How to prepare for a C-section: What to expect

If you have been told you will be having a C-section, you might feel a mix of relief, uncertainty, and even a little anxiety. Knowing how to prepare for a C-section can make a world of difference, helping you feel more in control, informed, and ready for the big day.

This guide brings together practical, doctor-backed tips for both your mind and body, along with what to expect on the day and what to pack in your hospital bag. Whether your C-section is planned or unexpected, a little preparation can go a long way in making your experience calmer and smoother.

You will also find useful insights from Juliana Parker, a registered nurse certified in inpatient obstetrics with over 20 years of experience in labor and delivery and founder of Nurse Core Triage, Inc, and Kristin Revere, founder of Gold Coast Doulas, an elite-certified birth doula, a certified VBAC doula, and an elite-certified postpartum and infant care doula service.

How to mentally prepare for a C-section

Preparing your mind for a C-section is just as important as preparing your body. Here are 10 science-backed tips to help you feel calm, confident, and in control:

1. Understand the process

Juliana Parker says, “Understanding what to expect helps reduce fear of the unknown. Even on the day of the procedure, you can ask your nurse to walk you through the process step-by-step.”

Knowing what to expect, especially about anesthesia, risk factors, and recovery, can ease anxiety and help you feel more prepared. 

2. Let go of rigid birth expectations

Birth rarely goes exactly as planned. Hence, letting go of your birth expectations and embracing flexibility can reduce stress and disappointment.

3. Create a simple birth plan

Even for a C-section, a birth plan can reduce anxiety and help you feel more in control. 

Juliana suggests, “It can include preferences such as communication style during surgery, who is present in the room, music, skin-to-skin contact, feeding preferences, and support in recovery.”

4. Talk to your doctor openly

Do not hesitate to ask your doctor about the procedure, postpartum period recovery, and risks so you feel informed and reassured.

5. Address fears early

Whatever concerns you have, it helps to talk about them with your partner or healthcare team including a nurse, doula, or a therapist, instead of letting anxiety build up.

6. Practice relaxation techniques

Breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle visualization can help manage pre-surgery nerves and promote relaxation. 

Kristin Revere recommends, “HypnoBirthing techniques. It is great prep for all types of birth, including cesarean births. The relaxation techniques can calm anxiety, and it is also great for partner involvement and breastfeeding.”

7. Build a support system

Social support reduces cortisol levels and promotes oxytocin release, which can help you stay calm. Lean on your partner, family, or friends to help you make the experience feel less overwhelming.

8. Focus on postpartum recovery, not just birth

Hormonal shifts after birth can affect your mood. Understanding this in advance can help you prepare emotionally and set realistic expectations for the days ahead.

9. Limit overwhelming information

Stick to reliable sources instead of going down online rabbit holes that increase overwhelm and anxiety.

10. Remind yourself of the goal

At the end of it all, the goal is a safe cesarean delivery for both you and your baby. Reminding yourself of it and repeating affirmations like “I am strong” or “I trust my body” can rewire your brain to focus on strength and resilience.

How to prepare physically for a C-section

Your body preps for surgery in remarkable ways. According to the National Library of Medicine, blood volume increases by up to 50% to support you and your baby, while your immune system ramps up to handle potential infections.

Here are 10 science-backed tips to get your body in its best shape for surgery:

1. Follow pre-surgery instructions carefully

Your doctor may advise fasting or specific hygiene steps before the procedure.

2. Stay active

Kristin Revere recommends: Prenatal yoga for core strength and calming the mind, prenatal barre classes or swimming, and pelvic floor physical therapy before a cesarean birth and during recovery.

However, it is advisable to do any form of exercise only if approved by your physician.

3. Eat nourishing meals

Focus on iron-rich and protein-rich foods to support healing post-surgery. Iron helps prevent anemia, while protein aids in tissue repair. Include leafy greens, lean meats, and whole grains in your diet.

4. Stay hydrated

Proper hydration improves blood volume and circulation, which are crucial for recovery. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.

5. Stock up on essentials

Keep postpartum supplies, medications, baby essentials, or pre-cooked or easy meals ready at home.

6. Prepare your home for recovery

Set up a comfortable recovery space, preferably where climbing steps are not required. Also keep snacks, pain relief meds, and baby essentials like diapers and outfits for newborn within easy reach, near your bed.

7. Arrange help for postpartum days

You will need support with household tasks and baby care initially. Identify your support team, be it a postpartum doula, your partner, a friend, or a family member. 

8. Practice postpartum recovery positions

Though your care team will educate you on the basics, it helps to learn how to move and rest to avoid strain on your incision. For example, use pillows to support your body while breastfeeding or resting.

9. Learn about scar care

Understanding how to care for your incision can promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. Wearing loose, high-waisted clothing will feel better on your incision site, give it room to breathe and heal better.

10. Sleep and rest well before delivery

Sleep supports immune function and stress management. Prioritize rest to help your body prepare for the physical demands of surgery and recovery.

What to expect during C-section

When you know what happens on the day of the C-section surgery, it can take away a lot of the fear of the unknown and help you relax.

1. Before the surgery

You’ll be admitted to the hospital, where the team will guide you through prep steps like changing, monitoring, IV placement, and getting your anesthesia (usually a spinal or epidural). It might feel like a lot is happening at once, but you’ll have a team explaining each step and making sure you’re comfortable.

2. During the procedure

As you will be administered regional anesthesia, you’ll be awake but numb from the chest down, so you won’t feel pain. Rest assured, you will be continuously monitored by your anesthesiologist during the cesarean surgery. 

You might feel your baby is delivered sooner than expected, sometimes within 10-15 minutes, and many parents describe it as both surreal and incredibly emotional.

3. After birth

Depending on your hospital and how you’re both doing, you may get a few precious moments of skin-to-skin contact with your baby right away. Even if there’s a brief pause for routine checks, your baby is never far, and those first connections will happen soon.

4. Recovery room

After surgery, you’ll be moved to recovery where your care team will monitor your vital signs as the anesthesia wears off. This is also when early skin-to-skin and feeding can begin. 

However, sometimes breastfeeding doesn’t happen right away as it depends on mom and baby, both being stable. You will get space to bond with your baby and begin your recovery journey.

Creating a simple C-section birth plan

Most birth plans include:

• Who will be present: Think about who you want by your side for reassurance and support during the birth. It can be your partner, your friend, or a family member.
• Skin-to-skin preferences: You can request early skin-to-skin contact if it’s medically possible, which can be a beautiful way to begin bonding.
• Feeding preferences: Whether you plan to breastfeed or formula feed, sharing your preference helps the care team support you from the start.
• Music or calming elements: Some hospitals allow music or small personal touches that can make the environment feel more relaxed and familiar.
• Support requests: Among other things, you can also request delayed cord-clamping after the birth, as suggested by Kristin Revere.

What to pack for your C-section hospital bag

Packing your hospital bag ahead of time can reduce last-minute stress and help you feel more in control. Recovery from a C-section usually requires a slightly longer hospital stay, hence you may want to include a few extra items in your postpartum recovery kit.

Helpful items for C-section recovery:

Final thoughts

This guide on how to prepare for a c-section informs you, supports you, and makes you feel ready for both the birth and recovery that follows. By taking proactive steps like staying active, eating and drinking healthy, and identifying your support team, you feel calm, confident, and in control. 

Trust in your strength, lean on your support system, and take it one step at a time. You’ve got this!

You may also like:

• Cradlewise supported me as I recovered from a C-section.
• Rediscovering intimacy and sex after birth: A guide for new parents.
• Finding your rhythm: How long should a newborn breastfeed at each session?

Sources:

1. How to prepare physically for a C-section. National Library of Medicine. 1985. Blood volume changes in normal pregnancy.