Worry Free C-Section Tips 7-Part Mini Course

Welcome to Part 6 of my 7-Part Mini Course

I'm not against c-sections, I've had two myself, and I truly believe c-sections have saved many lives and helped avoid serious complications during delivery, but for most women they'd really prefer to avoid it if they possibly can.

So what's a mother to do?

If you know you will be having a c-section, I'm committed to helping you prepare. But if the odds of having a c-section concern you, and you feel strongly about having a vaginal birth, let's look at a few of the things YOU can do to possibly help avoid having a surgical delivery.

___Focus on Your Personal Care. One of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby is to start by taking extra good care of yourself.  I know, this sounds a little obvious, but the better your health, the more likely you are to deliver vaginally and with less complications. Women who are overweight carry a greater chance of having a c-section.  Also if you smoke, this is a good time to focus on quitting. 

___Watch Your Diet. Stay conscious of your diet and if you don't already, start eating healthy during your pregnancy. Avoid lots of sugar or salt, these things aren't really good for you anyway.  They can also lead to pregnancy related diseases like gestational diabetes and toxicity. Cravings are a big problem during pregnancy so avoiding those late night or middle of the day cravings is something to work on.   Try eating 6 small meals a day, if you have a sweet tooth, try eating fruit, I use to love the sugar-free popsicles but be careful, too many of them can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.  

Also try limiting your intake of starches such as breads and cakes.  For example, when making a sandwich simply roll your cheese and meat up and eat it without the bread.  Ok that didn't sound too appealing to me at first either, but you know, I got very use to it and saved myself from all those carbs, plus you can eat a little bit more of the healthier food when you leave out the bread.

____Get plenty of exercise. Check with your doctor first but there are lots of pregnancy related exercises that are so good for your health and staying in shape. Things like walking, swimming and yoga.  Yoga is also really good for relaxation. Also, try signing up for a local pregnancy class or buy a pregnancy exercise tape.  Keeping circulation and muscles in shape is especially important right now.

___Do your Kegels. What the heck are kegels?  These are pelvic exercises that help strengthen your pelvic muscles.  Pulling in your pelvic muscles by tightening them several times a day will help strengthen them making a vaginal birth more successful. 
 
____Find the Right Doctor. From the moment you find out you are pregnant it means getting started with the right doctor.  Not all doctors have the same views on c-sections so ask the right questions and know your doctor's feelings and views regarding c-sections.

Stay tuned for our next session. We'll discuss some of the more common questions and fears that plague a lot of c-section moms.

With Warmest Regards,

Elizabeth