run out.

Peppermint tea by the bucket after section to ease wind.

I had no dressing so wore a pad longways across front of pants to protect wound.

A cap of medical hibiscrub in bath to reduce infection. I dried with hairdryer, others say not to as can blow dust in but I found it kept mine clean and dry.

Do you get nervous or anxious? We'd done a hypnobirthing course and it was wonderful for DH to help calm me down. I wasn't expecting the table to rock and it properly freaked me out so I needed some help to stay calm.

Also ask people what it's like step by step so there are no surprises. Like the fact that you'll be on your own while they do the epidural. And there's absolutely zero point in getting there early.

If you're going to be on your own after the one hour recovery (do they allow partners to help transfer yet?), put the nappy changing stuff in a smaller bag on top of your bag. If you need to change the baby, they won't help you and you'll need to do it on your chest (don't get me started). They used to recommend just water and cotton wool for newborns, but waterwipes or something without perfume is just fine.

Drink lots as soon as you can. Ask for expedited recovery, so you can have the catheter out in 6 hours and go home soon after if all is well. I was in for 24 hours in total.
My hospital didn't discharge with pain medication so I called the doctor on the morning of discharge and asked for pain meds suitable for breastfeeding, we collected from the pharmacy on the way home. I took it for the first week regularly and never felt pain.
Read the aftercare sheet and follow it. Don't hunch over, stand up straight from the moment you're out of the bed.
Huge cotton pants that come up around your waist with a maternity pad lengthways across the wound make you feel better.

Big pants, painkillers (never did I imagine they wouldn’t give me any and we didn’t have any in!), and peppermint tea. Elective CS was superior to my first birth in every way and recovery time was faster too. It was a doddle in comparison!

Peppermint tea as soon as you can and fit data after. Also helps you get your catheter out sooner as you’ll need to wee a lot 😂

TMI, but shit as much as you can before you go in as it could be a while before you can go again and coupled with the wind pains that can be very painful. Eat and drink as soon as you're able to to try to keep you regular and keep your energy up. Rest but as soon as you can, get up and have a shower, put pjs or soft clothes on and get up and about doing stuff.

Take painkillers regularly even if not in pain, much easier to keep on top of it. Take painkillers with you.

Get up and moving as soon as you feel able.

Wear clothes that won't sit on the scare on the way home. Mine was in a heatwave, maxi dresses were perfect.

I should say I've had 4 sections, needed morphine after the last 2. Don't be afraid to ask for the stronger stuff if you need it.

Bring your own painkillers to hospital with you. The staff will be unlikely to keep on top of it in postnatal.

Bring a dressing gown tie - tie it to the end of the bed and you can use it to pull yourself up with.

Bring really big, very high waisted knickers with you. You'll be wearing them for months after.

Arnica tablets.

Expect to be buzzing the buzzer constantly in post natal because you won't be able to move for a few hours and it may be a day or so before you can consider changing a nappy etc.

I got out of hospital the next day after c section, because it was my first baby they said I could stay another day but I didn't want too, but if you get the chance stay as long as they allow you too, because being handed a baby straight after surgery is hard, also the hospital bed is a god send, trying to get up out of my own bed and sofa was very difficult

Massive pants!

Set a timer for regular painkillers.

Not a hack but just to say - the theatre will be really bright. It felt more like going into a very crowded dental surgery than what I thought an operating theatre would look like. I remarked on this. The surgeon said it was helpful to be able to see. Fair enough!

Maybe don't use the word hack in relation to a cs! Other than that, nothing really, just lay back and relax. They do all the work for you. I've had two and can honestly say they were great experiences.

Start taking iron supplements in case you lose a lot of blood.

Stock up on peppermint tea for the intestinal gas you will get afterwards.

Pack glycerine suppositories in your hospital bag and use one every time you feel the need to go for a poo for the first few weeks post-partum, to avoid straining any muscles in your abdominal area.

Get a few pairs of high waisted leggings maybe a couple of sizes bigger than your pre-pregnancy size. You'll want clothes which come up higher than your scar but if your tummy goes down quickly your maternity leggings will be too big.

Get high waisted knickers for the same reason. Stick a pantyliner to the inside of your knickers where your incision is, for extra padding.

Have a small cushion to hand after the birth and hold it to your incision and press down if you need to cough or sneeze in the first week or so.

Afterwards it will be easier to sit up if you roll (slowly!) onto your side and use your hands to push yourself up slowly from a side plank position, rather than trying to sit up forwards.

Don't be afraid to ask for help afterwards!

Big pants that go over your belly to avoid the scar

As a PP said, adult incontinence knickers instead of sanitary or maternity pads. They're just easier

Stretchy, elasticated, soft PJ bottoms which again, stretch over your belly, avoiding the scar

Get moving as soon as they say it's ok

Don't lift anything heavier than baby

Keep your scar clear and dry, try to air it out as much as possible

Drink plenty of liquids, it'll help with any constipation

Be prepared for weird pains. I had shoulder pain which they say can be a result of surgery

If you're planning to breastfeed, be ready with lots of comfy pillows or a feeding pillow so baby isn't pressing on your scar, and have everything within reach so you don't have to stretch for anything while you're feeding

Be prepared for an infection - I got one from having a catheter in and it took me a couple of days to realise something wasn't right (I was going from shivery and cold to hot and sweaty very frequently)

Don't be afraid to ask for painkillers and don't be tempted to miss a dose. Take what they give you for the first few days and ask for more if you need it. it won't be long before you're on Paracetamol and this way, you won't have to worry about pain

Try and make sure everything at home is ready for when you get back (nappies, baby clothes etc plus clothes, pads etc for you) so all you have to do is cuddle up with your newborn and have a well deserved rest 😊

Granny pants - I found mine so comfy it was a struggle to back to normal knickers!
Big cheapest sanitary pads and stick them in your pants over the c section - gives a big of padding in case you bump into something.
I took some wet wipes in to give myself a bit of a clean before I went in - unfortunately I left one in my pants and it was only found when the nurse asked me what on earth it was!

www.intimissimi.com/uk/product/laser-cut_cotton_french_knickers-SC70V2.html

I really recommend these knickers, which are super comfortable and will go over your scar. I'll be getting some more before I next give birth.