S2, Episode 7: Why You Should Prepare for a Cesarean
In this episode, Carley and I discuss
What does our society get wrong about cesareans?
People say “at least you’re healthy,” which can be invalidating and dismissive
Instead of minimizing the trauma, people should create space for all of the feelings
Society acts like cesarean births are “taking the easy way out,” when it is a major surgery
America sends the message that birthing people can easily “bounce back” instead of offering physical therapy
What do you wish people had told you about having a surgical birth?
“I wish someone had told me, ‘Just so you know, a cesarean birth is still a possibility’”
How can people, regardless of their birth plan, prepare for a cesarean?
Discuss with your OB your preferences and know what you would want - this can include a gentle cesarean, immediate skin-to-skin and nursing, or other preferences; you can also ask how your OB closes incisions
Buy products like gas medication, socks with grips, high-waisted underwear, and loose clothing
What is a gentle cesarean?
You can use a clear drape to see your baby being born
Skin-to-skin can be initiated in the operating room
Nursing can be initiated in the operating room
You can choose your medication(s)
You can have one or both arms free
You can request that nurses and doctors only speaking about birth
You can request certain music be played
What is the recovery process after having a surgical birth?
Stay ahead of pain medication
Stay ahead of gas pain with medication / probiotics
You will have compression pads on your legs in the hospital
You will still have postpartum bleeding
Your pelvic floor will still be impacted, and painful sex is still a possibility (and if you have painful sex, you should call a pelvic floor therapist)
You can have desensitization on your scar
You will also need to work on your scar tissue and massage the fascia
What resources are most impactful after having a baby?
Having someone help with the day-to-day, like laundry or making meals
A lactation consultant can help navigate the effect of medication and surgery on your milk supply; an LC can educate about positions that are easier with your incision
Pelvic floor therapy can help with healing
Request that your doctor or someone from their office calls you or checks in before a six-week appointment
How can people connect with Hello Postpartum?
Enjoy the episode!
Carley Schweet is an author and founder of Hello Postpartum.
After giving birth to her son via c-section, she founded Hello Postpartum to provide free resources to new moms
