Lydia is the founder of bespoke accessory brand Juno & Pip. She chose a planned C-section for both of her births, going into each one armed with research, a playlist, and complete conviction. Here, in her own words, she shares what it was really like.
For me, birth brought a lot of anxiety. I’ve always felt safest when things are planned and clear. After researching my options, I knew I would feel calmer and more in control with a planned section. Having that clarity and reassurance allowed me to go into both births feeling positive, prepared, and empowered.
Of course I’d heard the usual scaremongering stories about C-sections – but I’d also come across so many calm, positive, and empowering experiences. And I wanted mine to be one of them.
I did a huge amount of research beforehand. I watched videos, listened to podcasts, spoke to several mums who’d had caesareans, and really familiarised myself with the procedure step by step. I wanted to understand exactly what would happen, how it would feel during and after, and what to expect at each stage.
Knowledge is power.
Although my first section was planned, my waters broke before my scheduled date and my baby decided to arrive early. I didn’t experience any contractions, and around five hours later I was calmly taken to theatre – and still had my planned caesarean, just a little sooner than expected. Even with that change, I felt reassured and supported throughout, which really reinforced that I had made the right decision for me.
I’d first read about gentle caesareans in the book Nobody Tells You. The idea of a slower, gentler section – allowing baby to wiggle out in their own time – felt so calm to me. I hadn’t raised it beforehand because I honestly didn’t think it was something I could request on the NHS, so I quietly let the idea go.
Then, just before my section, I met my surgeon and he asked: “Have you heard of a gentle section before? I’ve never performed one, but I’d love to try it with you.”
I was absolutely overjoyed. It immediately made me feel even more reassured and excited about meeting my baby. I don’t know exactly why he offered it that day, but it felt like such a special moment, almost like everything I’d hoped for had aligned.
What stands out most is how quickly everything shifted from anticipation to meeting my baby. One moment I’d had the spinal and was experiencing the usual shakes, and the next a mirror was being held up so I could watch my baby gently wiggle his way out. It felt incredibly fast. And honestly, I loved every second of it.
The atmosphere in theatre played such a huge part in that. The team were warm, chatty, and completely unflustered. They made normal conversation, enjoyed the songs we’d chosen for our birth playlist, and spoke to each other so calmly. It genuinely felt steady and safe, which put me instantly at ease.
I had been particularly nervous about feeling nauseous after the spinal, so I made sure to mention that beforehand. Both the surgeon and the anaesthetist were so reassuring, and my anaesthetist kept a very close eye on my blood pressure throughout. Just knowing they were aware of my worries made me feel listened to and supported.
When I first met my baby boy, I felt a mixture of relief, joy and a little bit of shock all at once – it’s such a surreal moment. After some skin-to-skin and cord clamping, I was being stitched up, which actually takes the longest part of the procedure.
I remember just soaking it all in: watching my partner with our baby, listening to the background conversation, and feeling this overwhelming sense of I did it. The time honestly flew by, and I couldn’t wait to get into recovery, start breastfeeding, and begin getting to know him properly.
With a 15-month age gap, I was offered a planned section as soon as I registered my second pregnancy. After such an incredibly positive first experience, it felt like a complete no-brainer. I didn’t actually change much the second time – I even kept the exact same birth playlist, because it had grounded me so much during my first section.
Music really helped me stay calm and focused. Having my partner right by my side, talking to me and reassuring me throughout, made such a difference too. That steady presence kept me completely at ease.
I genuinely didn’t think it would be possible to enjoy it more than the first – but I did. I felt deeply relaxed. At one point I was chatting to the surgeon about what they’d had for lunch that day. That’s how calm it felt.
There was some scar tissue, so the operation took slightly longer than my first. But because I’d researched and understood that this can be normal with subsequent sections, I didn’t panic. I felt informed and prepared, which made all the difference.
My recovery from both sections was really positive. I was up and gently walking a few hours after surgery each time. I listened carefully to my body – resting when I needed to, but also moving little and often, which really helped.
Staying on top of pain relief was key. If you miss a dose, you definitely feel it – so being proactive and setting alarms rather than waiting until you need it made recovery so much smoother.
Lydia’s planned C-section story originally featured in the Spring 2026 issue of Birthbabe Magazine, alongside Molly McCarthy’s recovery tips, Dr Sangeeta Mittal on what a C-section actually does to your body, and a full C-section recovery kit. Subscribe below to never miss an issue again.
Lydia’s C-Section Tips
Do your research. Familiarise yourself with the procedure step by step so nothing feels frightening or unknown.
Create a birth playlist filled with songs that comfort you.
Tell the team your worries beforehand – they can only help if they know.
Ask your midwife to take photos and videos. You will treasure them forever.
Stay on top of pain relief after the birth – set alarms, don’t wait until you need it.
Don’t be afraid to ask about options like a gentle caesarean. You might be surprised by what’s possible.
Lydia is the founder of Juno & Pip, a bespoke accessory brand. Find out more at junoandpip.com and follow the journey on Instagram at @junoandpip.
Image: Lydia // Juno + Pip
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