Send us a textBirth can be both clinical and deeply human, and few moments capture that better than a planned C-section. I wanted to remove the mystery and the fear, so I walk you step by step through what it actually feels like—from walking into a bright, cold OR to hearing that first cry and settling into recovery with your baby. This is not theory; it’s a grounded, nurse-led guide to sensations, timelines, and choices that help you feel safe and in control.I start with the spinal: what the quick pinch feels like, how the warmth spreads, and why numbness without sharp pain lets you stay awake and present. You’ll learn how the team preps your abdomen, places the drape, and runs a safety timeout that confirms your identity and plan. Then I get honest about the odd but normal feelings during surgery—deep pressure, tugging, and that famous “doing dishes in my belly” sensation—as the team guides your baby to the incision. I cover cord clamping timing, the brief handoff to the NICU nurse, and options for skin to skin while your surgeon completes the careful, longer closure of the uterus, fascia, and skin.Recovery gets equal attention. I explain the first two hours in the PACU, why shivering and itching can happen, how often your uterus is checked, and how early mobility lowers clot risk and eases gas pain. You’ll hear practical tips on feeding, pain management, and what soreness and tightness feel like in the first days. Throughout, I keep the focus on respect, safety, and choice, rooted in real clinical steps and clear language.If you or someone you love is preparing for a C-section, this walkthrough turns the unknown into a map. Listen, share with a partner, and save it for the big day. If you want the deeper dive on anesthesia from Dr. Bella Spate, comment “podcast” below for the link—and don’t forget to follow, rate, and leave a review to help others find this birth resource. Coaching offerKelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth CoachBasically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!Support the showConnect with Kelly at kellyhof.com Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community!https://www.facebook.com/groups/bumpnbeyondGrab The Book of Hormones on Amazon!Medical Disclaimer:This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.

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