CAESARIAN BIRTH & RECOVERY

Belly Birth: The Honest Guide

Nearly 1 in 2 babies in England are now born by caesarean, and yet so many women tell me nobody really explained what would happen, or how to recover. How to prepare, what really happens on the day and how to heal, gently and fully, in the weeks and months afterwards.

What's inside

A caesarean is still a birth.

1

Planned or unplanned

Your rights, BRAIN for every decision and why "emergency" rarely means what it sounds like: only about 6% of caesareans are true emergencies.

2

A gentle caesarean

Music, a clear drape, optimal cord clamping, skin-to-skin in theatre, your golden hour, vaginal seeding and keeping your placenta.

3

The day itself

What really happens, step by step, from arriving to the postnatal ward, plus a caesarean hospital bag checklist.

4

Your recovery

Feeding, the first six weeks, scar massage, healing your core, gentle movement week by week and your emotions too.

"A caesarean doesn't have to mean resigning yourself to a medical, clinical birth. It can still be positive, memorable and magical."

You'll be ready to…

Ask the right questions, and know there's almost always time
Ask for a gentle caesarean, and know what's possible
Protect your golden hour and get feeding off to a good start
Pack exactly what you'll need, and nothing you won't
Rest, nourish and heal through the first six weeks
Care for your scar, your core and your pelvic floor
Return to movement safely, at your own pace
Hand your team a one-page summary of your preferences

Why I made this

Hi, I'm Clare

I founded LushTums in Brighton in 2007. As a senior yoga teacher, doula and FEDANT-accredited antenatal educator, I've spent 20 years supporting families through pregnancy, birth and beyond.

This guide is everything I wish every woman knew before and after a caesarean, with real photos from real LushTums families. Evidence-informed, warm and honest, whether your belly birth is planned, possible or has already happened.