Having a c-section can come with a lot of mixed feelings. I unexpectedly found out I was having a scheduled c-section at 36 weeks pregnant due to my baby being breech. I had so many feelings around my cesarean birth including fear, disappointment, and anxiety. There are some things I wish I knew more about before going into my surgery that would have better prepared me.
If you are planning to have a scheduled c-section, I hope my personal experience in this blog post gives you some insight and helps prepare you.
If you are having mixed feelings about having a c-section that is completely normal and was the case for me. Although I was excited to meet my baby regardless of the way she entered into the world, I very much wanted a natural birth and felt disappointment that I was not able to experience the birth I prepared for throughout my pregnancy.
I am beyond thankful for the medicine and for the doctors that are able to perform c-sections. C-sections are often looked at or considered a routine procedure because they are common, but they are a major surgery that requires a lot of recovery.
Prep/night before
This is a no-brainer, but sleep is so important the night before. It’s easier said than done because you’ll be so excited to meet your baby in less than 24 hours, but trust me, you are going to wish you good rest before your surgery and caring for your newborn baby.
The night before my c-section I was up until midnight because I could not sleep and was filled with so many emotions. I was also trying to eat in those last few hours. I was restricted from eating 8 hours prior to the c-section which is protocol for most, if not all, c-sections. This was a concern for me, as I’m a big breakfast girlie. There I was up at 11:30pm eating a yogurt cup, running on adrenaline and last minute packing. Looking back, I would have just had a hearty evening meal and got the extra sleep.
C-section Hospitial Bag Checklist: For Mom & Baby
My experience/procedure
After checking into the hospital, I was first placed in the recovery room where I filled out paperwork, consent forms, and got dressed in the hospital gown to prepare for the c-section. This is when I met the doctors that were in the operating room, including the anesthesiologist, pediatrician, nurses, and my OB.
After the paperwork and prep, there was a brief moment when I was alone in the operating room. The OR has to be a very sterile and bright environment for operation. It’s not a warm or inviting atmosphere. This was very unsettling for me, but I did not have to wait very long until they allowed my husband to come into the room.
This is when the anesthesiologist will prep and administer the spinal block. They will ask you to communicate where you feel the numbing sensation in the legs. I did jump a few times because of the nerves, but it was over quickly. I promise it’s not as bad as you probably think. They assessed how the anesthesia was working and ensured that I was fully numb. There will be a curtain perpendicular to your chest. This is just a precaution so that your arms stay above the operating area.
Once they began operating, it was only about 8 to10 minutes later that we met our baby girl. There was mostly no pain during the c-section, only a lot of pressure. I felt a tugging sensation which made me cringe but was not painful. There was a brief moment where I could feel a slight pain located somewhere higher up. I was able to communicate that to my anesthesiologist, and he adjusted the medication levels. After the baby was out, hearing her first cry was the most amazing sound and such a surreal moment. I would do it 100x over for her.
Immediately after the baby arrived, my doctor held her over the curtain, and I was able to see her for the first time. This was the most emotional moment I’ve ever experienced and truly amazing. I look back at my c-section with such fond memories. They took her to the pediatrician table directly across from me in my line of sight and dad was able to walk over with her.
My husband was able to briefly hold our baby by my face while I was being stitched up and after, she went with dad to the recovery room where I met them 30 minutes after. If you are feeling like you are missing out on that skin to skin, I was there too. I felt like I was missing out on bonding with my baby early on but it was not long at all until I was stitched up and able to go to the recovery room with her.
Recovery
I was in the recovery room for about 2 hours after the c-section. This is where they monitored you and baby. At this point there are a lot of nurses and health care professionals in and out.
I was fortunate to have a breastfeeding consultant come and assist me in those early moments. Trying to breastfeed for the first time was a difficult and awkward process. It was very challenging to get positioned comfortably right after my c-section and I felt like I needed to do it all by myself to be a good mom. If this is how you feel, please don’t. Ask your husband and nurses for help positioning. That is what they are there for. I have an additional post for the best breastfeeding positions after a c-section birth. Here
After the medical staff did their checks they moved me to a regular room where we stayed for 2 nights. After the anesthesia wears off, the pain and soreness slowly gets stronger, but your nurses will monitor your pain levels.
The Catheter
I honestly did not think about the catheter until my nurse asked me when I was going to be ready to stand, and she told me I had to get the catheter out first. Removing the catheter was a weird feeling with a burning sensation. It’s like ripping a bandaid off—quick but a little painful.
Standing for the First Time
Standing for the first time in the hospital after my c-section was one of the hardest parts. Even though I was ready to get out of the hospital bed, it was still so scary. The abdominal muscles felt so weak, but I knew I had the support I needed. My husband and nurse were right beside me to assist me if needed, and my nurse was guiding me through my movements.
Once I was at the edge of the bed, I held a pillow to my abdomen for support while standing. It was a very slow process. I felt a lot of pressure and tightness in my abdomen. Once I stood up, I was able to make it a few steps to the restroom and back. I felt so accomplished; the small steps felt like huge steps, and they were. Everyone’s pain levels and situation after a c-section are different, and even just sitting at the edge of the bed unsupported is work for the abdomen.
You Got This!
A c-section might not have been how you pictured your birth going, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less strong or beautiful. C-section mommas are incredibly strong, and preparing ahead of time or just having some insight can make a difference in how you feel mentally and physically.
Give yourself permission to rest and give yourself time to recover by taking things slow and asking for help when needed.One day at a time, you got this, momma. I believe in you!
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