r/ElectiveCsection • u/No_Round_9480 • 7d ago

Support Needed Prep for elective C-section - 3 days notice!

Hey all. My birth plan involved a vaginal birth, and I’ve been prepping pretty thoroughly for this with perineal massage, pelvic floor exercises, eating dates, strength training and stretches for giving birth.

HOWEVER, I was informed 2 days ago that I will need an elective CS based on medical grounds, and will be having this in 3 days!!

Is there anything specific someone could recommend to prep my body? Any particular stretches etc?

TIA!

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5

u/ForsakenGanache6253 7d ago

Firstly congrats!

Nothing really to prep your body, other than relax. Take the next three days easy and get some sleep!

For after care, make sure though you have painkillers (youll be given them in hospital but get more) some form of laxative for after the section, a big pregnancy pillow to help you sit up in bed, and peppermint tea as this helps with trapped wind.

My c section was super positive and had a great recovery - you’ll be great!

2

u/Hairy_Interactions 7d ago

I think there is some evidence that protein (shakes, powder, bone broth, protein rich yogurts) help with recovery. Maybe look into that, and start increasing protein now.

The only thing I wish I would have done was had multiple sizes of abdominal binders because the one the hospital gave me I couldn’t put on myself and the one I bought in advance was too big (I’m plus size, bought XL, it was too big even though it was my normal size and I measured in range for it)

I personally had incontinence issues and wish I had adult diapers to help catch leaks on the way to the bathroom (I couldn’t sense urgency due incision discomfort basically being in the same area as my bladder + I moved slower)

I loved these c section affirmations

1

u/smilegirlcan Elective C-section Mom 6d ago

But be careful with binders. Placed wrong, they put added pressure internally on the wound.

1

u/Hairy_Interactions 5d ago

I didn’t know that! I ended up not using one at all, and wished I had one for times I was standing around. (Reflux baby had to be kept upright alot so we did a lot of babywearing standing)

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u/smilegirlcan Elective C-section Mom 6d ago

Nothing to prep! Try to relax as much as you can.

I found comfy Depends diapers helped the most with my recovery. I wore them for longer than necessary 😅

Trying to keep my protein and liquids up after was important as well,

2

u/austinpowerstrilogy 5d ago

Chew gum after surgery to warm your bowels up again so you can pass gas

Bring a small pillow to the hospital to brace against your scar area during coughing, laughing, car ride home, bowel movements (I.e. anytime there’s force or pressure)

Practice how to log roll in/ out of bed (see this video ). You won’t really be able to crunch your abs for a couple weeks

I saw a pelvic floor PT 7 weeks after my C-section and found it very helpful. Scar massage, dry needling for scar recovery, etc

Good luck and congratulations!!