What I Wish Someone Had Told Me About C-Sections Thrifty Nifty Mommy

Hey everyone, Miranda here. I’ve been writing for Janessa for quite awhile now but haven’t shared much about the births of our five children. I have had 4 c-sections and one v-bac that didn’t go well. So, today, I thought it would be helpful to share with you what I wish someone had told me about c-sections before and after I had my first one.

When I was pregnant our first child, I am sad to admit that I neglected to do much “extended” research about giving birth. Sure, we took the local birthing class. Mike and I toured the hospital and birthing suites. We prepared what the doctor and nurses said to prepare (which wasn’t much). But I never really thought about the “what if things don’t go as planned” as I just took it for granted that I would have an uneventful, ‘typical’ birth. Although I had aspirations to have a home birth after one “great” hospital birth, sadly, it was just not meant to be for me. So, without further ado, I wanted to share what I wish someone had told me about c-sections.

What I Wish Someone Had Told Me About C-Sections

All in all, there are quite a few things I wish I’d been told about c-sections ahead of time. Things happen so quickly once the decision is made to do surgery, your normal thinking process is completely dissolved.

Take That Photo

No matter what kind of delivery you are hoping for, if there’s time, be sure to take that one last pregnancy photo when you arrive at the hospital. It’s something that I don’t have with all of my kids but something I love to look back on for the ones I do. Plus, the kids love these photos as well.

Regrets Are Totally Normal:

Yes, I have so many regrets. I wish they would have had me try pushing in other positions than flat on my back. If I could have done it again, I would have hired a doula; someone who is knowledgable in labor and delivery and could give me tips and things to try. A person “on my team” who would help me fight for a successful delivery would have been so beneficial. But in the end, I do know what REALLY matters is that our baby, Hannah, arrived safely. Because my second delivery, a VBAC, did not go well, I know I am very blessed with our five children here on Earth. (But that is a story for another day that I will share at some point.)

Gentle Cesarian

While none of the hospitals I delivered at offered this, it didn’t stop me from asking. Did you know there is something known as a “gentle cesarian”? If this is a new concept to you, google it! It’s where, once the baby’s head is out, the rest of baby is delivered slowly allowing for the natural squeezing to help with delivery. This allows that extra fluid from the lungs to be expelled and some hospitals and doctors even allow mom to reach down and help guide baby out.

Consider No Visitors That First Day

One very major thing that I highly recommend to all moms who end up with, or plan a c-section is NO visitors on day 1. Remember that major surgery fact? It’s okay to tell everyone that you need a day to recover and bond. If by day 2 you’re up for visitors, by all means, let them come. I have told my husband already that if we ever end up having another, I don’t want a single visitor on day one…. not even out other children.

When I had our last baby, our middle child was so excited to see me that he barreled into my stomach before anyone could stop him. A sharp shooting pain that resulted stayed with me through the rest of the hospital stay. It was awful and truly set me back in the recovery process.

Don’t feel guilty as the older siblings will be just as happy, proud, and excited on day two of baby’s life.

Exception To The Visitor Rule

I LOVED when our pastor came to the hospital. He actually fielded my text at 3am letting him know we were heading in because I went into labor 22 days early. {This was concerning because my hospital typically will only deliver 3 weeks early and I was scared they were going to send me to a bigger hospital several towns over. Thankfully, my doctor felt comfortable delivering us since it was only 1 day before their cut-off.} So our pastor showed up shortly after the text and waited until he could see the three of us before heading back home to bed for a few more hours. But having him come pray with us meant so much and I am forever grateful to have had such a wonderful pastor in our life!

Use A Pillow If You Have To Cough

Laughing and coughing are quite painful on your incision. So if you end up having to do either, quickly grab a pillow and press it tight against your stomach/incision. This will help to lesson any pain and stretching.

Shower ASAP

As soon as your catheter is out, request a shower. You will feel SO much better! Then, I also highly suggest that you bring your own comfy clothes or pajamas to wear instead of a hospital gown. Plus, it’s a lot easier to move around when those visitors do come and you won’t have to worry about flashing anyone.

You Can Dress Baby Too

Another thing that I hadn’t realized and nobody told me with our first is that I could bring clothes, hats, and blankets to dress our little one in at the hospital. No need to use the hospitals’ onesie if you don’t want. So now, I always buy a cute gown and hat for easy hospital diaper changes. Bonus points as baby is always photo ready then too!

What I Wish Someone Had Told Me About C-Sections

This gown actually converted to a romper outfit too by adjusting the snaps. EVERY single nurse that came through our doors had to compliment us on it.

Just Because The Pregnancy Is Over Doesn’t Mean That Hormones Go Away

Remember how emotional you were when you were pregnant? Well, that’s still going to happen after baby arrives! Your hormones will continue to run wild and that’s completely normal. So make sure you give yourself grace as your body adjusts to all the changes.

Your Scar Will Not Always Look So Prominent

After my first cesarian, I was a bit repulsed by how red and prominent my scar looked. Know that over time, it will amazingly heals up really well. After a year or two even, it’s barely even noticeable for many women. Even my doctor was impressed with how light my scar became over time. So as you process the birth, know that your body will continue to heal it over time.