Having a c-section can mean a significant recovery. After having a baby, regardless of your birth experience, you should listen to your body and take care of yourself. Here are some basics for c-section recovery.
Not everyone is the same.
One person may tell you they had a horrible c-section recovery, while another person had an easy recovery. I had people tell me how horrific and debilitating it was, yet my c-section recovery was a breeze compared to my first childbirth. It is hard to gauge what it will be like from what other people say, so take into account that everyone has a different experience.
Recovering after having my first baby.
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Rest and accept help.
I have a really tough time accepting help, even though I generally don’t have much help available (not much family nearby). But if you are offered help, take it. Having limited mobility and not being able to lift things can be very frustrating, especially if your spouse goes back to work after a few days. I remember being at home with a newborn and a 2.5 year old, and it was a challenge. Throw in cabin fever, and every day was a big struggle.
The saying “sleep when the baby sleeps” is great advice. I did not follow it well, and regretted overdoing things and being sleep deprived.
Prepare ahead.
You may not know whether or not you are going to end up having a c-section. However, it is good to plan ahead regardless of whatever type of birth you may have. This means getting things organized at home, stocking up on supplies, and preparing frozen meals ahead of time.
Move around.
Listen to your doctors, and start moving around when they give you the green light. It will help you to regain your mobility and get some circulation going. Obviously you don’t want to overdo it so that it becomes a setback (and make sure you have some help at least the first few times), but walking should generally be helpful. Being upright felt good, and it really is good for the body. I’ve heard it is good for everything from digestion to losing water weight.
By the time we checked out of the hospital, I walked all the way from the maternity wing to the parking garage, instead of waiting for a wheelchair. Although I felt a bit winded, it was liberating and it felt great to be moving around. I was very careful to follow Doctor’s orders about not lifting or moving too much, but still getting in some walking.
Pain meds.
Don’t let your pain levels become debilitating. Don’t be afraid to tell your nurses that you are in pain. Those first days in the hospital should be for recovery, and if you are miserable and in pain, it makes it hard to sleep or function. Stay on top of pain management.
Breastfeeding.
If you want to breastfeed, be patient and have a strategy. For my second baby, I knew I was ready to breastfeed the end of the first day of my c-section. The nurses doubted me but I asked for a breast pump and they brought one in. Sure enough, I was able to pump and nurse. It can’t hurt to ask, and it can’t hurt to connect with a Lactation Consultant at the hospital if you plan on breastfeeding. Not everyone connects well with their LC, but you can be clear about your goals. If there is something you need or want – whether it is a pump, Lanolin, a nursing shield, etc – ask! Chances are there is a way to get it at the hospital, without having to send your spouse or someone else to the store.
Keep on top of your health.
Watch for any issues that may come up after your c-section, from infections to other post-birth issues like mastitis.
Get some recovery tools.
There are a lot of great tools out there to help with your c-section recovery.
~ recovery belly band
~ cooling pads
~ pads
~ c-section scar treatment
~ postnatal vitamins (we love the Mary Ruth’s brand)
I only discovered the belly band with my 3rd c-section and it is the one thing I wish I had had with the previous two. Definitely a must have.
I think you are right, it is so different for each person. I think as you say, trying to rest and accepting help from family and friends is a must!
As someone who has never had kids I can’t even begin to imagine what this must be like, but I do think you’re right about accepting help. There are things you won’t be able to do, or things you’re told you shouldn’t do and if someone can support to ensure your recovery it’s important to take it. But equally this support isn’t going to be available to everyone x
Childbirth is an exciting time. You finally get to meet the baby growing inside you for the last 9 months.Yet, having a baby can be taxing on your body so these recovery tips are important to know anad keep in mind. Thank you.
I’m not yet a parent but I appreciate you sharing this information with us. I’d been confused about how it heals but reading this article clear my mind.
I’m not yet a mother but these tips are very helpful. I have friends that took a long time to recover after their c-section.
A lot of information to read up on. I didn’t know about a lot of these things but having a c-section is definitely a different kind of experience. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing these helpful C-section recovery tips. They provide valuable advice and guidance for women who have undergone a C-section. Your tips will surely assist them in their healing process.
This is a good list of tips. There is a lot of information here that I need to keep in mind. Your sharing is greatly appreciated.
Thanks for sharing these great tips.
A c section was something I dreaded. Hopefully this will let anyone else who is recovering .
It really is important to start moving as soon as you get the go ahead after a C-section. I waited a little too long to start moving around in earnest, and I could really feel that I was much weaker.
Getting plenty of rest is important. Rest is vital for recovery from any surgery.
I agree with you. I’ve been through with it and it’s my first time but I ended up with a C-section as well because my baby’s position isn’t normal. Glad that my mom is with me aside from my husband so the healing process is great, like I follow all doctor’s orders.
I am glad to hear about it! I really appreciate the tips you’ve shared and I found that so helpful!
Great tips here. Its important to keep these in mind. Recovery is important.
I never had kids but I can imagine how challenging it is to do a C-section. Recovery is crucial I imagine. Thank you for the tips.
I think it is important to convey your pain levels. I never did when I was in the hospital for a different kind of surgery because I didn’t want to take anything too strong. Looking back, I wish I’d have just communicated to get something, because pain is no joke.
Sharing this to my cousin who just had C section a couple of months ago. I’m sure she will get a lot of great tips from this post!
Great tips thanks for sharing this one for new moms.
Thank you for sharing these helpful tips for c-section recovery. Everyone’s experience is different, but it’s great to have some basic guidelines. I especially appreciate the reminder to rest and accept help, as it can be tough to ask for assistance. And preparing ahead of time is so important, even if you’re unsure what type of birth you’ll have. Thanks for also mentioning some recovery tools – I’ll keep those in mind for the future.
I was lucky with both my c sections and had a straightforward recovery in a few weeks.
Love all your tips! My c-section was no joke!
My daughter I had a c-section, it went fairly well for her after the first week. She wasn’t able to breastfeed and the cut still hurts
Two years ago I didn’t plan to have a c section. Like many other moms to be I always wanted to give birth naturally. But, the size of my baby boy was too big for me, he couldn’t even go deeper than 3 cm after 15 hours long induction. So, the doctors decided they had to perform surgery. Although I regret I wasn’t prepared enough, in the end I could manage everything. Slowly but surely. And now I barely feel any pain anymore on the cut line.