9 Ways I prepped for my C section Recovery the 3rd time around
This post is for the moms who went through a major surgery to meet their little ones 🥰
My first two C-sections were emergencies after long labors—ahhh, good times. In all seriousness, I’m incredibly grateful for all three, as each birth involved complications that made surgery the safest option.
This third was my first planned C-section, and having just gone through it, I wanted to share what truly supported my recovery this time around. My hope is to pay it forward—so you can create a space that feels a little more comfortable, supported, and manageable in those early days.
1. Plan that playlist for your Surgery & Recovery Room: My most used “item” I brought to the hospital.
This was, hands down, my most-used “item” at the hospital.
The operating room can feel bright and overwhelming. I put on an eye mask, played my playlist right beside me, and let myself tune inward. It helped me stay grounded and calm throughout the experience.
My body doesn’t tolerate spinal anesthesia well, and the hours after surgery were intense—shaking, itching, and nausea. Music became my anchor during that time. It softened the environment, helped me refocus, and kept me connected to the moment—even in the discomfort.
It made a real difference.
2. Bind that tummy UP
I’ve had three C-sections in three different states, and I quickly learned that not every hospital provides a binder—which honestly surprised me, given how helpful they are for recovery.
This time, I made sure to ask for one, and it made a big difference. While not always the most comfortable, wearing a binder can support healing by improving circulation, reducing swelling, and providing stability to the abdominal muscles and incision site.
I wore mine for about five weeks, and it especially helped during those first walks as my body regained strength.
If your hospital doesn’t provide one, you can ask your care team for recommendations—many medical-grade options are available online.
3. Prep multiple mobile diapering stations for your home
Grab a small basket or bedside organizer (thrifted or this cute new one) and keep one near your bed and another in your main resting area.
After surgery, getting up frequently isn’t easy, and those middle-of-the-night diaper changes add up. Having essentials within arm’s reach makes a big difference in those early days.
I found this especially helpful from the very first night home.
4. Prepare your areas for recovery
Create a small feminine care station in your bathroom—placing essentials in a basket within easy reach. When you need something, you’ll want it quickly and without having to search.
Also, keep a small garbage can next to your bed. Between diaper changes and nighttime essentials, this makes cleanup easier and helps keep your space calm and uncluttered—especially in those first few nights.
5. Have a hoodie ready for postpartum night sweats!
Postpartum night sweats are real—WOWZA.
As hormone levels shift after delivery, the body often regulates by sweating, especially in those first weeks. I remember waking up drenched and then suddenly freezing—it can be a pretty unsettling combo, especially during middle-of-the-night feeds.
This time around, I kept a hoodie nearby so I could quickly warm up when I woke up. A small thing, but it made those nights much more manageable.
6. Plan to use Dim lighting
Plan to use a Hatch or night light. This Doesn’t have to be fancy, but a dim light that you can brighten when needed mid-evening. Avoiding bright light in the middle of the night will help you not fully wake up so you can easily drift back into a sleep deprived slumber 😉
Hot Tip! Pack that hatch/night light to the hospital room. Those bright hospital lights are a true party foul when you’re snuggling with your newborn and cluster feeding post-surgery. This will allow for a calming vibe during your stay.
7. Prep SMOOTHIES
One of the best things I did before delivery was prep freezer smoothies—quick, easy, and fiber-rich.
While medications like stool softeners can help, smoothies made the biggest difference for my digestion after surgery. That boost of fiber helped get things moving again, which supported pain relief, mobility, and overall healing.
I prepped smoothie packs in the weeks leading up to delivery—ready to grab and blend—with ingredients like chia seeds, spinach, and kale.
(And when our blender broke about a week in—thanks to my 3-year-old—we took it as a sign to upgrade 😅) this 3 in 1 Ninja from Costco and I have used the food processor just as much as the blender! Plus, this goes on sale often and you get a rebate if it goes on sale within the year you purchase!
8. Have a plan for meals
Prep a few meals and toss them in the freezer. We often made double the meals we were already preparing for the family and then freeze the other half. I also looked up several freezer ready recipes.
Meal Trains are a real thing! You can set up a schedule for friends and family to prepare meals for your family. https://www.mealtrain.com/
9. Keep these two pregnancy items for recovery
1. Pregnancy pants/leggings- Great for post delivery too! They tend to support that sensitive abdominal area and BONUS! Then you won’t need to wear a nursing tank (if you are breastfeeding) because your pants go up to your bra.
I lived in these pregnancy yoga pants during the end of my pregnancy and I still wore them the first 2 months postpartum.
These are honestly the softest, most supportive pregnancy yoga pants. And I’d know I bought so many variations throughout my pregnancies.
2. C-shaped preggo pillow- Don’t get rid of that C shaped preggo pillow just yet! It is a life saver to sleep in following surgery. Stay on that left side! It helps with digestion and blood flow and will ease the pain and pressure of your incision area.
This is the pillow I used and LOVED throughout all 3 pregnancies.
Click here for items I used to prep for c section LINK to blog page
