The night before my second C-section, I sat alone in the nursery, folding tiny onesies that I’d probably never get around to using. I thought I’d be calm—after all, I’d done this before. But the truth? I was terrified.

With my first, I thought I’d prepared. I packed the hospital bag, read the books, and followed the advice—“Rest and let your body heal.” But I had no idea that recovery wouldn’t just happen on its own. I wasn’t ready for the scar that felt like it had taken over my body, or the overwhelming sense of failure that lingered long after I left the hospital.

So this time? I was determined to do things differently. And if you’re heading into another C-section, I want you to know—you can too.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of a Second C-Section

I didn’t realise how much my first C-section had affected me until I was weeks away from my second. The memories of the sterile operating room, the tugging sensation, and the endless wait to hold my baby all came flooding back.

No one talks about the emotional side of C-sections. It’s not just physical—it’s mental. I felt like I missed something precious during that first birth, and for months afterward, I felt robbed of the experience I’d envisioned.

And the guilt? That was the heaviest part. I thought I’d done something wrong.

If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. 45% of mums experience childbirth as traumatic, and some even develop postnatal PTSD​.

But here’s the truth I wish I’d known back then: Your body didn’t fail you. You did what you needed to bring your baby safely into the world. And that makes you stronger than you realise.

What I Did Differently the Second Time

By the time I was preparing for my second, I knew I couldn’t just “rest and heal.” I needed a plan—and this time, I made one.

With my first, I felt like I had to prove something. I didn’t ask for help lifting, bending, or managing the endless carousel of nappies and feeds. The result? I slowed down my own recovery.

Second time around, I asked for help with everything—and I didn’t feel guilty.

• Let someone else do the dishes.
• Accept your mum's offer to drop off meals.
• Say yes when someone asks if you need help holding the baby.

Your healing is worth more than your pride.

No one told me that scar massage and medical grade silicone strips could make such a massive difference. After my first, I ignored my scar—out of sight, out of mind. But by the time I was cleared for exercise, the scar felt like a thick rope beneath my skin. It was raised, itchy, and uncomfortable for months.

This time, I did the research. Medical grade silicone strips helped reduce redness and flatten the scar by up to 86%​. And I started gentle scar massage as soon as I was able, breaking down adhesions and softening the tissue​.

The result? A flatter, less noticeable scar—and a stronger connection with my body.

After my first C-section, the overhang settled in fast. I thought it was just part of postpartum life. What I didn’t realise was that wearing a postpartum care suit  helps prevent that pouch from forming by supporting the muscles and tissues as they heal​.

This small change made moving easier, and I didn’t feel like I was falling apart every time I laughed or sneezed.

Preparing for the Emotional Side of Surgery

C-sections can stir up all kinds of emotions—sometimes long after you’ve healed physically. I remember standing in front of the mirror, looking at the scar and feeling this wave of sadness. Like I’d missed out on something.

If this happens to you—it’s okay.

• Talk about it. Whether it’s with your partner, a midwife, or a friend—saying it out loud helps.
• Ask for a birth debrief. Many hospitals offer “birth reflections” services where you can go through your notes with a midwife​. It’s never too late to process what happened.
• Let yourself feel. If you need to cry, do it. If you feel proud, celebrate that. Every emotion is valid.

You’re Not Just Surviving—You’re Thriving

Your C-section scar isn’t a symbol of weakness. It’s proof that you brought life into this world. And if you’re heading into another one, know this—you’re stronger now. You’re not starting from scratch. You’ve learned, grown, and you’re ready to take control.

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This time, you’re going in prepared.