Cesarean Birth prep

Cesarean birth is birth and you deserve preparation, information, support, and tenderness throughout the experience.

 Preparing for a Cesarean Birth is a supportive 28-page digital resource created to help expectant parents prepare for surgery, understand what to expect, communicate their preferences, meet their baby, and plan for physical and emotional recovery.

Whether your cesarean is scheduled ahead of time, recommended during pregnancy, or becomes part of the conversation during labor, this worksheet offers practical information and guided questions to help you feel more involved in your care.

Inside, you’ll explore:

• Why a cesarean birth may be recommended
• The differences between planned, unplanned, and emergency cesareans
• The BRAIN informed decision-making tool
• How to prepare for a scheduled cesarean
• What may happen when you arrive at the hospital
• Who may be present in the operating room
• Spinal, epidural, and general anesthesia
• What the operating room may look and feel like
• Cesarean birth preferences to discuss with your care team
• Skin-to-skin, bonding, and feeding after birth
• The birth partner’s role before, during, and after surgery
• What to expect in the recovery room
• First movements and incision protection
• Post-surgery pain-management questions
• Preparing your home for a more supported recovery
• The 5-5-5 postpartum rest idea
• Emotional recovery and processing your birth experience
• Symptoms that should be discussed promptly with your care team

The worksheet also includes:

• Space to record pre-surgery instructions
• A personalized cesarean birth-preferences page
• Questions for your provider and surgical team
• Medication notes
• Important contact information
• A complete cesarean-preparation checklist
• A postpartum recovery checklist
• A quick-reference partner cheat sheet
• A tender letter to the cesarean parent

This resource recognizes that not every part of birth can be controlled, but there may be more space for communication, preparation, personalization, and connection than you realize.

What You’ll Receive

• One 28-page downloadable PDF
• Instant digital access
• Printer-friendly design
• Educational guidance, checklists, and writable planning pages
• Support for both the cesarean parent and their birth partner

Your strength is not measured by how your baby entered the world.

You gave birth—and you deserve to be cared for, too.

Please note: This worksheet provides general educational information and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow the instructions of your obstetric, surgical, anesthesia, nursing, and postpartum care teams. For personal use only.