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Episode 466: How To Prepare For A Planned Cesarean

by Nov 3, 20260 comments

Episode 466: How To Prepare For A Planned Cesarean

 

In today’s episode, Jessie and Anita talk about planning for a cesarean birth and what recovery can look like. Drawing on Jessie’s experience with both an unplanned and a planned cesarean, and Anita’s work with clients, they cover how to honour the big emotions that can come with a change of plans, the birth preferences you may still have a say in, and how to set up your home for recovery. They also share what to expect with pain, bleeding, and scar healing, plus gentle rehab you can start before six weeks. Whether your cesarean is planned or you just want to feel prepared in case plans change, this episode will help you feel informed, supported, and confident.
 

Show Notes

01:06 – What we’re talking about today
02:25 – Honouring the emotions: disappointment, devastation, and relief
04:36 – How strength and mobility work can support your cesarean recovery
05:18 – Cesarean birth preferences: support people in the OR, music, clear drape, photos, and skin-to-skin
10:12 – Jessie’s planned cesarean: what the day looked like from arrival to the OR
12:36 – Having someone talk you through what’s happening
14:48 – What you’re (and aren’t) told at discharge
17:47 – Setting up your home before baby: physical support, feeding setup, minimizing stairs, and getting in and out of bed
22:13 – Early movement: short walks and not overdoing it
22:50 – Constipation after a cesarean and how to ease it
23:51 – What to watch for: lochia, increased bleeding, pain, and signs you’ve done too much
25:42 – Gentle rehab you can start before six weeks
27:51 – Scar recovery: desensitizing, silicone strips, and scar massage
30:10 – Wrapping up

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