Essential Tips to Make Your C-Section Empowering | Newborn Photographer Dublin
Whether you planned a c-section or this is an unexpected twist, (I’ve had both experiences), there are lots of ways you can rock your c-section! Here are some tips to help make the process as smooth as possible!
With a c-section you absolutely can (and should!) make a birth plan & ask your doctor how to best prepare.
You don’t have to scrap a birth plan if you’re having a planned c-section or have an aside to your preferred birth plan if you end up with in an emergency c-section situation. Your care givers will if at all possible facilitate it as much as is possible at the time.
Here are a few things to consider in your birth plan (whether your type it up or just keep a rough draft in the notes app on your phone)
1. Decide who you would like to be present in the operating room with you. This may include your partner, a close friend, or a doula. You may also want to ask your doctor or nurse about their policies on the number of support people allowed into the OR.
2. Think about what kind of pain management you would like to have during the surgery. You will likely be given the option of receiving an epidural or spinal block.
3. This is a big one! Consider your preferences for after the birth. Would you like to immediately bond with your baby skin-to-skin? Would you prefer that your partner cut the cord? Does your hospital offer a clear drape so you can see your baby the moment they are born?
Making these decisions ahead of time can help to make the experience more positive for everyone involved!
There are some unique things you should consider bringing to the hospital for your c-section.
In addition to the normal things you’ll want to bring to the hospital (like your own snacks, overnight bag, etc there are a few things that will be helpful to help with surgery recovery and being in the hospital that extra day or two.
- High waisted pjs/pants (to keep your waistband off your incision) or nightgowns without bottoms.
- Extra pillows to stay propped up and as comfortable as possible post-op
- Loose fitting clothes and sandals (even in the winter) because chances are your feet will be extra swollen for a few days
As a c-section mum myself, I’ve learned a couple of tips that will help your recovery process!
Don’t try to do too much too soon! Plan on a solid 6-8 weeks for recovery and
ask friends and family to help as much as possible during that time (I know that can be tough to ask for help, but it’s so important for your recovery, a healthy Mum can look after here baby much better than a struggling unwell mum). Things like household tasks, grocery shopping and cooking dinner are all things someone else should be doing for you while you recover.
Prepare your home! I would recommend getting everything you need for recovery before the baby arrives. This includes big items like a comfy couch or recliner to spend time in and lots of pillows for support, as well as smaller items like padsicles (frozen pads that offer soothing relief) and a peri bottle for post-bath care.
Make sure everything you’ll need for yourself and your baby is within arm’s reach. Lots of baby shops/Ikea sell little caddies that are helpful to keep your bedside table organised with things like diapers, wipes, diaper cream, etc.
Stock your freezer with easy-to-prep meals or pre-cooked meals that you can put in the oven so you don’t have to cook for a while :)
Listen to your body. If something doesn't feel right, or you're in pain, don't hesitate to call your care provider!
Can I still do a newborn session if I’m having a c-section?
After working with a lot of c-section mums, I’ve learned how to take extra precautions with you and your baby during your newborn session! Take your tie with everything. If you are not feeling up to the session let me know and we can chat about new dates. I’ve been there, done that, know the story.
My Experience
So I had an emergency c-section at 33 weeks the first time and then a planned-ish one the second time round at full term. I learned a lot from the first one that helped the second go as smoothly as I could from a mental health and recovery point of view. I had a feeling I might end up with a section again so I listened to Gentle Birth Meditation tracks that were specific to c-sections, those I found really really helped. It helped me keep the nerves at bay and stay in a zone so I wouldn’t end up in panic. A planned section is so different from an emergency one. The theatre is really calm, there is music playing, everyone is chatting and relaxed. All going well you can have skin to skin with your baby once they arrive and in the recovery ward too. It was a much ‘nicer’ experience than the emergency one. So if you’ve had an emergency section and end up with a planned one after, they are a totally different experience.
You can have an empowering birth experience with a c-section! And I hope this blog post showed you that there are plenty of things you can do to make your c-section feel more like "you."
By planning ahead and packing the right items for your hospital stay, you'll be ready to take on recovery like a boss.
And if you have any questions or concerns along the way, never hesitate to reach out to other moms who've been through it before. We're all in this together, mamas!
If you’re looking for a photographer to capture these first moments with the older sibling and new baby - I’m here for you!
Check out some images from my Dublin Newborn Photography Studio, as you prepare for the arrival of you new baby!
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