What No One Tells You Before Your Cesarean: Real Talk from a First-Time C-Section Mom

Having a cesarean isn’t the picture-perfect, fairy tale birth many of us envision. As a first-time mom who had a C-section, I want to share the unspoken truths about this experience—the good, the bad, and the downright shocking. If you're about to undergo a C-section, this post is for you! Here’s what no one really tells you before your surgery and a little advice from someone who’s been through it.

1. You Go to the OR Alone—And It’s Weird

One of the biggest shocks for me was when I was rolled into the operating room (OR)—alone. Yes, the staff is with you, but your partner is not allowed to be there until the procedure begins. They’re kept in the waiting area, anxiously awaiting your update. Meanwhile, you’re lying there, in a sterile room filled with people, and the clock is ticking. It’s a strange and overwhelming feeling, but try to remember: you’re in good hands.

2. The Spinal Tap: It Hurts More Than You Expect

I thought I was prepared for the spinal tap—I mean, how bad could it be, right? Wrong. It’s intense. The anesthesiologist warned me that I would feel a lot of pressure, but he wasn’t kidding. At one point, I was squeezing the nurse’s hand so hard in an attempt to brace myself. It’s uncomfortable, to say the least, but it’s necessary. Deep breaths, mama. You’ve got this.

3. Your Partner Will Probably Walk In After the Procedure Begins

Now, here’s something you might not know: When your partner walks into the OR, there’s a good chance they’ll catch a glimpse of what’s going down before they actually get to you. This is a heads-up for all those mamas who don’t want their partners to see everything. So, it’s totally up to you—either give them a heads-up or let them experience it as a surprise. Let’s just say they won’t forget it anytime soon. 😅

4. From OR to Baby: 20 Minutes That Feel Like a Lifetime

Once you’re in the OR, it doesn’t take long for baby to make their debut—roughly 20 minutes. The hardest part isn’t the delivery, though; it’s the closing up. After they’ve pulled baby out, they have to stitch you back together, and that process takes much longer than you might think. So, while you’re lying there, just waiting… it can feel like the longest 20 minutes of your life. But, trust me, they’re doing everything they can to make sure you’re good to go.

5. Take a Nap While They’re Closing You Up—It’s Your Last Carefree Nap

You’re going to be tired from the anesthesia and the whole “just had major surgery” thing, so take a nap while they’re sewing you back together. Honestly, it might just be the best rest you get for the next year (or longer). It’s not glamorous, but I’m telling you, you’ll be thankful for it. So take those Zzz’s while you can.

6. Nausea is Real, and It’s No Joke

It wasn’t until after the procedure that I started feeling the effects of the anesthesia, and let me tell you, the nausea was overwhelming. I wasn’t prepared for how sick I’d feel. If you’re someone who tends to get motion sickness or struggles with anesthesia, be ready to manage this part. Honestly, the thought of seeing guests was just too much for me. It’s okay to turn people away and take care of yourself first.

7. Breastfeeding After a C-Section is Tough—Have Formula Ready

If you’re hoping for an easy breastfeeding experience after a C-section, be prepared for a challenge. It’s tough. You’ve just had major abdominal surgery, and the last thing your body wants to do is hold a baby for hours at a time. For me, breastfeeding was incredibly difficult, so I had to switch to formula. I highly recommend having “ready-to-feed” (RTF) formula on hand—just in case. The hospital provides RTF formula, but in my opinion, it’s not great quality. I did my research and opted for HA HIPP, which was much gentler on baby’s stomach and worked much better for us.

8. Expect the Unexpected—Things Might Not Go According to Plan

Let’s face it: no birth goes exactly as planned. C-sections or vaginal births, it doesn’t matter. Things will likely veer off course, and that’s okay. If there’s one piece of advice I can give, it’s this: keep an open mind. If you’re set on a certain way of delivering, be ready to adjust. The most important thing is that you and your baby are healthy and safe.

Final Thoughts from a First-Time C-Section Mama

Your C-section experience might not go the way you envisioned, and that’s totally okay. It’s a major surgery, and it’s okay to feel nervous, scared, or even a little upset about the way things unfold. But at the end of the day, all that matters is that you and your baby are okay. It’s not going to be easy, but you’re stronger than you think.

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