Plan Your Scheduled CS With These 4 Tips

Your doctor may have scheduled you for a C-section, it's for a reason. He might have foreseen some difficulties in a normal birth and therefore see a C-section as the safest way for you to give birth to your little one. And why not? if it's the safe way to give birth to your baby by all means go for it Mamalette!

But wait! You need to be prepared and here are ways to plan for your scheduled C-section;

1. Do you need a birth plan?

If you planned on using a birth plan before the decision to have a C-section was made, then all you have to do is change it to fit in with the new situation then take it to the hospital with you.Knowing what is to come will help you be more confident.

2. Consider these things;

Would you prefer an epidural or would you rather they put you to sleep while the operation is going on?
Do you want anyone in the theatre with you? Only one person is allowed, who would you like that person to be?
Who do you want to hold your baby after birth?
Find out what pain relief is available to you after delivery.
When you get home do you have help? Remember, you can't move around for at least 3-5 days after getting back from the hospital. Adequate help has to be made available so you don't have cause to move around.

3. What you should do before going to the hospital

Clean up. Shave the area where the incision will be made before going to the hospital. No hairs at all down there and around the belly.

No adornments. You're going into surgery, not for a beauty pageant so no make-up, painted nails, or jewellery.

Casual dressing. You can wear a gown when going to the hospital, before the operation, you'll be given a medical gown to wear.
Go fasting. You shouldn't read for at least 6 hours before the operation. If your C-section is scheduled for morning, you'd be advised not to eat at midnight because of the anaesthetic you will receive.

4. What to pack for a scheduled C-section

Click on this link for a complete list of what to pack in the hospital bag for a scheduled C-section

You'll be staying in the hospital for some time after the C-section, maybe for 2 or 3 days, bring comfortable clothes and slippers and whatever you forget, your husband or family can always help you bring them.

Don't stress yourself over your scheduled C-section, the dream of most women to give birth to their baby vaginally but when push comes to shove, we have to do what we have to do for baby to come to mommy. Be thankful!

Therefore, if you're scheduled for C-section, breath, relax and think a happy thought!