If the doctor has recommended that you must undergo a cesarean section because it is better for you and your child, you may feel worried especially when you are a first-time mom. You may feel stressed, unsure how and what to prepare. But there’s no need to worry, because we’re here to help guide you with your preparations.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A C-SECTION
Preparing for your c-section will help you understand the process that will occur when the due date arrives. Giving you time to prepare both physically and mentally before meeting your little one, reducing panic and anxiety.
Here’s some general guidelines how you can prepare:
- Understand the c-section process in advance so that you know the general steps of the c-section procedure from the start of the spinal block, anesthesia, until you wake up from the anesthesia and see your baby. If you have any questions about any step, you can ask your doctor.1
- Bathe before your c-section using antibacterial soap to cleanse the body and reduce the risk of infection during a c-section.1,2
- Eating before your c-section: 1–2 days before a cesarean section, you should begin to eat soft food. Then abstain from food and water for at least 8 hours before your c-section.1,2
- When taking medicines, vitamins or supplements before your c-section, moms should inform their doctors in advance whether they are currently taking any medicines or supplements. Some medicines or vitamins must be stopped before a c-section to avoid complications.1
- Preparing your go bag for a c-section: The mom will have to stay in the hospital for 2–3 days to recover. You should prepare things for you and your child’s needs so that when it's time to go to the hospital, you can take them with you immediately.3
- Preparing to find a helper after a cesarean section. Mothers should find at least one helper, who could be a family member, friend, or husband, to help support, pick up, hold, and take care of them while they are recovering in the hospital.4,5
- Arrive at the hospital before the scheduled time on the day of your c-section. You should consult your doctor on what time should you arrive in the hospital to provide ample time for preparations for the procedure.1,4,5
- When caring for c-section wounds and post c-section recovery, moms must take good care of their wounds to prevent them from splitting open, becoming inflamed, or becoming infected, as well as taking care of themselves so that their bodies can recover quickly.1,4,5
- Be alert and prepared for any abnormal symptoms after a c-section. After giving birth, moms must always monitor their symptoms. If the wound is very painful, bleeding, or has pus, make sure to see a doctor immediately.1,4,5
- Be ready to give proper nutrition for your child. To ensure that your child receives good nutrition, you should breastfeed them from birth. Breast milk helps strengthen your child’s development and immunity.1,4,5
WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO TO HELP CS-BORN KIDS DEVELOP WELL?
Aside from preparing for our C-section, we should also prepare to raise our CS-born kids well. CS-born kids miss out on the beneficial bacteria that is present in the mom’s birth canal which can cause them to have a less diverse gut microbiome. This may lead to weaker immunity and gut health. This may cause the CS-born kid to be at higher risk for illnesses as they grow up.
Good thing, there is now milk that is specially designed for CS-born kids aged 3+! Introducing NEW Enfagrow A+ CS-Biome 3+: Specially formulated with the C-Biome blend with MFGM and highest levels of DHA (among staged milks), an exclusive immune blend with 2x Higher 2’-FL HMO (vs Enfagrow A+ Nurapro 3+), and prebiotics to help give them stronger protection and optimal brain, immunity, and gut development for their A+ Future, with proper nutrition and stimulation.
C-SECTION CHECKLIST: WHAT SHOULD YOU PREPARE?
In addition to packing your child’s supplies, moms should also not forget to prepare personal items that can help them with their c-section procedure and recovery. Because you will have to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days to recover, when the due date is near, you should prepare the following personal items:4,5
- Mobile phone to contact the people closest to you
- Camera to take snapshots of your first memories with your child
- Battery chargers and various device chargers
- Playlist of songs to listen to while waiting for your c-section to help hype you up or calm you down. Play whatever you need, mama!
- Various documents, ID card, PhilHealth forms, health insurance card, etc.
- Money and/or Credit Card
- Toiletries, soap, shampoo, toothpaste
- Various nourishing creams for post c-section care
- Cosmetics
- Lip balm
- Loose and comfortable clothing to wear for when you go home
- Socks
- Slippers and shoes for when you go home
- Books, toys, etc. for playing or putting your baby to sleep
- Snacks, treats, and other foods that your doctor has approved for you to eat after delivery
- Breast pump equipment
I’M GETTING STERILIZATION RIGHT AFTER MY C-SECTION, WHAT SHOULD I PREPARE? 6,7
In the case of postpartum sterilization for those who have had a c-section, the procedure can be done right after the baby is born. The process takes around 30 minutes and does not usually make your hospital stay longer. Though it is usually recommended to wait several weeks between the procedures.
References:
1. Better Health Channel. Caesarean section. Available at https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/caesarean-sect…. Accessed on 25 November 2024.
2. Iowa Health Care. Pre-operative instructions for women having planned cesarean (C-section) available at http://uihc.org/educational-resources/pre-operative-instructions-women-… Accessed on 07 March 2025
3. A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. Johns Creek (GA): Ebix, Inc., A.D.A.M.; c1997-2020. After a C-Section – in the hospital; [updated 2024 November 8]. Available at https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000620.htm accessed on 07 March 2025
4. Tommy's. How to prepare for your c-section. Available at https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/giving-birth/caesarean-sec…. Accessed on 25 November 2024.
5. Very Well Family. What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for a C-Section. Available at https://www.verywellfamily.com/hospital-bag-for-a-planned-cesarean-birt…. Accessed on 25 November 2024.
6. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Postpartum Sterilization available at https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/postpartum-sterilization accessed on 07 March 2025.
7. NHS. Preparing for female sterilization available at https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/female-steril… accessed on 07 March 2025
