What to Expect with a C -Section Recovery

If you read my birth story, you would know it ended in an emergency c section. I didn’t do any research prior since it was unexpected, so I wanted to sit down and write out what I learned from my experience.

The whole experience of a c section is crazy. I already had an epidural going, so I think it made it easier for them to apply more anesthesia. I couldn’t even pick up my arms, it was just the weirdest feeling! Being an emergency, I was so preoccupied with wanting the baby to be okay that I don’t remember much else being in that room. For me, the c-section isn’t the hard part, it is the recovery period.

Hospital Recovery Process

The first thing my nurses did once I got to my room provided me with pain killers and stool softeners. Fun fact, c sections can cause constipation like no other so drink water constantly and take the stool softeners. Even when you think you are good, I personally would suggest taking them until you run out of the prescription. As far as other pain, I felt so weak and had zero core strength.

Anytime you stand up, cough, or sneeze, hold a pillow against your abdomen. I continued to do this any time I would get out of bed, and even after a few weeks of being home. I had two different pain killers to switch between and I definitely noticed a difference if a dose was skipped. While your incision will forever feel numb now, in the beginning, I felt a lot of pinching-like pain above and below that area.

Take Things Slow

If you have other children to take care of, it will be really hard to stay off your feet. But, I will say don’t overdo it. I was so excited to be out of the hospital but became overwhelmed that I had a lot of things to do. I was very lucky to have so much help, but felt a little helpful in my state. What I didn’t take into account, is I didn’t take more than a few steps for that whole stay! This first time walking about and it was kind of weird to get back to it.

I error you to not walk too much because you will experience swelling in your feet. But, I do also suggest not lay down too often where you can potentially get blood clots. When you are sitting, I suggest you keep your feet elevated if you can. During my hospital stay, I wore heated wraps on my legs to keep the blood flow going which was very helpful too.

Depending on your c section, there are different ways you can be stitched up. Follow your doctor’s orders on how to shower. I made sure to ask during my discharge how to shower, and how long to follow that for! My stitches were on the inside and didn’t have any gauze so I was able to shower right away. You just want to avoid that area and not scrub but just let the water and soap fall down. Also, keep the area iced or a heating pad on often in the beginning. This will really help your comfort level!

In my hospital bag I only had normal bottoms as the c-section wasn’t a planned thing. I highly suggest bringing a pair of high-waisted bottoms, because you will not want anything touching your incision area. I lived in high-waisted bottoms for a good bit! Maybe I am naive, but I didn’t even think about the fact I would still experience bleeding. I opted for wearing pads, but I know others like the comfort of diapers. I totally wish I had taken the time to research c-sections more, even just to know tidbits like this.

My last piece of advice is probably the most important, is getting in the right mindset. But know that your body is healing. Your birth story is yours, no matter what type of delivery you had! Bringing a baby into this world is a beautiful moment. Give yourself grace for what you will experience after adding a new little to the family.