c-section recovery

Preparing For C-Section Surgery

   

If you expect to have a C-section it will help you tremendously to start preparing for your C-section surgery.

Here are some C-section preparation tips that will help you feel more relaxed and experience less anxiety when having a Cesarean birth.  

Take The Classes!

Most pregnant moms who don’t expect to have a c-section typically take pre-natal classes to help them prepare, however if you are planning to have a c-section, you may not think that it’s worthwhile to take pre-natal classes, but they are!

There are some great techniques taught in these classes that can help you regardless of whether you’re in active labour or not. Depending on where you live there may even be classes that are geared to planned or elective cesarean section.

Music is Soothing!

There are some great relaxation sounds that you can play on an MP3 player or aloud during preparation for the surgery.  For example, Music for Mother and Child has some great soothing music and other sounds that can be very soothing when a situation is otherwise stressful. It's actually soothing for both your and baby ;-)  I even love listening to these sounds while I work. It keeps me from getting too stressed out and anxiety ridden.

Slow and deep breathing can be helpful in terms of keeping your heart rate and blood pressure at a healthy pace which will help with the baby’s vital signs as well. The relaxation CD or MP3 recordings can also be helpful to you as can relaxation exercises such as deep breathing and visualization.

Knowledge is Power!

One of the most important aspects of dealing with a new situation is being prepared with knowledge of what is going on and what will happen next. If you at least prepare yourself with knowledge about the surgery and what to expect, this can help significantly.

It can be frightening to think about being cut open and not knowing what is going on behind the curtain that is up below your waist. Many women are also afraid they may feel the pain from the incision creating additional anxiety and stress.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the c-section procedure when you go for your hospital registration and research information about preparation and procedures that occur during the surgery. 

When a c-section is planned the hospital staff will often talk to you about the procedure and it will be at a more relaxed pace than during an emergency when every moment counts.

The Benefits of Support!

Involve your spouse or birthing partner in your planning. Talk with your partner and encourage input, ideas and questions. Nowadays most partners are allowed to be present during the c-section procedure so encourage them to be there. Having your spouse or birthing partner in the room during your c-section can be very soothing. Having the support of a loved one adds tremendously to ensuring a treasured experience.

Always Plan Ahead!

When you’re prepared for a planned c-section or even the potential for an emergency c-section, you’ll be much less stressed. Because recovery time is longer than with a vaginal birth you might prepare by having help around the house or adequately preparing your living conditions to be as convenient and simple as possible.

Statistics have shown that women suffer a lesser degree of emotional stress and depression from having a c-section if they are well prepared not only for the c-section procedure but for the recovery as well.

Your baby’s birth comes but once so investing time to research relaxation techniques, gain the necessary knowledge needed, ensure support and do your planning are all the things that go a long way in helping your birth experience be as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

For lots more help, tips and personal advice with making critical decisions regarding your C-Section, Planing, avoiding pain/risks and Recovering quickly including getting your life and your shape back, please see the Worry free C-Section at www.worry-free-c-section.com.

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