First of all, the obvious: Most cesarean sections are unplanned. This means that even if a woman has all intentions of delivering vaginally, she still may deliver her baby surgically.

How can you prepare for a C-section, even if you don’t plan to have one? Well, at the very least read the C-section chapter in your birth book of choice. Even if you do prepare as well as you can by reading about surgical birth, you may still find the procedure and recovery have aspects that you didn’t expect:

This is major abdominal surgery, and for many women, their first surgery ever. Even though you will likely be awake during the, your body still undergoes a great deal of change.

Some people find the sensation of the baby being removed uncomfortable, while others don’t feel much of anything. Many people feel nauseated or dizzy due to  the drugs that are used in the epidural or spinal block, as well as from the tugging that typically is involved.

The incisions are closed with dissolving sutures internally, and with surgical staples on the outside. You will return to your doctor’s office after a few days to have the staples removed.

Contrary to what some people believe, mothers can usually begin nursing, if desired, quite soon after the surgery. If there are no complications, mom may be back to the labor and delivery room and continue with a postpartum experience that is similar to that after a vaginal delivery. A football hold may provide mom with a more comfortable position to feed baby.

It may be possible for your partner to return to the labor and delivery room with the baby while you are still in the operating room. 

You may experience generalized swelling after delivery from all the intravenous fluids that are necessary when preparing for a surgical birth.

You will be encouraged to get up and move around as soon as you are ready after the surgery. Nurses will help you take your first steps. You will also be given a series of exercises to do while lying in bed to help you recover.

While you may feel ready to resume regular exercise not long after you leave the hospital, it’s important to allow your incision to heal. You will be told what you can and cannot do following surgery.

Even after a C-section, women will bleed vaginally for quite a while after birth. Lochia is part of the postpartum experience no matter how a baby is delivered, and typically lasts about a month.

Lastly, the rather ugly mesh “granny panties” that the hospital provides are very useful, so stock up! Same with the giant pads.

Surgery has inherent risks and there are good reasons that many wish to avoid a C-section if possible.  But if the baby needs to come out immediately, for either the baby’s health or the mother’s, surgery may be necessary. While a C-section can be disappointing for many women, keep in mind that C-sections can save lives—both of mothers and babies.