c section what to expect
C-Section — What to Expect Before, During and After
A caesarean birth is major abdominal surgery. Preparation includes anaesthesia, monitoring and consent; recovery includes pain control, wound care, movement, feeding support and warning-sign checks.
Reviewed and updated:
Before and during
The team confirms consent, anaesthesia, antibiotics and monitoring. Most planned caesareans use regional anaesthesia so the birthing person is awake. Circumstances vary in emergencies.
Meeting your baby
When mother and baby are stable, many units support early contact and feeding. Ask about skin-to-skin in theatre or recovery and how your partner can help.
Recovery basics
- Take prescribed pain relief
- Move gently as advised to reduce clot risk
- Keep the wound clean and monitor changes
- Avoid lifting heavier than your baby until cleared
- Accept help with meals, laundry and older children
Get urgent medical help
Common questions
Can I breastfeed after a C-section?
Yes. Positioning support may help protect the wound, and skin-to-skin and feeding support can be adapted to recovery needs.