Whether you planned a c-section from the beginning of your pregnancy or this is an unexpected twist, there are lots of ways you can rock your c-section in Tampa.

Here are some tips to help rock your c-section and make the process as smooth as possible!

With a c-section in Tampa you absolutely can (and should!) make a birth plan & ask your doctor how to best prepare

You don’t have to scrap a birth plan if you’re having a c-section.

Here are a few things to consider in your birth plan (whether your type it up or just keep a rough draft in the notes app on your phone):

1. Decide who you would like to be present in the operating room with you. This may include your partner, a close friend, or a doula. You may also want to ask your doctor or nurse about their policies on the number of support people allowed into the OR.

2. Think about what kind of pain management you would like to have during the surgery. You will likely be given the option of receiving an epidural or spinal block.

3. This is a big one! Consider your preferences for after the birth. Would you like to immediately bond with your baby skin-to-skin? Would you prefer that your partner cut the cord? Does your hospital offer a clear drape so you can see your baby the moment they are born?

Making these decisions ahead of time can help to make the experience more positive for everyone involved!

There are some unique things you should consider bringing to the hospital for your c-section in Tampa.

In addition to the normal things you’ll want to bring to the hospital (like your own snacks, overnight bag, etc) there are a few things that will be helpful to help with surgery recovery and being in the hospital that extra day or two.

• High waisted pajamas/pants (to keep your waistband off your incision) or nightgowns without bottoms.
• Extra pillows to stay propped up and as comfortable as possible post-op
• Loose fitting clothes and sandals (even in the winter) because chances are your feet will be extra swollen for a few days

As a motherhood photographer and NICU clinician, I’ve learned a couple of tips that will help your recovery process!

Don’t try to do too much too soon! Plan on a solid 6-8 weeks for recovery and ask friends and family to help as much as possible during that time (I know that can be tough to ask for help, but it’s so important for your recovery). Things like household tasks, grocery shopping and cooking dinner are all things someone else should be doing for you while you recover.

Prepare your home! I would recommend getting everything you need for recovery before the baby arrives. This includes big items like a comfy couch or recliner to spend time in and lots of pillows for support, as well as smaller items like padsicles (frozen pads that offer soothing relief) and a peri bottle for post-bath care. Read this blog post with additional tips to prepare your home for a newborn.

Make sure everything you’ll need for yourself and your baby is within arm’s reach. Lots of baby stores sell little caddies that are helpful to keep your bedside table organized with things like diapers, wipes, diaper cream, etc.

Stock your freezer with easy-to-prep meals or pre-cooked meals that you can put in the oven so you don’t have to cook for a while. HappiestBaby.com has a great blog post with 30 Freezer Meal Ideas HERE.

Listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, or you’re in pain, don’t hesitate to call your care provider!

Can I still do a Fresh 48 and newborn session if I’m having a c-section?

After working with a lot of c-section moms in Tampa, I’ve learned how to take extra precautions with you and your baby during your newborn session! If you want to learn more about our Tampa newborn sessions, click here.

You can have an empowering birth experience with a c-section! And I hope this blog post showed you that there are plenty of things you can do to make your c-section feel more like “you.”

By planning ahead and packing the right items for your hospital stay, you’ll be ready to take on recovery like a boss.

And if you have any questions or concerns along the way, never hesitate to reach out to other moms who’ve been through it before. We’re all in this together, mamas!