Preparing for your C-Section
- Talk with your doctors regarding the medications that need to be stopped such as Aspirin and blood thinners.
- Discuss with your doctor regarding how to take care of the incision. Read more: Cesarean Incision Care
- Discuss your options of pain management with your doctor before surgery.
- Check if it is allowed to have a support person with you during the operation.
- Arrange with family for help when you come home from hospital.
- Explain to your other kids that you won’t be able to pick them up and they have to climb gently onto your lap for some period of time.
- Stock up for frozen food and other home and maternal essentials.
- Restrict solid foods for eight hours before the C-section, to reduce the possibility of vomiting or lung complications.
- Take a shower the day before the surgery or the morning of surgery day. Dry with a clean towel.
- After the shower, sleep in clean bedclothes.
- Do not apply any deodorants, lotions or fragrances the day of the surgery.
- Dress in clean clothes when coming to the hospital.
- You will also need to take off any jewellery.
- Plan to arrive at the hospital 2 hours early, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
- What to take with you to the hospital?
- Loose, comfortable clothes, cotton, to avoid rubbing against the incision.
- Top with buttons or zipper in front, easier for breastfeeding.
- Nightdress, as you won’t be able to wear pajamas bottoms due to the catheter.
- Breastfeeding pillow.
- Enough supply of maternity pads.
- Wipes to freshen up as you will not be able to shower.
- Chewing gum to hasten post-surgery bowel function.
- Toilet essentials, slippers.
- Chargers, books, headphones, etc.
- For partner: pillow, change of clothes, toiletries.
