How to Prepare for a C-Section: A Mom’s Guide to a Smooth Recovery in Houston, Texas - newborn Photographer
How to Prepare for a C-Section: From Packing Tips to Recovery Hacks Every Mom Should Know
People always ask, “How do I prepare for a C-section?” Whether your surgery is planned or unexpected, knowing what to expect can make the experience far less overwhelming. A C-section, or cesarean delivery, is a major surgery, but with the right preparation, you can feel confident and ready to welcome your baby or in our case, babies.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from packing your hospital bag to setting up your home for recovery. With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a smooth and stress-free C-section journey.
When my husband and I were expecting our twins, the topic of delivery dominated our conversations as we approached our due date. I vividly remember photographing a client, years prior, who delivered one twin vaginally and needed a C-section for the other. That possibility stayed with me, and I knew a C-section would likely be the best option for our babies and myself.
As a planner by nature, I felt overwhelmed by the uncertainty of what to expect and how to prepare for such a major surgery. Looking back on our journey, I hope sharing my experience helps any mom navigating a similar situation feel more prepared and confident.
1. Understanding the Procedure
Steps of a C-section: from pre-op preparation to delivery and post-op recovery.
Pre-Op and what happens before the surgery:
You’ll be assigned a room that where you will change clothes and get mentally prepared for what is to come. My husband and mom were with me, which made be feel so much more at ease. My mom encouraged me to take one last photo of my pregnant belly before the twin were born. I was hesitant because I felt SO huge and thought “who would want to see THIS?! The answer was me. I love that photo and I look at it with honor and pride at what my body was able to do! Soooo, take one last photo! This is the room that you will be given an IV as well.
I was assigned a nurse, more like an angel, who took me into the pre-op room to receive my epidural. She held me, as though she was my sister during the procedure and I was so grateful she was there! She stayed with me throughout the entire process and brought me back into recovery.
Question for your doctor: Which type of anesthesia will I receive? This is great a question for you to add to your list to ask your doctor! Ask what type of anesthesia you’ll receive and why. I was given an epidural before my c-section and a nerve block afterwards to help with the pain after surgery. It was a lifesaver so ask your doctor if they will give a nerve block afterwards to help with recovery pain. I was concerned that I would feel any pain during the procedure but the team of doctors made sure I was completely numb before proceeding.
What happens in the operating room: who will be there, what you might feel, and when you’ll see your baby.
Question for your doctor: Who can be with me in the OR for my C-Section? Every hospital has different regulations so ask your doctor who you can bring into the operating room. Different hospitals also have different rules for photography as well. At the time of our delivery of our twins, Texas Children’s Women’s Pavilion did not allow video but did allow photos to be taken in the O.R. They allowed only my husband into the O.R. but we could have guests visit us in our recovery room just after the twins were born.
Question for your doctor: Can I have music playing during my C-Section? Music can have a powerful impact on our emotions, and it can help create a calm and soothing environment for you during labor. You can bring your own playlist, a sound machine, or even your own voice to help you relax and focus during labor. You’ll never forget the song that was playing when you bring your baby into this world! The song that was playing when my twins were born was the same song that was played when I walked down the aisle at our wedding! Grab our favorite mini speaker here and pack it in your hospital bag now!
I felt lots of tugging and pressure during the procedure but no pain what so ever. The nurses are surrounding you, checking your vitals and making sure everything is running smoothly.
Your baby is born quickly! It usually takes 5-10 minutes from the time of the incision to the birth of your baby. Baby will be assessed by a pediatric team and, if stable, brought to you for skin to skin contact.
Warning…if your partner is a little squeamish around blood, you might want to talk to them about looking at everything! My husband almost passed out during delivery and the nurses had to escort him out to the O.R.!
Post-Delivery
Question for your doctor: What will my incision be closed with? The medical team will close your incision with stitches or staples, which takes about 30-45 minutes. If your doctor administers a spinal block, now would be the time they would do that.
Questions for your doctor: Can I have skin to skin contact with my baby while still on the operating table? Will I be able to breastfeed immediately? Baby will be assessed by a pediatric team and, if stable, brought to you for skin to skin contact. My twins were placed on my chest right after birth for skin to skin contact and they even latched one baby as the other was being cleaned up and assessed.
Recovery Room:
You’ll be returned to the room in which you began your journey and will be monitored closely for pain, bleeding, and vital signs.
Breastfeeding support is available if you plan to nurse and visitors will be welcome at this time. Once you are moved into the room you will continue your hospital stay in, lactation consultants will check on you regularly. Take them up on any help they offer and let them know you are wanting to be successful in breastfeeding. I had some LCs that were pivotal in days following the birth of my twins. Pro tip: look into Kellymom.com and read the article “Breastfeeding your newborn — what to expect in the early weeks” for a better understanding of the first days of breastfeeding. Also, watching videos of babies latching on Youtube was extremely helpful for me to understand the positioning of everything.
You’ll be transported into a regular room once you and your baby are medically cleared. One step closer to bringing your baby home! Pro Tip from a labor and delivery nurse: Leave your car seat in your car until just before you are discharged.
2. Packing Your Hospital Bag
Essentials for a C-section recovery:
High-waisted underwear and loose clothing that don’t put pressure on your incision is essential. Here is our top recommendation from Amazon. I bought a size up to make sure everything wasn’t too tight.
Bring your own peri bottle and use warm water. This one works so much better than the one the hospital gives you.
Nursing bras or tops for breastfeeding. This is the one that I used and loved on Amazon. I also loved this one for pumping.
Personal care items (e.g., toiletries, lip balm, dry shampoo). Here’s my favorite dry shampoo brand on Amazon.
Belly band or abdominal binder for support was a must. After I used the one that I was sent home from the hospital wearing I switched to this one with more support.
Entertainment items like books or an iPad. Don’t forget a 10 foot cord to charge your devices! I got this one on Amazon.
Pillow for your lap for coughing AND for the car ride home. I placed this pillow in between my stomach and seat belt.
Button up PJs for comfort and accessibility for breastfeeding. I loved these on Amazon.
Order Scar Cream for later. I used this cream for after my incision healed to help heal my scar.
4. Prepare Your Home for Recovery
Set up a comfortable recovery space with easy access to essentials. I had an extremely tall bed and had my husband lower it for my recovery. I made sure that I had clear paths to everywhere I would be walking, especially with babies.
Stock up on postpartum supplies: pads in the bathroom, pain relief, and nutritious snacks.
I prepped food before hand to be able to eat something easy, nutritious and healthy. Friends also set up a meal train for my husband and I for after we came home and it was such a blessing!
Arrange help with household chores or childcare for older kids. Assigning these chores will help to ensure everything will be covered and above all, don’t hesitate to ask family or friends for help!
5. Plan for Emotional Well-Being
Address the emotional aspect of a C-section: it’s still a valid and beautiful way to birth your baby. It’s not uncommon to have feelings of disappointment or guilt related to a C-section. Often it’s beyond our control or choice and don’t hesitate to reach out to someone to talk about those emotions that you may be working through.
Prepare for hormonal changes and potential feelings of surprising emotions. Your body has been through so much and the hormonal changes that come with birthing a baby are enormous. Know that they could come and how to recognize them as your body tries to rebalance its new normal.
Include self-care tips, like journaling or connecting with a support group. Facebook is so helpful for connecting with moms who are going through what you have been through. There’s a group for everything so try to find one with likeminded people that will support you.
If you’re nursing or pumping I found Kellymom.com SO extremely helpful for all things breastfeeding.
6. What to Expect During Recovery
Recovering from a C-section takes time and care.
Healing Timeline:
First 48 Hours: Pain management, light activity, and rest. Get moving as soon as you can. The more you move around, the faster you’ll feel better. I made a massive mistake of not calling a nurse soon enough to go to the bathroom. My bladder filled and began to push on my incision. I was in tremendous pain. Learn from my mistake and don’t wait to call for help!
2-6 Weeks: Mobility improves; follow-up for incision checks. By day 6 I was able to stop taking all pain medication and was able to help with my newborn shoot on day 10.
6-12 Weeks: Return to light activities with your doctor’s approval. One surprising recovery that I did not anticipate was the weeks of bleeding that I had with a C-section. I don’t know why but I didn’t expect so much to take so long to heal!
Recovery Tips:
Take prescribed pain meds, wear supportive clothing, and walk gently to avoid blood clots. Staying hydrated was essential especially with breastfeeding and caring for newborns.
Avoid heavy lifting (anything heavier than your baby) for 6 weeks. I didn’t take this one lightly and stayed on the cautious side to allow everything to heal properly.
7. Celebrate the Journey
Regardless of how your baby enters into this world the joy of welcoming a baby will overshadow any hardships that may come along with the birth of your baby.
Give yourself grace during this healing process. You have just created life and now it’s time to honor your body for the good that it has done. Love yourself, take care of yourself so you can be the best mom possible for your new baby.
Final Thoughts
C-section recovery is a special journey that requires patience, care, and support. While the process may feel challenging at times, each day brings progress and healing. Whether your C-section was planned or unexpected, it’s a testament to your strength and love as a mother.
Take the time you need to heal, lean on your support system, and celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. You’ve got this!
***If you’re looking for a professional newborn photographer in Houston, Texas, I would love to help you capture these precious first moments with your baby. Contact us today to book your session!
