A caesarean section, commonly known as a C-section, is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your tummy and womb. Around one in every four to five pregnant women in the UK has a caesarean.

We asked our followers for tips for anyone preparing for or recovering from a caesarean – here are some of the great suggestions!

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Sarah: Don’t hang out with anyone even remotely funny for a few weeks afterwards as laughing hurts and the only way to do it is laugh like a exhaling seal. Seriously, keep painkillers on hand and definitely am with Terri on the big knickers front! Take it easy as much as you can with a new baby and don’t rush to any sort of heavy lifting or stretching even after the scar has healed on the outside…

Heather: Laxatives! 

Kate: I’ve had two c-sections – keep on top of your pain killers and get big pants that’ll go over your tummy!

Gemma: Peppermint tea or cordial! I’ve had 3 c-sections so far. Peppermint is great for helping alleviate the pain of trapped wind in the back & chest after the surgery

Danielle: Big Bridget Jones pants that cover your scar comfortably. Don’t expect to be able to do much, ask for help and take up the offers of help! 

Sarah: My main tip is not to be upset if you have to have a c-section. I had an emergency c-section and like many women wanted as natural a birth as possible but the only thingthst really matters is getting to meet your baby as safely as possible. Birth plans don’t mean a thing once you have your amazing baby! It’s not just an ‘easy’ way to have a baby – it IS a major operation but focus on your baby and it’s all worth it! 

Danielle: I had two planned sections and both were absolutely fine. I was home 20 hours after the second, most people that comment seem to have horror stories but it can also work out completely fine. I had no negatives to it minus the discomfort. I only had paracetamol and ibuprofen as anything stronger doesn’t agree with me and I was walking around the shops a few days later. I was cleared to drive after 4 weeks and felt pretty much back to normal by then.

Annie Fielding: Don’t listen to horror stories, yes they happen, but everyone’s story is different! Mine were fine (1st emergency, 2nd elective), I was home the next day after my second. Rest as much as you can/want to, I hated being told to rest all the time, but I wish I had more time to with my second. And put a pad along your incision line (in your knickers), it will make you so much more comfortable!!x

Carly: A pillow to wrap over your scar/belly and strap your seat belt over it for the journey home!! Helps to softens some of the bumps in the road!!!