10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before My C-Section
What Is a C-Section, Really?
If you’re a first time mom and have no idea what a C-section even is, you’re not alone. I didn’t fully understand it either until I had to go through one myself. A cesarean section (often called a C-section) is a surgical way to deliver a baby. Instead of giving birth through the usual vaginal delivery, the baby is delivered through an incision in the mother’s belly and uterus.
Before giving birth, I did some research. I watched videos, read articles, and tried to prepare myself. But honestly, I didn’t dig too deep because I had it in my head that I was going to give birth naturally. Joke’s on me.
I went to the hospital thinking I was just there to ask my OB about my final due date. My estimated delivery was in the first week of August. While doing an ultrasound, she looked at the screen and said something I didn’t expect: “Your amniotic fluid is low. Go home and get your things. You’re giving birth today.”
I remember how scared I felt. I hadn’t even thought about a C-section seriously. It was something I watched in a few videos, sure, but I never imagined it would happen to me. I didn’t even get to experience contractions or my water breaking.
Since I wasn’t prepared and didn’t know much at the time, here are the things I wish someone had told me about having a C-section.
10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me About C-Section
1. You Will Go Through Several Tests Before Surgery
Before anything starts, they’ll check your blood pressure, take blood samples, and do a skin test to check for possible reactions to medications or anesthesia. That little test stung more than I expected. It was quick but left a weird, sharp sensation I wasn’t ready for.
They also shaved the lower part of my belly as part of the prep. It wasn’t painful, just something I didn’t know would happen until it did.
2. You Will Need to Curl Into a Ball for the Anesthesia
I had to lie on my side and curl up as tightly as I could, hugging one leg while trying not to panic. With a full-term belly, it’s not the most natural position, but it’s necessary so they can find the right spot in your spine.
The needle they use for spinal anesthesia is long. I didn’t see it, but I felt pressure and some discomfort while they worked. A nurse helped keep me steady. Once the medicine kicked in, everything from the waist down started to feel warm and heavy.
3. Shivering and Vomiting Can Happen After
Nobody warned me about the intense shivering. I could not stop shaking, and I had no idea why it was happening. It was not because I was cold. It was my body reacting to the anesthesia.
They placed this warm light over me, like one of those heat lamps. I honestly felt like a chick under a brooder. It helped a little, but I still could not stop shaking.
I also threw up not long after surgery. That part hurt more than I expected because of the incision. My body felt so fragile and sensitive. Even the smallest movements were uncomfortable.
4. You Might Be Unconscious After the Surgery
The entire operation did not even last an hour. They said taking the baby out was the fastest part. The stitching and cleanup took a bit longer, but honestly, I barely remember any of it.
I was completely knocked out for nearly two hours afterward. I didn’t even hear my baby cry. When I finally woke up in recovery, everything felt foggy.
The first thing I remember clearly was holding my baby for the first time during skin-to-skin. That moment still makes me emotional.
5. Your Legs Will Feel Heavy and Numb
Right after surgery, I could not move my legs at all. They felt like they weighed a hundred pounds each. It was such a weird and frustrating feeling.
I kept waiting for the moment I could wiggle my toes again. When the sensation finally returned, it felt like a tiny victory.
6. A Belly Binder Is a Lifesaver
I did not bring one, and I really wish I had. The belly binder made sitting up and walking so much more bearable once I finally got one. It gave me support and eased the pain around my incision.
If you are preparing for a C-section, bring a binder. You will thank yourself later.
7. You Have to Pee, Poop, and Burp Before Discharge
Before they send you home, your body has to show it is functioning properly. Peeing was the easiest part. Pooping, on the other hand, took time and effort.
A laxative helped a lot. It is not the most pleasant thing to talk about, but it is part of the recovery checklist. Burping also matters, especially if you are feeling bloated from the gas they use during surgery.
8. You Can Ask About the Type of Cut
There are two types of incision: the bikini cut, which runs low and horizontal, and the classic cut, which goes vertically. Some say the classic cut is less painful. Others say the bikini cut heals nicer but costs more. Honestly, I don’t know for sure. I’ve had the bikini cut three times now.
Since a C-section wasn’t part of my original plan, this was never discussed ahead of time. So when the doctor asked, my mom answered for me. And she proudly said, “Just do a bikini, so she can wear a bikini again!” Thanks, Mom. What a joke. I was definitely not thinking about swimwear while lying there about to give birth.
9. Even Laughing Hurts
No one warned me that even laughing would hurt. Sneezing, coughing, or clearing my throat made everything around the incision ache even more.
I had to hold my belly just to soften the blow when I laughed. It sounds silly now, but in the moment, it made a huge difference.
10. Do Not Expect to Jump Out of Bed the Next Day
Getting up for the first time after surgery is hard. You will feel like your body weighs more than usual, and everything feels sore and slow.
The nurses usually encourage you to try walking after 24 hours. It feels scary at first, but moving a little really helps with healing. Even if you only take a few steps, it is a start.
What I’ve Learned...
I didn’t expect to give birth through C-section, and I definitely wasn’t prepared for everything that came with it. But looking back, I’m grateful I get to share the things I wish someone had told me.
Every birth story is different. If you’re a first-time mom reading this and feeling nervous or unsure, I hope this gives you a better picture of what to expect. That was me, too. I had no idea what was coming, but I took it one step at a time.
C-section or not, birth is still birth. You are still a mom. And you did something incredibly strong and brave, even if it looked different from what you imagined.
Mommy Ces
Mom of three, figuring things out one day at a time. I write about the real parts of motherhood, the messy days, the little wins, and all the in-betweens that don’t always make it to Instagram. This space is a mix of stories, reflections, and reminders that you're not alone.
