by Brandi Riley posted in Pregnancy

A few weeks ago, my husband and I went to check out the hospital where our son will be born. The tour was specifically for women who are having scheduled c-sections, and our guide was a nurse who was well-versed in the procedure so she could answer our questions. I didn't think I'd have a lot of questions -- this isn't my first time at the c-section rodeo. My daughter was born via scheduled cesarean almost 8 years ago because of the same ongoing medical condition that makes it a necessity again. I'm an old pro!
Or so I thought.
Once the nurse started talking about catheters and passing gas, it became clear to me that there was a lot about my previous c-section that I put out of my mind. As it all started coming back, and I started to freak out, I tried to look at the bright side. At least I could use my experience from the last time to help make myself more comfortable this time around. I've read a lot about how to prepare for a c-section, but most of what I read focuses on the procedure itself. I have a few tricks for before and after to help the mama behind the scar.
Do simple exercises to strengthen your core muscles.
A c-section is major abdominal surgery! I didn't even consider that before I had gave birth to my daughter. I was never really super fit, just fortunate to have good genes, but they didn't help at all when the cesarean weakened my core. A weak core coupled with picking up a baby over and over again gave me back issu...