Things You Should Know about Cesarean Births

April is Cesarean awareness month so I’m going to be sharing several posts about c-section deliveries.

As an unplanned c-section mom of 2, I have learned a lot since my first pregnancy and there are a lot of things I wish I would have known before giving birth the first time

10 Things Pregnant Moms Should Know about C-sections #pregnancy #Csections #birth

With my first pregnancy, my birth plan included an unmedicated natural birth but ended up turning into a c-section after 30 hours of induced labor. Read that birth story here.

Today I’m sharing 10 things all pregnant moms should know about a cesarean delivery, even if they aren’t planning on having a c-section.

10 Things Pregnant Moms Should Know About C-Sections

I wasn’t planning on ever having a c-section delivery but now I have had two. Even if it’s not your plan it’s a good idea to have some information, just in case.

Hopefully, you don’t have to use this information personally, it also might help you support friends who have c-section deliveries.

1. You Never Know What is Going to Happen During Birth

I remember being pregnant with my first baby and seeing friends post about having c-sections and thinking “that’s not going to be me!”

At some point during the week of being overdue and 30 hours of induced labor, I realize you have no idea what will happen during a birth until it happens.

Induction and C-section definitely weren’t in my birth plan but, that is what needed to happen so I could have a healthy baby.

2. Learn What Happens During a C-Section

It’s a good idea to have a basic knowledge of what happens during a c-section. This video does a great job giving a visual of what happens during cesarean delivery.

3. Find Out What Options You Have

Incase the unexpected happens it’s smart to ask what options you have if you end up with a c-section.

Find out what options (induction, etc) you can try before deciding to have a C-Section. Also, find out what options you have during and after the procedure.

4. The Difference Between a planned (elective) c-section and an emergency c-section

A planned or elective c-section is when you know that you are going to have a c-section before going into labor. This can be due to health complications or choosing a repeat cesarean delivery.

10 Things pregnant Moms Should Know about C-Sections #csection #birth #pregnancy

An emergency c-section is when you and your health care team decide with short notice that a c-section is the safest way to deliver.

5. It’s Quick

I was really surprised how quick the procedure was with my first c-section.

A cesarean delivery typically takes only about 20 minutes. Stitching everything back up takes a little longer. Overall it’s a relatively short procedure.

6. Breastfeeding After a C-section

Breastfeeding after having a c-section can be a lot more difficult. Getting a comfortable position that doesn’t hurt your incision can be difficult.

With my first baby the football hold was the most comfortable. Baby number two I placed a pillow over the incision and did the cradle hold.

Positioning isn’t the only breastfeeding challenge that you might face; having a c-section can delay your milk coming in as well.

Does that mean if you have a C-section you can’t breastfeed? Of course not, you just might have a few extra challenges to start your breastfeeding journey.

Related Post: Breastfeeding Tip s for New Moms

7. Bleeding

After having a c-section you typically bleed a lot less than with a vaginal birth. They usually clean out a lot before stitching you up during the surgery.

Though a C-section often means less blood you will most likely still bleed for about 6 weeks.

8. Hospital Stay

After having a c-section the hospital stay is usually 3-4 days if there are no complications. This is about double the hospital stay for a normal vaginal delivery.

9. Recovery

During a recovery from a c-section there are a lot more restrictions than after a normal delivery.

A few thing you need to be sure to avoid for the first little bit include: stairs, exercise and lifting anything heavier than your baby.

10. Guilt

Many moms feel guilty after having a c-section. They feel like they somehow failed by not being able to have a vaginal birth. (NOT TRUE!)

By coming to terms with the possibility of having a c-section before giving birth it can help ease that feeling of guilt.

I’m not saying you should plan on having a c-section. Instead, plan and expect to have a vaginal birth but know and understand that if you have a c-section it’s ok! A healthy mom and baby are what is important!

No matter how you give birth, a vaginal delivery or c-section it’s hard! The birth is hard, recovery is hard and let’s be honest being a parent is hard!