Preparing for a C-Section: 8 Easy Ways To Get Ready

It’s been over 5 years since I had my first unexpected C-section and I really wish I would have known more before having that experience. Luckily when I had my second c-section, scheduled this time, I was a lot more prepared for what to expect during the delivery, the hospital stay, and the recovery. Plus I did a few things to get ready for a c-section that made the whole thing so much smoother and less stressful.

8 Easy Ways to Get Ready for a c-section

Right now I’m getting ready to have another scheduled c-section in a couple of weeks for baby 3. Since I know several of you might be wondering what you can do to get ready for a c-section I thought I would share with you some of the things I like to do to get ready for a c-section.

8 Things to Do Before Having a C-Section

Many of these things are things you would want to do before having a baby even if you’re not having a c-section. But I’m going to share why these are things I like to get done before having a c-section.

Grocery Shop and Meal Prep

No matter how you give birth to your baby you are going to want to stock up on groceries and prep some freezer meals if you can. It’s so nice to be able to stay home as much as possible with your new little one during the first couple of weeks.

When grocery shopping be sure to pick up things for quick and easy meals as well as some quick snacks. Granola bars, fig bars, crackers, and fruit are some of my favorite quick snacks.

Meal prepping doesn’t have to be anything big, just having a few meals you can pop into the oven or crockpot during those first few weeks with the new baby will make life so much easier.

Having a menu with simple meals already planned for a few weeks after the baby made it so much easier to eat at home and know I had everything I needed for the meals.

Simple and quick meals were a lifesaver because I didn’t have to be up for too long and I didn’t have to get up and down multiple times (which is the worst after a c-section!)

Ask for Help

Asking for help is huge when having a c-section. Even if you don’t have any other kids ask for some help with meals, grocery shopping or anything else you might need. Remember depending on the pain meds you take after your c-section you might not be able to drive for a few days.

If you have kids other than the new baby getting help is a must. You will be in the hospital for a longer time than those that have a normal delivery so plan to have someone you trust with the kids for 3 – 4 days.

I have been lucky to have my mom come and stay with my kids while I’m in the hospital and for a couple of weeks after I get home. Having her help allows me to take those first two weeks easy and that has made such a big difference in my recovery.

Get the House Cleaned and Organized

Having a clean and organized house is always nice, it’s especially nice when you’re tired and sore. Knowing things are clean and that the kids and hubs will be able to find the things they need, at least for a few days, is always so nice.

Before heading to the hospital I try to make sure that I have all the laundry done, the bathrooms have been cleaned and everyone has clean sheets. This makes me feel like I’m caught up and even ahead on household chores, it’s a great feeling.

While you’re doing all that cleaning and organizing be sure to get baby’s stuff ready, wash all those clothes, blankets and burp cloths.

I also love to take this time to create a post partum basket for the master bathroom, a nursing basket with little snacks and things I need while nursing and a diaper station for quick and easy diaper changes once we get home.

Get Comfortable Postpartum Clothes

Make sure you have a few comfortable clothes to wear post-partum that won’t bother your incision.

I found that high waisted sweats, leggings, and pajamas were awesome. Dresses and maxi skirts also work well for being comfortable and avoiding your incision.

Ask Questions

When preparing for a c-section one of the most important things you can do is ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or the hospital questions about anything you can think of. Having an idea of what to expect will help you feel so much more confident going in for your c-section delivery.

Preregister with the Hospital

Ok, so I have to laugh at this one because I have been told so many times that it’s important to pre-register so you don’t have to do it at the hospital while having contractions.

I have never gone to the hospital while having contractions. With my first I was induced then had an emergency c-section, my second was a scheduled c-section.

But all that to say that pre-registering is a good idea because let’s be honest it’s always annoying to have to fill out all that paperwork. So you might as well get it done as soon as you can, since you know there will be more paper work when you get to the hospital even though you pre-registered.

Pack Hospital Bags

Packing your hospital bag for c-section is a little bit different than packing for a regular delivery since you will be spending more time in the hospital. I like to pack a bag for mom, a different bag for dad and the diaper bag for baby.

Along with clothes and cosmetics don’t forget to pack your camera, anything you want for photos, and your chargers.

Get a Belly Binder

Ok, so this one should probably be at the top of your list, get a belly binder. You can ask if the hospital will give you one first before purchasing one if you want.

I had no idea about belly binders with my first baby and they didn’t say anything at the hospital. It was so painful to get up and walk around.

After my second baby when the nurse was telling me it was time to get up and walk around. She said she would get me a belly binder than have me walk around.

It was a game-changer. Yes, it still hurts to get up and walk around but the binder keeps everything from moving making it much less painful.

There are a lot of different belly binders you can get on amazon if you want to have one of your own. I used the one from the hospital for the first couple of weeks after having my daughter and my recovery was so much better than with my first baby.

While there are many other things you can and probably will do before having your c-section I hope you found these tips helpful.

Please share this post for other expecting moms to find. Let me know in the comments what else you would add to this list of things to do to get ready for a c-section.