5 Things Moms Need to Know About Having a C-Section
By Elisabeth Thomas, GSPR Content Strategist and Founder of Womanhood Unwrapped
I never planned on having a c-section with my first child. I’m a type-A control freak -- which has only marginally improved since becoming a mother.
It all started with a birth plan. I figured that if I have a “plan,” my plan will work out. I’ll have a magical birth that will start at home, where my water will break as it does in the movies. I’ll labor for a few hours, take a warm shower, then meander to the hospital, where my beautiful baby will be born without issue, and we’ll emerge from the experience with fond memories. Ha!
Nothing about my birth experience could have been further from the fairytale. And you know what? I still look back on it with fond memories! So here’s takeaway number one:
Suppose you’re having your first or third child if you’re considering a planned c-section. Perhaps you want to have a vaginal birth and are reading this because you’re scared of having an unplanned c-section (like I was). Maybe you’re wondering what the recovery will be like after having a c-section.
Please know, whatever you choose (or don’t choose in my case), your only objective for your child’s birth should be to end up with a healthy baby and a healthy mama. And that looks different for everyone!
Plan Ahead, But Don’t Get Attached
Being the granola-halfway-hippie girl I am, I REALLY wanted to try and go through labor without an epidural or spinal block. In retrospect, I cannot believe I was even considering this option. My husband put it best when we were in the delivery room, and I was balling my eyes out about the pain and not wanting to “cave” and take pain meds. He held my hand and said, “Babe! If you had a broken leg, would you just refuse the pain meds while they set the bone?” I started laughing through my tears and shaking body that was mid-contraction. “No,” I thought, “I would not refuse!” Jokingly, I said, “load me up!” Best. Decision. I. Ever. Made.
After administering the spinal epidural, my body was actually able to relax and progress regularly throughout the rest of my labor.
SIDE NOTE: This is not a pro-epidural post. Like my sisters, some women go through labor the old-fashioned way, which is cool! Some plan a c-section. Many are forced to have a c-section. Whatever your scenario, I want you to walk away with the message that your story and birth will be unique to you!
No one wins a prize for having a baby at home, in the hospital, via c-section, or not. All have their pros and cons. I go back to the end goal here -- healthy baby, healthy mama. You can make a plan, but please, for the love of yourself, your child, and your partner -- stay flexible.
Recovery From a C-Section Is Still Recovery
I hear many first-time moms talk about having a c-section and recovering from one as if it will be the magic pill that will allow them to bypass the recovery process from birth.
There are some excellent reasons to consider having a c-section:
You’ve had one before -- This was a significant consideration for me with my second pregnancy.
You have a health issue that would make vaginal birth difficult.
Your baby is in a position that is forcing your hand.
These are all special considerations for opting to have a c-section. But if you’re thinking about the possibility of bypassing the pain and recovery of birth with a c-section, maybe reconsider.
Some things were more manageable for me in the recovery process after birth via c-section. For example, I was more comfortable with how my vaginal areas felt, but a c-section is still major surgery. Your recovery is just as critical to your long-term health. But that said, one of the primary benefits I found from my post-c-section experience was that it forced me to slow down.
Relaxation is Required
You will need someone to help you carry heavy items (like the car seat and stroller) for a few weeks.
You will need to wait to work out for longer than with vaginal birth, but in my experience, the wait is worth it! It gives the rest of your body ample time to recover!
You will have a scar. The good news is that there are now many scar treatments and oils that work to minimize or eliminate your c-section scar over time!
The good news is that our bodies are incredible, and even with all the changes you go through during pregnancy, and after birth, I promise you that you are resilient! You will return to the “you” you want to be and have a beautiful baby along for the journey.
Support Your Postpartum Body
One of the best decisions I made after having a c-section was to invest in some of the wonderful recovery products out there that made my healing process and getting my body back that much easier. Getting a postpartum belly wrap or sculpting girdle can help you feel secure and help your c-section incision heal more quickly. Belly Bandit offers some incredible postpartum products just for c-section recovery!
I also experienced a heavy amount of postpartum bleeding, which was unexpected. Fortunately, several companies have come out with either period underwear or leak-proof undergarments that can be extremely effective as you heal!
Lean on Your Loved Ones
Ultimately, you will have a unique birth experience that is yours and yours alone. A c-section might be the best choice for you; if it is, just know many other mamas have gone through it and been there before. Without the support of the moms who came before me, my birthing journey would have been a lot more challenging and uncomfortable.
Even if you feel silly, ask the questions. One of your mom-friends or family members will be over the moon that you asked, ready to support you!
Are you a soon-to-be mom or a baby-focused brand? We’d love to chat.