Cesarean Births: 5 Things Doctors Want You to Know (But Don’t Have Time to Tell You)

We’re not being hyperbolic when we say the pregnancy and birthing journey is like running an ultra marathon. Pregnancy and birth push the very boundaries of human endurance.  

Perinatal therapist Janette Yee got her start working with elite athletes. Though, in many ways, she contends that working with birthing people is no different. “Mothers are the greatest athletes of all time,” she says. “Pregnancy is an ultramarathon. Childbirth is a sports injury.” 

It’s an empowering approach she applies directly to expecting and new parents, whom she refers to as athletes. Her physical therapy practice also works to destigmatize cesarean births, which are often portrayed as “less natural” than vaginal births. 

“I really want women to know that they have grown a human up until that very point and, with assistance, birthed a human as well,” she tells me. “I want women to just pause and celebrate that.”

In part one of our C-birth series, Janette takes us through the various ways one can prepare for a cesarean. “Even when we’re planning for a C-birth, we don’t always know what that entails,” she cautions. That’s because doctors may not have the time to go into exhaustive detail about what to expect when the curtain goes up — and beyond.

In Janette’s own words, you may be left feeling like, “what the hell just happened to me?” Whether you’re planning for an upcoming C-birth or want to be ready in the event of an emergency cesarean, here’s what you need to know. 

Manage Fear

As you approach your due date, it’s normal to feel anxious. Fear can be a powerful force leading up to and during your C-birth, but there are some techniques you can integrate into your day-to-day pre-cesarean to mitigate unease. 

For one, you can practice transforming anxious thoughts into positive anticipation. On a cognitive level, practicing breathwork and gentle movement can help relax and reframe feelings of alarm. 

Like any major surgery, it can be useful to mentally prepare for the pain you’re likely to experience in the aftermath, but it’s equally important to remind yourself that you can handle it. Recovery is part of any birthing experience, but our bodies have an innate capacity for healing. 

Protect Your Immune System 

According to Janette, one thing you may not have considered in the lead up to your C-birth is how crucial it is to safeguard your immune system. “The last thing you want post-cesarean, when you have stitches and a vulnerable mid-section, is to be sneezing and coughing,” she says. 

In addition to insisting that all visitors wash their hands, you may want to limit visitors altogether in your final trimester and for the first six weeks after birthing. As you plan for a smooth recovery post-surgery, do your healing abdominals a favor and avoid getting sick.

Expect a Longer Recovery

Having a C-birth means you likely won’t have to deal with vaginal tears or bladder issues, but you may have to navigate a lengthier recovery process. As the incision heals, soft tissue  that have been cut will  be painful and reduce your mobility for the first few weeks. 

Of course, managing your recovery in tandem with caring for your newborn can be challenging. Do what you can to manage your pain. There’s no pride in “sucking it up,” says Janette. “Take your prescribed pain medication or alternative, and ice the area as needed.”

Otherwise, find comfort in knowing your incision will feel much better within a few weeks. Preparation is key (more on that ahead) and so is patience with your healing body. 

Make a Recovery Plan 

Having a cesarean recovery plan will ensure a smooth recovery and put your mind at ease ahead of your delivery. Rehabilitation involves lots of rest, especially during the first six weeks. Do what you can to avoid housework and physical chores; delegate where possible. 

This means you’ll want to establish your support network ahead of time to ensure you have the foundation and resources to focus on recovery during this early period. In addition to lots of sleep, practicing deep breaths will lay the groundwork for reconnecting with your abdominal muscles and help with healing and relaxation. 

Preventing infection is just as important, so ensure you have bracing or compression garments to protect your incision. Within six weeks, also consider booking your first perinatal therapy session for expert guidance in your rehabilitation journey.

Here, you’ll learn important techniques for reinforcing the mind-body connection, safeguarding your health, massaging your incision, and, eventually, restrengthening your abdomen. For more on how to cultivate a self-care routine post-cesarean, turn to part two of our C-birth series. 

Call on Your Support Network 

Rest, nutrients, and gentle movement are of vital importance to your C-birth recovery — but they’re no simple feat when you’re navigating the ups and downs of early parenthood. For this reason, Janette can’t overemphasize the value of setting up your support network.

Motherhood wasn’t meant to be done alone, she underscores. Your support system are the people who will ensure you fulfill these basic — but essential — every day necessities for healing.

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We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.