C-section tips please

C section itself isn’t bad and only takes 10-15min, they took my baby out within 3min and once she was out it all went so quick it was over before I knew it…..Recovery so really hard for me, but apparently it isn’t as bad if you’re having elective section 🤷🏻‍♀️ they will give you strong meds yo manage the pain so make sure to take them (all of them) also my no 1 tip if travelling in car in first couple weeks, take a pillow with you and press it against your belly… it helps with pain when going over bumps, holes 🕳️ otherwise all your intestines will be doing flips 🙈 good luck 😉

Also make sure to ask your doctors to play your playlist if you want, or they will ask if you want radio on, this helps to ease your anxiety

Have you heard about spinning babies? https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/baby-position/breech/flip-a-breech/

Start buying paracetamol and ibruprofen leading up to it so you have a few packs in to help with pain when your home. Make sure things are accessible at home / with in reach I struggled to reach the toilet roll on the holder so had to leave it on the bath. Buy a very sensitive shower gel and I brought something called califig off Amazon to help keep my stool soft afterwards. Freeze a few meals or book a food delivery so it’s one less thing to worry about .

I had an emergency c section so no time to prepare for it or the recovery. My recovery was fine though. I took the pain meds even if I didn’t need them and got up and was walking the next day which I think helped. Just listen to your body. We are all different so will all have different experiences. I’m sure you will be fine though

@Kat yes thank you. I’ve been trying to spin this baby since 28 weeks but no luck. I’ve done inversions, Moxibustion, crawling, movements on the birthing ball… I feel like it’s not meant to be now although part of me feels I should keep trying for 2 weeks…

Look at C-Section UK on Instagram so many useful tips! Had a planned with my first and will be having the same with no.2 - take the laxatives and pain meds even if you don’t feel you 100% need them. Listen to your body. Walk little and often. Peppermint tea and peppermint chewing gum. Plenty of fibre rich food for the first couple of weeks. And have a little pillow or something to hold over your incision if laughing/using the loo etc

I had an emergency c-section and I wish I’ve done more research. The more you move the quicker you’ll feel better - but don’t over do it. Your feet will retain liquid for a few days, if it makes you feel uncomfortable cold compresses help loads with the swelling. An ice pack will also help you after using blood thinning injections. Keep on top of your painkillers, specially the first couple weeks. Don’t be afraid to ask for stronger meds if you feel like you need it. Take peppermint tea for trapped gas and lactulose for toilet trips. After your dressing gets removed make sure you dry and air out the scar every time you shower so it doesn’t get infected. Not sure if it’s available in all NHS trusts or what the criteria is but a PICO dressing helped my scar to heal nicely. Recovery is long but worth it. Good luck! X

@Michelle can you share the link to PiCO dressing please ? I was checking on amazon, is so expensive :((

There's a c-section pillow on Amazon that wraps around the seat belt(life saver) The ice packs & derm spray felt great on my incision Bring gum & chew immediately after surgery Bring gas medicine(the trapped gas from surgery was the worst pain) Drink a ton of water before and after I recommend a dress or gown to go home in(i could barely lift my legs at first) Take walks around the hall with your baby, walking helps you heal faster and helps with the gas

I had a really positive experience of my planned c sections. The first few days after are quite painful (to move around, to get up for the bathroom etc.) but after about 5 days you’ll be feeling better than you do right now! Of course you’ll need to be careful for a while with lifting your first child but I personally think the 6 week recovery is overkill. I probably shouldn’t but I’ve been carefully picking up my 18mo at 9 days pp. My Tips are 🩶 rest as much as possible 🩶 take your pain meds. And even when you don’t think you need pain relief keep going with ibuprofen/ anti inflammatories. 🩶 have an ice pack on hand to help with scar swelling after surgery

@Nastia another alternative would be the Allevyn dressings! They’re from the same manufacturer but cheaper than PICO x