Preparing for a C-section? These are the 5 things you'll want to plan for.

Thanks to our brand partner, Smith+Nephew

While we talk plenty about pram preferences, nursery setups and how many muslins you really need (answer: way fewer than you think), what often gets skipped is what happens after a C-section.

One in three women in Australia and New Zealand give birth via C-section. It's not rare or niche and it deserves way more attention — especially when it comes to what happens after the operation.

So if you've got a C-section coming up, here are five things worth planning for.

1. The importance of post-operative wound care.

It's important to be informed about surgical site infections so you're aware of the potential risk factors such as obesity, smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes. That's why proactive planning and speaking to your doctor about interventions to prevent surgical site complications is a key step.

One option to consider — under the guidance of your healthcare provider — is the PICO 7 Single Use Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (sNPWT) system. 

PICO 7 is a small, portable system that is applied right after a c-section to support better wound healing and help reduce the risk of surgical site infections. It's designed to help wounds heal by using a suction device, known as Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT).

The suction device helps to remove excess fluids and infectious materials from closed surgical wounds into the dressing, which could promote wound healing.

(Always read the label and follow the directions for use. PICO 7 is to be used under the direction of Healthcare Professional only. The device can be used in homecare setting under the training and supervision from Healthcare Professional. PICO 7 dressings should only be applied and changed by your Healthcare Professional. This product is not available to purchase by General Public. Speak to your doctor about interventions to help prevent Surgical Site Complications.)

2. Plan for rest.

Rest takes on a new meaning. Not the "have a nap when the baby naps" kind of rest (that never really happens), but the kind where you avoid getting up unless absolutely necessary.

In those first few days at home, you won't want to be hiking across the house for nappies or stretching awkwardly to reach the remote. That's why setting up care stations near your bed or on the couch is essential.

Keep everything you'll need close by: nappies, wipes, your emotional support water bottle, snacks, your phone charger and every newborn parent's secret weapon… your headphones.

If you're formula feeding, consider setting up a feeding station nearby with pre-sterilised bottles, a thermos of boiled water and formula tubs so everything is within arm's reach. The last thing you want to be doing is shuffling around the kitchen at 2am.

Give yourself permission to rest — there's no rush to bounce back. And if you're not up for visitors, it's okay to say no. The baby will still be cute and tiny in six weeks.

Sleep as much as you can or binge-watch your favourite comfort shows and remember, how you feel matters just as much as how your baby is doing.

3. Plan your wardrobe.

The cute, under-bump maternity jeans you lived in during pregnancy? They're going to be your worst enemy now.

High-waisted, soft underwear is essential. Think Bridget Jones meets postpartum goddess.

Loose-fitting dresses and soft waistbands will be your go-tos, and if you're breastfeeding, front-opening tops will save you a lot of frustration (and laundry).

4. Driving is off the table (and other logistical surprises).

After birth, it will be a while before you can be mobile again, so it's best to plan ahead. Organise who will be doing daycare runs, grocery pickups or even just ducking out for a coffee when the cabin fever hits.

Set up your online grocery accounts, and if you have a friend or family member with flexible hours, ask them to be your on-call driver in the early weeks.

The fewer logistics you have to deal with, the better.

5. Your support crew is important (but they need specific briefs).

There's nothing less helpful than polite "let me know if you need anything" offers.

What you need in the aftermath of a C-section are assigned roles and practical support. Someone should be cooking dinner. If you've got bigger kids, someone else should handle school drop-offs, packing lunchboxes or remembering bin night. You'll want someone checking in on you and refilling your water bottle.

Setting expectations ahead of time makes a huge difference in how supported (and sane) you feel once you're home. So write a list on your phone now of all the things you think you might need help with. Then when someone gives you the old "let me know…" you can respond with a specific task request.

Speak to your doctor about preventing surgical site infections and whether PICO 7 Single Use Negative Pressure Wound Therapy could be right for you.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. PICO 7 is to be used under the direction of Healthcare Professional only. The device can be used in homecare setting under the training and supervision from Healthcare Professional. PICO 7 dressings should only be applied and changed by your Healthcare Professional. This product is not available to purchase by General Public. Speak to your doctor about interventions to help prevent Surgical Site Complications.

Feature Image: Getty. 

Smith+Nephew is a portfolio medical technology company across Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine, ENT and Advanced Wound Management focused on the repair, regeneration and replacement of soft and hard tissue.