Bridgend Maternity Photographer shares everything you wanted to know about a Caesarean section birth, but were too afraid to ask!
Adele Morris Photography Maternity Photographer Port Talbot, Bridgend, Swansea, Neath, Cardiff, South Wales.
If you’re preparing for a c-section for the first time, or it’s been some time since you gave birth via Caesarean section, you may be concerned about remembering important details or forgetting to pack the essentials.
In addition to taking care of your own needs, you’ll also need to consider the requirements of your other children. Although you probably know what is involved regarding a c-section, you may still have some questions regarding preparing for a c
C-section.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed regarding your preparation for a C-section, or want to double-check that you have covered all the bases, then read on…
We at Adele Morris Photography in Bridgend asked our mums to be at their maternity photo shoots, and what tips they had for families preparing for a C-section. We hope you will find the following tips from our South Wales maternity ladies beneficial.
Ask Family and Friends for Support
The first thing you should do when preparing for a c-section is to enlist the support of friends and family you can rely on. Many mothers can be tempted to go it alone when preparing for a caesarean, but this can often cause more problems, especially as you’ll be recovering from surgery.
When asking for assistance, be realistic about how much help you need. In addition to staying in the hospital, it can take around six weeks for you to fully recover. Being realistic regarding your needs ensures everyone can make the necessary arrangements.
You’ll often find that those close to you are only too happy to help. While you should never forfeit your independence, accepting help offered by friends and loved ones ensures your recovery isn’t compromised.
Samantha, Bridgend Maternity Photoshoot.
Make Sure You Arrange Childcare
This may seem obvious, but the excitement of bringing a new life into the world can mean some tasks are overlooked, introducing more stress later on. In many instances, mothers will have someone to hand to help with the children, but if this isn’t the case then a solution is needed as soon as possible.
Trying to obtain professional services at the last minute could be problematic, expensive, and stressful, which is the last thing you need when recovering from surgery. Planning your childcare in advance ensures everything is in order and you can focus on your birth.
Louise, Port Talbot Maternity Photoshoot.
Pack an Overnight Bag in Advance
Although packing an overnight bag is easier than arranging childcare, it can be stressful when trying to pack everything you need in a short time frame. As such, you should aim to pack your overnight bag as soon as possible.
Clare, Margam Maternity Photoshoot.
C-section Hospital Bag, what to pack.
When packing your Hospital bag for a C-section Birth, ensure it contains the following.
Breast Pump
In most instances, the hospital will provide a breast pump if needed. However, having one in your overnight bag ensures that you have complete peace of mind that you can start to pump as soon as possible.
Jenn, Neath Maternity Photoshoot.
Fully Charged Phone or Tablet
When focusing on the necessities, it is easy to forget about your own needs. Although there will be plenty to do when the baby arrives, there will be a waiting period before the appointment, and ensuring you have a fully charged phone or tablet ensures you have entertainment available which can relax and take your mind off the wait.
Sarah, Pyle Maternity Photoshoot.
Books and Magazines
If you’re not a fan of technology, books and magazines are a great way of curbing boredom in the waiting room. Choosing literature beforehand ensures you can take material that will interest you, instead of making do with magazines that are of little interest when waiting for your c-section.
Hannah, Maesteg Maternity Photoshoot.
A File or Folder Containing All Your Information
Regardless of whether you need to advise the doctor or nurse of your current medication or want to keep all your important paperwork regarding the birth in one place, then a file or folder is essential.
Rachel, Baglan Maternity Photoshoot.
Camera
Although you will probably have a camera on your phone, it can also be worthwhile ensuring you have an additional device to ensure there is no risk of missing the magical moments. However, it can be worthwhile checking with the midwife to ensure that photographs are taken at the appropriate time.
Danielle, Laleston, Bridgend Maternity Photoshoot.
Dry Shampoo
Chances are there will be a lot of time between your c-section and having the opportunity to shower. Although not a substitute, dry shampoo is essential for keeping your hair fresh when showers aren’t available.
Kayla, Pyle Maternity Photoshoot.
Toiletries
Once you can shower you will need to ensure that you have everything you need, including soap, shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste. Although there may be shops available, they could be expensive or lack the items you require.
Kim, Porthcawl Maternity Photoshoot.
Glasses or Contact Lenses
Glasses and contact lenses are items that can be easily overlooked when packing an overnight bag. Packing in advance ensures that you can unwind when you need to, and you're not having to squint when reading important information.
Sara, Pencoed Maternity Photoshoot.
Comfortable Pillow
Although the hospital will have pillows, they may not provide the comfort or support you need. Packing your own comfortable pillow ensures you’re always comfortable and can rest when you need to. When packing a comfortable pillow, you should aim for a different colour than white so it isn’t mistaken for hospital property.
Ash, Port Talbot Maternity Photoshoot.
Nursing Pillow
In addition to a comfortable pillow, you should also pack a nursing pillow. The additional support offered by a nursing pillow ensures that you don’t have to hold the baby’s weight, which in turn helps limit the onset of back and shoulder strain.
Natalie, Sandfields Maternity Photoshoot.
Clothes For Your Stay in Hospital
When choosing clothes for your stay in hospital you need to select comfortable clothing that won’t interfere with your incision. It can also be worthwhile bringing your own cotton underwear, as the hospital will only provide mesh variations.
Heather, Cardiff Maternity Photoshoot.
Snacks High in Fibre
Despite the abundance of options, you will want a snack that keeps you energised. You will also want food that helps your digestive system, so plenty of fibre is essential. Oats are a good option, as are fruit and vegetables. However, you may also be able to source pre-made snack bars that contain the nutrients you need.
Lauren, Baglan Maternity Photoshoot.
Preparing For Your Operation
In addition to the preparations that need to be made in advance, you will also have some requirements before the c-section takes place. This will include the following.
Megan, Penarth Maternity Photoshoot.
Stop Eating and Drinking Before the Operation
Generally, you cannot eat two hours before a c-section, but there can be exceptions to this. As such you should check with your midwife or doctor if you haven’t been given any guidance so far.
Sarah, Barry Maternity Photoshoot.
Preparing Your Home For Baby’s Arrival
Although several plans need to be made before the operation, there are also other steps to take to ensure that you’re prepared when your baby arrives home. Although only small, these additional steps can make all the difference when your baby arrives home, especially following a c-section.
Steph, Coychurch Maternity Photoshoot.
Ensure There Are Plenty of Cushions Available
As it takes around six weeks to recover from a c-section you will want to ensure you remain comfortable when adhering to the needs of your baby. As such, it can be beneficial to ensure there are plenty of cushions around when you’re sitting down, especially on the sofa.
Mel, Port Talbot Maternity Photoshoot.
Keep the Nappy Bin Nearby
As a mother, you’ll cover some distance when caring for your baby. Fortunately, some steps can be taken to keep the nappy-changing process as smooth as possible, such as keeping the nappy bin nearby.
You may be changing your baby’s nappy as much as 12 times a day, so ensuring the nappy bin is nearby can ensure you’re not having to move more than you need to when recovering from a c-section.
Rebecca, Port Talbot Maternity Photoshoot.
Treasured Memories
There can be a lot to consider when preparing for a c-section, so why not treat yourself after the operation?
Many mothers are keen to capture memories in the best light, and enlisting the services of a professional baby photographer in Port Talbot is the best way of achieving this.
Not only will you be left with a cherished memory, but using a newborn photographer in Bridgend ensures that all family members can be present in the photograph. Although there are plenty of ways to capture memories, using a profession ensures you have something that can be presented as a gift or kept as a keepsake. The possibilities are truly endless.
Did I leave anything out?
This blog will remain open, so I would love to hear from you if have anything to add to this blog. Pop a comment below with your suggestions.
If you’ve enjoyed reading the Bridgend Maternity Photographer shares everything you wanted to know about a Caesarean section birth, but were too afraid to ask! blog, you might like to read the below:
About the South Wales Maternity Blog Author:
Adele Morris Photography is a specialist Award Winning Maternity, Newborn, and Family studio photographer based in Porthcawl in Bridgend. With nearly 20 years of professional experience working with Mums-to-be and Newborn babies, her Maternity and Newborn Photography work has been snapped up by Vogue and published Internationally. The studio is located within easy access to clients travelling from Swansea, Bridgend, Cardiff, Llanelli, Port Talbot, Newport, Neath, Carmarthenshire, and all over South Wales. To find out more about the author, visit the about me page to find out more about Adele Morris Photography.
Adele Morris Photography
Specialist Maternity, Newborn, baby, and Family studio photographer.
Serving Swansea, Bridgend, Cardiff, Llanelli, Port Talbot, Newport, Neath, Pyle, Llantrisant, Carmarthenshire, Porthcawl and all over South Wales.