Preparing for Scheduled C-Section: 10 Tips for a Smooth Experience

I’m sharing a few ways to prepare for a scheduled c-section to calm those nerves!

Oliver had quite the dramatic entrance in to this world with an emergency c-section. When I was far along in my pregnancy with Elliott, we made the decision for a scheduled c-section and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Although on the morning (like 3am morning) of July 10th, Mr. Elliott had plans to come whether it was c-section or not! I have my full birth story here, but yes, my water broke at 3am and this boy was ready to go!

So if you’re on the fence or you know you’re planning a repeat c-section, I’m sharing a few ways you can prepare and keep your mind at ease!

The Week Before Scheduled C-Section

At this point in your pregnancy, you’re really just ready for that little babe to come earth side. It’s been a long 9 months with a lot of heartburn and a lot of sweating.

Pack your Bag

I would like to consider myself an OOP – Obsessive Over Packer. Is that a thing?!

If it wasn’t for my husband who brings me back down to earth, I would pack my entire closet if I could! I mean, you really need three pairs of shoes for your hospital stay, right?!

No. You don’t. But you can check out my Minimalist Hospital Bag Checklist for some great ideas on what to pack to keep it simple!

Arrange Child Care

The second, third or fourth time around is somewhat the same, but either way, you have other children at home that need caring for.

We made arrangements with both sides of the family to come and care for Oliver during my scheduled C-section. It was great to have plans set for him so I know he was taken care of while I was in the hospital.

Spoil Yourself

Elliott was born early July, and you bet your butt I was sending myself for a nice manicure and pedicure. It took about three seconds for my feet to swell up in the heat, so a pedicure felt amazing.

Make arrangements for a haircut and/or color. It might take you a few weeks longer than planned to get back in to the salon.

The Night Before Surgery

What to do the night before scheduled c-section to calm those nerves!

Preparing

I am not a medical professional, this is the procedure that was given to me for my repeat c-section.

I was given soap to wash my abdomen for the evening before my surgery and then the morning of.

Rest & Relaxation

There is a cut off time for eating and drinking the night before your surgery. My family was staying with us so we opted for a nice dinner out.

I may have sweat my way through dinner, but it kept my mind off the c-section in the morning. Once we got home, it felt great to shower and grab my comfy pajamas to relax on the couch.

One of the sweetest memories I have is snuggling with my Mom, she placed her hand on my belly and said “We’re ready for you Elliott”

I really wanted to spend my last few hours with Oliver before he went to bed as a single kid and woke up a brother. It was bittersweet to give him a goodnight kiss, but I’ll cherish the moment.

Morning of Schedule C-Section

For more of a traditional aspect on preparing for a scheduled c-section, take a look at this article from Mayo Clinic.

My water broke with Elliott at 3am and my planned c-section wasn’t scheduled until 9am. Needless to say, it was going to be a long morning.

I grabbed my bag (while having one of Oliver’s diapers between my legs) and waddled out of the house. Good thing it was before the sun came up or else my neighbors would be giving me awkward looks!

Distraction

Distraction was key to keep my mind off of what was about to happen.

Technology helps in many ways. Candy Crush the hell through those contractions!

I always like to think there’s a sign for everything. It was only perfect that my childhood television show, I Love Lucy, came on while I was breathing through contractions.

Another few ideas for distraction; crossword puzzles (my favorite), chatting with spouse, reading a magazine.

Patience

My nurses were amazing. They came in to check on me and baby, kept my mind off what was going on and what was about to happen.

Good conversation goes a long way!

Dan was in the room with me, and while we were both excited, it was a long morning for him. The hospital AC was pumping so I sent him to the car for our bags and a blanket. He also opted to eat breakfast in the lobby while I wasn’t looking 😛

Procedure

I’m not going to go through the details because if you’re here, then you’ve done it before. I will say that my nerves were just as high the second time around. I mean, it IS a major surgery.

It’s so important to have a support system and I was lucky enough to have amazing doctors. Between everyone standing in the OR room, the conversation was flowing and it helped me relax.

I’m very certain there was an anesthesia high and I was asking my doctors for a tummy tuck afterwards. A girl can try right?!

For more information regarding the surgery process, head to Parents.com

Postpartum Recovery

Everyone has their own journey with recovery, but I want to share what I found worked best for me and my body.

Ask for Help

This one is huge, and I mean this whole heartedly. Just Say Yes. Let friends and family help you.

Accepting the help will not take away your bonding time with baby. It will let others feel needed and take care of things that need attention.

Get Moving

My first son was an emergency c-section, so that sort of knocked me on my ass.

I didn’t know what to do or how to do it, all I know is that my abdomen was sliced open.

When Elliott came along, I was up and moving around within the first week. I had my husband telling me to sit down and don’t move!

While you don’t want to over do it, keep your body moving and the recovery will go much quicker!

A few items I found most helpful for postpartum: Earth Mama Organics, the Best Underwear Ever, and my favorite Nursing Tanks.

At the end of the day, it’s important to have a great support system and an amazing team of nurses. I hope these tips can be a great resource for helping you prepare for your scheduled c-section!