Since this is my third pregnancy, I already know it will be my third Cesarean as well.  I've learned a lot about them in the past couple years and I wanted to share some tips that I've learned.  Having a Cesarean is not everyone's ideal birth but you know what? It is for me and below are a few of my tips for how to handle the before, during and after effects of the surgery.

1. Be flexible! Obviously, my first C-Section wasn’t planned at all. My oldest daughters’ birth as a whole the first time around did not go anything like we planned it would! I spent 17 hours in labor and sleeping through contractions. Finally the doctors gave me options, either have a C-Section or go off all my induction meds and try again tomorrow. We chose a C-Section but even that didn’t go as planned. I mean I was essentially being wheeled out of my labor and delivery room and into the Operating Room as my husband was coming back from getting a snack. So, just remember to be flexible!
2. Don’t be a lady. Let out your gas! Yup, that’s right. After you have had surgery is no time to be a lady. Burp and fart as much as you possibly can. If you don’t, you’ll be in pain! When you have surgery, all of this air gets in your body that isn’t supposed to be there and the only way to get it out is to be gassy. It still may hurt, but that is how to help it. Eventually, it’ll go away.
3. Stay on top of your pain medicine! With my first C-Section, I didn’t know that I needed to ask for my pain meds. I figured that they would bring them to me when it was time. They don’t do that. With my 2nd I was asking for them about 45 minutes before I was “required”. With my 3rd I can guarantee I’ll be asking for them about an hour before. You should always consult with your doctor when it comes to medicine. But, with my first experience, if I waited until I was in pain to ask for my medicine, I waited too long. It took twice as long for the pain to stop if I didn’t take it every four hours. And, it hurts. It’s not just a little painful. So ask for your meds and don’t be ashamed to demand them if you are in pain. Oh, and don’t feel like a drug addict if you need more than normal. Everyone’s pain tolerance is different. Even once you are home…leave open lines of communication for pain meds with your doctor.
4. Don't be afraid to ask for help! With my first C-Section, I hated to call my nurse and ask for something. I felt bad. I mean, I was a mom now, I should be able to do this on my own. That thought process is ridiculous! The whole reason that the nurses are there is to help you! I mean, don't take advantage of them. But, don't feel bad asking for help or asking them to bring you something when you need it... They want to help you. With my 2nd C-Section I was much more comfortable asking for help and you could tell they were happy to help in any way possible.
5. Let the nurses take your baby so that you can get some rest! Seriously, the nurses in the nursery love babies and they want to take care of your baby so that you can get some rest! Your body, whether you had a C-Section or natural birth, just went through a trauma, and you need some rest! With my first I hated them taking her away to the nursery but I learned my lesson. That's dumb. Seriously. Taking care of your baby all by yourself and not getting any sleep is going to happen when you get home! So, let the nurses help you while you are in the hospital...and get some sleep!

Finally...this shouldn't even be a tip but common sense however I'm including it...REST! And don’t take on too much. I’m really blessed with my husband being so willing to be hands on. He understands that I’ve just gone through a really rough surgery and will tell me to stay in bed. He’s happy to help and I’m happy he does. After a major surgery like a C-Section you have to rest or your body will give out. I mean you’ve got stitches in your stomach…come on! There’s plenty of time to try and be active while you are at home, while you are the hospital just relax and rest up. You’ll thank yourself later.

Did you have a c-section? What else would you add to this list?