HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR LOVED ONE THROUGH A C-SECTION
And, feel free to visit our page for the Mama's to better understand what they're navigating.
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Our best tip: Enthusiastically take on the roles of Chief Diaper, Transportation, & Swaddle Officer.
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It is painful for her to bend over and lift the baby during those first 2-3 weeks. Simply healing and recovering will take every ounce of her energy (especially if breastfeeding/pumping), so taking diapers off her mental radar is a HUGE HELP.
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If breastfeeding, get up and bring the baby to her and put the baby back afterward -- that simple task feels like an insurmountable mountain to her right now, but it is relatively easy for you. Enjoy feeling like a superhero -- we know she is yours right now ;)
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While you are in the hospital, ask the nurses for their tips on diapering, burping, and swaddling, (they love showing their skills!) and practice a lot while you are there. You can teach your partner your pro-tips once she is more mobile.​​
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HELPFUL INFORMATION
FOR PARTNERS:
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Your support means everything. She will remember how you showed up for her (or didn't) through this experience. But we also know that it's hard to know how to get it right.
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Good news, you don't have to "get it right".
Even she may not know what she needs or how to articulate how she is feeling.
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Simply trying goes a long way.
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Here's some information that can help.
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During pregnancy or
first year post-partum...
​10% of dads experience post-partum depression
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18% develop a clinically significant anxiety* disorder
(Source: Postpartum International)
*Including generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder
DADS AND PARTNERS
NEED SUPPORT TOO.
​While we have you...how are you doing?
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Are you struggling with what you witnessed?
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It can be a stressful situation and hard to see your partner go through pain. So it's good to be aware that partners can get PTSD too.​
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Help is available for dads & partners, and there are communities ​and "chats for dads" events that meet monthly online as a very approachable format.
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HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR
FRIENDS & FAMILY:
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11 things you can do to help someone who had a c-section
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What NOT to say to a mom who has had a c-section
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(Pro-tip, it's easiest just to listen, no need to say something to make her feel better. Just listen.)
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If you've been through it, let her know.
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She may feel more comfortable sharing things that are on her mind.​
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Give her space to share HER experience with someone who understands.
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Check in on the partner. They may feel a little (extremely) shellshocked from seeing their loved one go through the surgery, being thrust into the main care-giving role for both the baby and their partner, and not used to asking for help.
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Please be aware that post-partum depression and clinical anxiety also happen to Dads, and it isn't something that someone should just "tough it out".
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If you think someone is struggling, check out the resources we referenced above in the Partner section and encourage them to see a medical professional.​​​
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