If I could go back and give my pre-C-section self a little pep talk, I know exactly what I’d say. “You’re doing great, but here’s a few things that might make this whole thing feel a little less overwhelming.”
Because truthfully? I wasn’t as prepared as I thought I was. I knew the date. I’d packed the bag. But I didn’t know how it would feel. How much I’d want to rewind and say, “Actually, can someone just walk me through this gently?”
So if you’re preparing for a planned caesarean or want to be informed just in case, this one’s for you. These are the five things I’d do differently and what I wish someone had told me sooner.
1. Don’t Go In Blind
Even if a C-section isn’t on your birth plan, knowing what to expect can take so much fear out of the unknown. I didn’t realise I could still have skin-to-skin, ask to see my placenta, or speak up about how I wanted the experience to unfold.
One of the most helpful things? A pre-op call with my anaesthetist. He talked me through everything, where I’d be, how the needle would feel, and even how to curl over a pillow for spinal placement. Knowing what was coming made me feel steadier.
💡 Takeaway: Be curious. Ask questions. Share your wishes. The more you know, the calmer you’ll feel.
2. Skip the Tight Clothes
Comfort is queen in the early days post-surgery. Anything pressing on your scar will feel ten times more irritating than you’d expect.
Soft, high-waisted undies and loose nighties were a total game changer for me. Oh, and waxing (not shaving) beforehand helped reduce irritation as the hair grew back.
💡 Takeaway: Pack for softness. Your body’s been through a lot—it deserves gentleness.
3. Don’t Try to Be a Hero
In those early hours and days after surgery, it’s easy to underestimate how quickly discomfort can creep in. What helped most was staying ahead of the pain with consistent medication, rather than waiting for it to build up.
The best part? Letting the midwives know before it got uncomfortable meant they could support me before it escalated making recovery a whole lot smoother.
💡 Takeaway: Don’t wait until you're in pain. Speak up early and lean into the support around you so you can rest and heal with less stress.
4. Rethink Your Hospital Snacks
Constipation after surgery is so real. Between the meds and the lack of movement, things can slow right down.
I made the mistake of sticking with toast, biscuits and other dry foods until about day three, when things... didn’t move. Brothy soups, lentil dahls and ramen were lifesavers once I made the switch. And hydration? Absolutely essential.
💡 Takeaway: Pack nourishing, easy-to-digest snacks or meals. Your gut will thank you.
5. Rest Like It’s Your Job
You’re not lazy. You’re healing. And no, you don’t need to be up entertaining guests or heading out to the café two weeks post-op.
Lie down. Sleep. Let others lift the pram. Learn to feed lying on your side (trust me, it’s dreamy). This is recovery, and it’s worth investing in.
💡 Takeaway: Collagen-rich meals, iron + vitamin C, and proper rest aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities. Give your body what it needs.
You Deserve to Be Supported
If you take one thing from this, let it be this: You don’t have to do this alone. And you were never meant to. 💛
We have birth and postpartum doulas in Brisbane, Sydney, Hobart, Melbourne and Geelong, so if you're looking for this kind of support, Fill Your Cup offers practical, personalised doula care that meets you exactly where you're at. Whether you're navigating the unknowns of your first baby or managing life with a newborn and a full client list, our team is here to offer steady, compassionate, and practical support.
👉 Learn more or connect with a doula in your area: www.fillyourcup.com
We’ve also created a range of free resources including our popular Gentle Caesarean Birth Checklist to help you feel more informed, prepared and empowered for your C-section journey.
👉 Learn more or download the checklist on our webiste in the Freebies + Guides section
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