This Is What You Need To Know About C-Section Recovery
This is for our c-section warriors - for our mamas whose birth plan didn’t go quite as expected.
Whether your c-section was planned or for emergency medical reasons, I know that you’ve felt the full breadth of emotions that are so incredibly valid.
Many of us feel grateful that we’re given the option to dictate our birth plan, in turn increasing our sense of control over our experience.
But for many mamas out there, there isn't a choice. It has to be a cesarean, and it has to happen now.
It’s scary and confusing, leaving us feeling unprepared for what comes next. We’re riddled with guilt as we try to fight off a sense of deep disappointment in ourselves and our bodies for not being able to deliver the way we’ve always imagined.
In truth, it feels like something irreplaceable has been stolen from us.
But all that disappears when you get that first look through the sheet…
Experience your first precious seconds of skin-to-skin...
The moment the world gets a little brighter to fight off the darkness you’ve felt leading up to this…
It’s love. And you made that happen. Your body worked hard to nurture your infant for a good part of a year. No matter how you delivered, you did it and it was beautiful.
Your recovery is largely physical; your body is still changing and healing. Then there’s the emotional side of it too, that tends to get overlooked. It’s important to honor your feelings about your birth experience and the outcome of a delivery gone differently than what you had hoped and even expected. It’s okay to feel things about the wound that you tend and the scar that you’ll now carry. . Just as It takes time to heal your body, it will take some time to heal your heart.
But you’ll get there, mama.
What is a C-section?
Maybe this is new to you or just a little refresher: a cesarean, or C-section, is defined as a surgical procedure that is used to deliver a baby through incisions in a woman's abdomen and uterus. The doctors will cut through several layers of tissue and muscles to get to the baby.
Yes...it’s just as scary as it sounds.
There are a few reasons why this procedure may become necessary[1][2]:
The placenta is blocking the opening of the cervix, also known as Placenta Previa
The infant’s health is in danger during labor
The infant is in an abnormal position
Mama has a pre-existing illness or other health concerns that need to be monitored
Delivering multiple infants
Labor is not progressing
As if the need for this procedure isn’t scary enough, there’s also so much anxiety and anticipation in the minutes leading up to the surgery. From the check-in at the hospital, through the surgery prep, and finally to the sheet rising to block off your view, everything happens so fast.
It’s overwhelming. It’s unnerving. It’s happening.
As we lay on the table, we might start to weigh the potential risks of the procedure as we feel the pressure as the doctor goes to work. But we’re strong and resilient, and we get through it.
That’s why c-section mamas are among some of the bravest and most badass people we know.
Oh, and this just in: a cesarean is not an “easy way out”. Not by a long shot.
It’s not a lesser form of birth.
Your body didn’t fail you.
A c-section is a serious procedure with a plethora of risks and pain involved - it’s major abdominal surgery.
It’s so important that we have an open conversation about this method of delivery and arm ourselves with as much information as possible about recovery.
C-section recovery time
Mama, expect to be in the hospital 3-4 days before you’re able to go home, barring any complications, of course. Then, it’ll most likely be at least 4-6 weeks before you physically feel like yourself again.
It can feel like the only thing holding you together are bandages and glue.
It’s terrifying to walk, bend over, laugh, go to the bathroom...hell...to do anything other than just lay there wondering how much you took your abdominal muscles for granted when moving through your days.
As long as there are no complications, you’ll be encouraged to get up and walk in a relatively short time after the operation to make sure you don’t stay bedridden, which can delay your recovery. If you do experience complications during birth, it’s important to listen to your doctors and ask for more support from friends and family when you need it.
Like with vaginal birth, you’ll also experience vaginal bleeding and cramps as your uterus contracts to return to its normal size.
If you choose to breastfeed on your journey, you’ll learn the sophisticated position of the football hold to make sure you avoid putting any kind of pressure on your incision.
You might also be traveling to the hospital to help bring in your milk supply or attend newborn appointments, so there’s a good chance you’ll be carrying a diaper bag or a car seat. Try to have someone along with you to help carry your things. If you have to do this solo, go slowly and don’t rush.
You’ll probably discover a lot of other ways to make this period more comfortable as you recover, but some activities are just unavoidable. In truth, the heaviest thing you should be lifting is your baby.
So, you’ve just had major surgery and you’re home with a newborn.
Normally, the last thing you’d want to do is move around after a big procedure. In fact, all you’ll want to do is stay in bed and binge something juicy on Netflix to distract from the pain and give your body time to heal.
Not the case for our c-section mamas. After surgery, it’s straight into busy newborn chaos.
It feels like there’s no time to rest, no time to heal, and no time to process the physical trauma we just experienced. But somehow we do it.
We learn as we go, doing the best that we can.
Because that’s what mamas do.
We just learn how to make it work.
C-section Recovery Tips
Here’s the hard truth, Mama. It’s going to be painful to move. You won’t be able to react as quickly as you’d like for a few weeks while you’re recovering. Let’s try to make it as easy as it can possibly be.
C-Section Survival Kit
While you’re preparing for the baby, don’t forget to take care of yourself too. One of the most helpful things you can do is put together a survival kit that exists solely to make this part of your recovery more manageable. Here are some must-haves:
Stool softener
Pain Relievers
Heating pad
Ice packs
Nipple Cream
Extra-large pads and regular pads
Squirt bottle
Vitamins
High-waisted panties
Bellyband
Loose clothing stored in easy to reach places
This care package works for both C-sections and vaginal deliveries, so don’t sweat it if you think you need to have two different kinds of kits. Do your future self a favor, mama.
Your needs are just as important as your baby’s needs. Your physical recovery should be at the top of your priority list.
Feeding Pillow
Sometimes it feels like your fresh incision has a giant bullseye on it.
The baby accidentally kicks you near your incision.
In furry excitement, the dog wants to jump on you.
You accidentally drop something right on top of it. (Ugh. Ouch. It happens though!)
These pillows are a lifesaver. Whether you breastfeed or bottle-feed, this comfy little U-shaped pillow not only makes it easier to feed the baby but also protects your incision by acting as a nice little barrier of protection. Your newborn will eat about every 2-3 hours, so you’ll end up leaning heavily on this item. Just be very careful putting it on those first few times.
Sleep
I know...how are you supposed to get the necessary amount of sleep to recover from major surgery with a newborn around???
To be entirely honest, you rest when you can. Sleep is vital for your recovery, so grab it when the opportunity arises. Sleep when the baby sleeps. Allow someone to watch the baby while you take an hour or so.
Mama, I know how tempted you’ll be to want to do something productive around the house or do something calming for yourself. And that’s okay, too. If that helps make you feel better, you totally can. But I highly encourage you to prioritize your rest when a moment is given to you. Even though it might sound crazy, sleep is productive.
Your entire experience during this period will teach you to slow down and embrace quieter moments. It’s so good for you to rest your body and your mind.
Letting Go of The Ideal Birth
Part of your recovery is acknowledging your emotions as well. It’s okay to feel a sense of loss if your birth plan didn’t go the way you wanted.
It’s okay to feel like something was taken from you.
But never forget this, mama. You were literally cut open to make sure that you and your baby could be here. There is no right or wrong way to give birth despite what you may hear.
It may take a while to accept your pain.
It may take time to look at your scar without feeling guilty.
But I hope one day, you’re able to see the warrior within and applaud your miraculous body.
You’ve joined an exclusive group of women who share similar experiences and feelings. And each and every one of these women is just as powerful as you.
Your birth was beautiful, no matter how it unfolded.
Warning Signs
Mama, be mindful of your body and watch out for red flags while you’re recovering. Please call your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms after your surgery[3]:
Abdominal pain
Pain, swelling, or redness around the incision
Bleeding that soaks a pad within an hour
Bleeding with clots
Painful urination
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Leg pain
Your body needs time to heal properly as with any other type of surgical procedure. Allow others to help you. Give yourself some grace and try not to stretch yourself too thin. I know it’s hard, especially as you transition to being a mama.
Be gentle with yourself, listen to your body, and speak up when you need to.
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/labor-delivery/topicinfo/c-section
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/c-section/about/pac-20393655
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/post-cesarean-wound-infection
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Mama, be proud of your recovery no matter how it looked like for you. Everyone is different. Try not to compare yourself - especially in those first weeks- to other mamas who seemed to have magically recovered overnight. Your journey is uniquely your own, even if it's the hardest thing you’ve ever done. You continue to amaze and inspire us with your strength.
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