Preparing for Your Second C-Section: Advice from a 3x C-birth Mom

Preparing for your second C-section can feel familiar and overwhelming. While you’ve been through it before, every experience is unique, and a solid plan can make a world of difference. I recently asked my Instagram community of repeat C-section moms for their best advice on helping those getting ready for their second surgery. Their responses were packed with valuable insights, from practical tips to emotional encouragement.

Let’s break down their advice—what works, what might not, and some additional recommendations to help you prepare confidently.

Advice from Experienced C-Birth Moms

1. Silicone Tape for Scar Healing

Silicone tape is a highly recommended tool for c-section recovery due to its proven ability to improve scar appearance, reduce itching, and support healing. It creates a protective barrier that helps maintain moisture in the skin, promoting optimal healing conditions. Silicone tape can also help flatten raised scars and prevent keloid or hypertrophic scar formation, which are common concerns for many moms. The key to success with silicone tape is consistent use—wearing it for at least 12 hours a day over several weeks or months can make a significant difference in how the scar looks and feels over time. Additionally, it’s gentle on the skin and can be worn discreetly under clothing, making it an easy and practical addition to your postpartum routine. Silicone tape can be worn around weeks 2-6 after your cesarean. 

2. WALK, Have Frozen Pre-Cooked Meals, and Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Walking is one of the best things you can do to support your recovery after a C-section. It encourages circulation, helps prevent blood clots, and can aid digestion by reducing bloating and constipation, common after surgery. Even short, gentle walks around your home can make a big difference in how you feel. Preparing meals in advance can alleviate the stress of cooking when you're focusing on your baby and healing. Opt for nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods such as salmon, turmeric, leafy greens, and nuts, which can help reduce swelling and promote healing. Proper nutrition also supports energy levels, which is essential when caring for a newborn. Having a plan for meals and movement can significantly enhance your postpartum experience.

3. Wear the Binder & Give Yourself Grace

A postpartum binder can provide physical support during your recovery by helping you feel more stable when moving, laughing, or coughing. A high-quality binder can help reduce swelling and support your abdominal muscles as they heal. However, after the first 6 weeks, balance the binder use with gentle core-strengthening exercises to prevent over-reliance on external support. Emotionally, giving yourself grace is just as important. It’s easy to compare your recovery to others or your first c-section experience, but every journey is unique. It’s okay to take your time, rest when needed, and adjust your expectations based on how you feel daily. Recovery is not linear, and being kind to yourself is key to a positive experience.

4. Find a New Doctor Who Will Do a VBAC

If you're interested in attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), finding a supportive healthcare provider is essential. Not all doctors or hospitals are VBAC-friendly, so it's crucial to research and advocate for your preferences. A good VBAC provider will assess your situation, discuss the risks and benefits, and support your decision-making process. Factors that can make you a good candidate for VBAC include the type of incision from your previous c-section, your overall health, and your pregnancy's progression. Having a provider who listens to you and respects your birth plan can empower you to make informed choices about your delivery.

5. Abdominal Stitching / Ask the Doctors to Reattach Stomach Muscles

Having the abdominal muscles sewn back together might seem logical to help restore core strength, but this is not recommended. The rectus abdominis muscles naturally separate during pregnancy, a condition called diastasis recti, and they are designed to heal over time with the proper support and rehabilitation. Suturing the muscles together can create unnatural tension in the abdominal wall, leading to potential complications such as restricted movement, chronic pain, and even hernias. Instead, the best way to regain strength and function safely is to focus on proper postpartum exercises that gradually strengthen the deep core muscles, such as breathing techniques, pelvic tilts, and gentle core engagement.

By the way, I didn’t know this was an option until my 3rd cesarean when the OB did it without my consent. If you do (or do not) want this done, please speak up. 

My Top Recommendations for Your Second C-Section

1. Be Prepared for a Different Recovery Experience

Every c-section is different, and your second experience may bring unique challenges and surprises. While some moms find the second recovery easier because they know what to expect, others find it more challenging due to additional responsibilities like caring for older children. Understanding that your recovery timeline might differ and preparing for the unexpected can help reduce frustration and anxiety. Consider lining up additional support from family or friends, planning rest periods, and managing expectations to accommodate your changing needs.

After my second and third c-sections, I quickly realized just how different recovery can be when you have a toddler and/or infant at home. I remember sitting on the couch, nursing my newborn while my toddler tugged at my arm and feeling completely drained. Balancing breastfeeding, sleepless nights, and the physical toll of surgery was overwhelming at times. I had to learn to ask for help—something I struggled with after my first. Walking, even just around the house, helped me feel more in control, but I also learned to embrace rest without guilt. Each experience reminded me to lower my expectations and give myself the grace I needed.

2. Advocate for What You Want

Since you've been through a c-section before, you likely have a better idea of what worked for you and what didn’t. This time, don’t hesitate to speak up and advocate for your preferences, whether it’s requesting immediate skin-to-skin contact, specific pain management options, or having your partner present a certain way. Communicate clearly with your healthcare team about your expectations and ensure your partner or support person is on the same page to help advocate on your behalf if necessary. Being proactive and informed can help you feel more in control and contribute to a more positive experience.

My C-sections were planned but not scheduled, which meant I never knew who would be performing the surgery until I arrived at the hospital. This made it challenging to advocate for certain things because I didn’t have an established relationship with the surgical team. It was important to me to go into labor naturally before the procedure, but I wish I had known I could ask for things like a clear drape to watch the birth, calming music, and having someone talk to me during the surgery. Looking back, I realize how much more empowered I could have felt if I had spoken up and made my preferences known despite the unpredictability of my delivery team.

3. Take Care of Your Scar – Before & After Surgery

Scar care begins even before your surgery. Preparing your scar tissue in advance by keeping it soft and mobile can help your doctors perform the surgery more smoothly and potentially reduce post-op discomfort. After surgery, regular scar massage, hydration, and gentle mobility exercises can prevent adhesions and improve flexibility, helping you regain comfort and function more quickly.

4. Have a Doula for Your C-Section

A doula can be a valuable support system before, during, and after your c-section. They provide emotional support, help communicate your birth preferences to medical staff, and offer reassurance during the procedure. Many moms find that having a doula present helps them feel more involved in their birth experience and less like passive participants. Postpartum, a doula can assist with breastfeeding and emotional well-being and provide tips for navigating recovery while caring for your baby. Having someone who understands the unique challenges of a c-section can make a big difference in how supported you feel throughout the process.

Looking back, I truly wish we had a doula at my births—especially for my first C-section. I can't help but wonder if having that extra support and advocacy might have helped me avoid surgery altogether. During my third birth, things happened so quickly, and the entire experience felt out of control. I remember feeling overwhelmed and wishing we had someone there just for us, an extra set of eyes who knew our birth plan and could advocate on our behalf. Having a doula could have provided that much-needed reassurance and helped us feel more present and empowered.

Preparing for your second c-section is about more than just logistics; it's about feeling empowered, informed, and ready to embrace your birth experience. Take the advice that resonates with you, plan, and give yourself the grace you deserve.

Want more personalized support and a plan tailored just for you? Book a consultation for c-section prep today, and let me help you feel confident and prepared for your next birth experience.