How To Prepare For a Caesarean Section

If you are planning a caesarean section, you might be wondering how to best prepare yourself. There are so many ways you can prepare yourself for the big day, as well as for your postpartum journey. Here is a guide to get you started.

Be educated

Being educated and informed about what’s involved in your birth and recovery postpartum can help you prepare both physically and mentally. Ask as many questions as you can and feel like you need to. Topics you might ask more information about include: 

• The procedure and protocols

• Pros/cons, risks/benefits

• Your hospital stay: how long you are staying, what your care will look like 

• Expected recovery time 

• What your recovery might look like 

Discuss your birth options and preferences with your medical team

This includes any preferences you have for:

• Your environment (music etc)

• Who is present (doula, partner, photographer etc)

• Before the procedure

• During the delivery 

• For you and your baby once baby is earth side

• Maternal assisted caesarean section (if offered by your medical team)

You might want to write your preferences down in a document to print and bring them in with you. This is handy so that everyone involved in your care knows what your preferences are! 

Visit a pelvic health physio

Your body goes through so many changes during pregnancy. Regardless of type of birth, your pelvic floor still experiences a lot of downward pressure during your pregnancy. In short: yes, it’s still important to have your pelvic floor assessed to ensure it functions well if you are planning a caesarean section.

A pelvic health physio can help you with:

• Abdominal wall function and strength 

• Pelvic floor function and strength 

• Pelvic health conditions e.g. incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse 

• Pregnancy related conditions e.g. pelvic girdle pain

• Any other niggles or injuries you experience along the way e.g. back pain, rib pain 

• Guidance on exercising safely during pregnancy

Prepare for the fourth trimester 

Your fourth trimester is often forgotten about when preparing for birth. It is so important to plan not only for the birth and days after, but also the weeks and months after! This might include:

• Prepare meals for postpartum/organise a meal train 

• Gather your village of friends, family and services/professionals to help 

• Delivery services and friends/family to help with transport if  you are unable to drive 

• Comfortable clothing and underwear (that doesn’t rub on your scar!)

• Compression wear for swelling and abdominal recovery 

It’s also handy to have a list of trusted professionals to call on in case you need them, in case you need them, such as:

• Yours and your baby’s medical team 

• GP

• Psychologist

• Doula 

• Pelvic Health Physiotherapist 

• Dietitian

• Lactation consultant 

• Sleep consultant 

Book in for a course 

Yes, you can book in for a specific birth preparation course to help you and your partner prepare for your caesarean section!

There are a number of courses both in person and online available, and it’s important to understand what’s included in each course to see whether it’s the right option for you. I highly recommend getting your support partner involved as they’ll be the one there with you on the day. 

Reach out if you’d like to know more about planning and preparing for a caesarean section delivery.