How to Prepare for Postpartum if you're having a Planned C Section
If you are like me and your c section is planned ahead of time, it means you can plan for your postpartum period.
Here’s a few things I did:
1. With my first birth I was completely clueless and didn’t plan so with my second I planned for care at home — ideally you need someone — friend or family to wait on you hand and foot for the first two weeks.
2. You will need help!! If you can, have a family member other than your partner in the first few days, ideally you want someone who has given birth and understands the raw emotions that comes with postpartum. And now with COVID, if they can quarantine before the baby comes even more awesome.
3. If there are sibling(s), you need to think about who is going to take care of them while you heal and recover? My daughter was five so throughout my pregnancy I was preparing her on what to expect, I bought books that I read to her in preparation. If yours are too young, you’ll definitely need another hand and a few books about becoming a big bro or sis can’t hurt.
4. Get that supply station ready, c section restricts your movement. Make the things you need are close enough at your bedside, sofa or wherever you will spend majority of your time.
5. Stock up on reading materials, I was stuck upstairs my house isolated and in pain. Get a few books on the first year of motherhood to brace yourself for the time ahead.
6. What will you eat — freezing meals a few days before or have family/friend drop off meals especially now during COVID. Otherwise a meal delivery like @hellofresh or @blueapron.
7. Ask your doctor for extra pain medication and stool softener before you leave the hospital. If you don’t get extra pain meds you will want to stock up.
A c section also means more time in hospital. That time is now shorter because of COVID. How much shorter it depends on your recovery and how well you are healing. One thing’s for sure, you’ll have less recovery time at the hospital and more time on your own to figure things out.
Things like:
1. How to get in and out of bed⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
2. What happens when you have 2 or more floors at home⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
3. When can you drive⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4. What’s abnormal
It’s a lot to think about. So, we’re breaking it down for you with new our c section recovery guide ebook. Find out what to expect, what happens during and how you recover — from pre-op to two months postpartum. ⠀