Complete Guide to C-Section Recovery
Having a C-section delivery may have been part of your birth plan, or you may have ended up with a C-section after a valiant attempt at a vaginal birth. Regardless, you’re here because you want a complete guide to C-section recovery. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists describes a C-section as a birth through an abdominal incision and the uterus. This complete C-Section recovery guide will help you know how to care for yourself in the early days after having your baby.
As a fellow C-Section mom, I want to share my personal experience with you. I want to tell you the things that worked well for me to quickly recover after a C-section. Keep in mind, I am not a medical professional, but I believe there is value in personal experience. I will share the postpartum essentials for a C-Section that were helpful, some concerns to watch for after your C-Section, a C-Section recovery timeline, as well as helpful tips for moms after a C-Section delivery. I had no idea there was a list of postpartum questions I should ask my doctor before leaving the hospital, so make sure you check that out too.
Most importantly, CONGRATULATIONS on becoming a mom, whether for the first time or the fifth. Birth is beautiful and you should be proud of yourself for bringing new life into this world. Let’s jump in!
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With my first pregnancy, I had the most beautiful birth plan. I knew what I wanted, and I was absolutely certain it would go my way. Silly me! At 37 weeks, we discovered the baby was in the “footling breach” position, and we were looking at a scheduled C-Section. It was an unplanned C-section and I wasn’t prepared.
I WAS CRUSHED!!!!
And honestly, crushed doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt. I had spent so much time researching birth techniques, and (funny story) I actually completely zoned out during the C-section portion of our birthing class. I was clueless about what was ahead for me. So, here are all the things I wish I had known about having a C-section and a great C-section recovery.
C-section Recovery Tips
Take a Shower
Taking a shower is one of the most life-giving things you can do for yourself after having a baby. After each of my deliveries (my C-section included), I remember just wanting to wash everything off and feel clean. Washing off the antiseptic cleaner, or the sweat if you tried laboring before your C-section, can make you feel like a brand new woman. Make sure you have help getting to and from the shower because sometimes your body just needs a little bit of help.
Walk ASAP
The sooner you get moving, the better you’re going to feel. It may not feel great at first, but moving your body is the best way to ensure everything starts working again. The pain medications can sometimes make your insides sleepy, so it’s important to quickly wake them up after your C-section. Make sure you’re cleared and have help from your postpartum care nurse before hopping out of bed.
Hold a Pillow When You Sneeze, Laugh, or Cough
If no one has shared this C-section recovery tip with you, make sure you know this! I seriously felt like my insides were going to fall out of my C-section incision the first time I laughed after giving birth. Anything that is a quick jolt to your body will have the same effect. So if you feel a sneeze or cough coming on, or if you’re about to laugh, grab a pillow and gently pull it to your abdomen to offer support.
Drink Lots of Water
As I shared, I had a planned C-section because my baby was in the “footling breech” position. I knew I would be getting a variety of medications, and as a breastfeeding mom, I wanted to flush those out as quickly as possible. You should drink lots of water during your C-section recovery because, most importantly, it will help get everything moving again. You want to make sure you rehydrate after not being able to drink before your surgery.
What to wear in the hospital after a C-section?
It’s important to make sure you’re comfortable after your C-section. You can wear the hospital gown they provide or your favorite clothes that aren’t tight around your belly. I have shared some of my favorite clothes to wear after giving birth because sometimes you want to make sure you have clothes that are comfortable and functional for your recovery. Make sure whatever you wear is loose around the belly area so you aren’t putting any pressure on your C-section incision.
These are my FAVORITE postpartum pajamas for after giving birth!
Keep Your C-section Incision Clean and Dry
Speaking of your C-section incision, make sure you keep your incision clean and dry. You can shower, but make sure you gently pat your incision dry. Don’t pull on the Steri-Strips, they’ve likely been used to keep your incision closed. You also want to make sure it’s dry before putting your clothes on. When those strips are wet, they move more easily. Even having your clothes slightly pulling on them when they’re wet could pull them loose. Better safe than sorry!
C-section Recovery Essentials
Abdominal Binder
I absolutely LOVED wearing my abdominal binder after each of my deliveries, including my C-section. It made me feel like my abdomen wasn’t all over the place, and it helped my muscles retract back to their normal positions after giving birth.
Gas Medication
If you’re struggling with gas and bloating, or if you struggled with it before giving birth, you will want to make sure you have some medication for gas available after your C-section. I chose one that was more natural than some of the others because of breastfeeding. Boiron Gasalia is another great homeopathic remedy for gas.
Pain Medication
When pain medication is required, I always want to try and keep it as simple as possible. I know a C-section is major surgery, and as part of my C-section recovery guide, managing your pain is key. You never want your pain to get ahead of you, because it can be hard to get it back under control. One pain medication we use in our house is Genexa brand pain medication. They cut out all the stuff you don’t need, and provide only what you do need.
Nursing Pads
I know not everyone plans to breastfeed, but EVERY woman’s body will begin to produce breast milk. A great way to manage this, especially if you are breastfeeding, is to have some great organic cotton washable nursing pads. Here is my complete guide to breastfeeding after a C-section that I think you’ll find helpful!
Silicone Scar Sheets
Once your C-section scar is completely healed, you may consider using silicone scar sheets. They help diminish the appearance of your C-section scar.
Stool Softener
With each of my deliveries, a laxative was recommended as part of my postpartum care. This is because a laxative can help you have easier bowel movements post-delivery. You don’t want to be pushing hard to have a bowel movement, especially after having a C-section. Below is a natural laxative, and many doctors recommend Colace.
Sanitary Pads or Underwear
I know what you’re thinking- “I didn’t have a vaginal birth, why would I need these?”. Well, every woman bleeds after having a baby, regardless of how they gave birth. Yes, doctors clear out a lot during your C-section, but you’ll still want to make sure you have these postpartum supplies available, because you will still bleed for a bit. I recommend having a mix of amazingly comfortable menstrual pads and some postpartum underwear.
Heating Pad
As part of my C-section recovery, I alternated between ice packs and a heating pad to help manage my pain when I was ready to stop taking pain medication. This worked really well for me!
Ice Packs
There is one thing better than regular ice packs during your C-section recovery, and that is postpartum disposable ice packs. They helped keep my pain manageable, and because these don’t have to be kept in the freezer, you can take them anywhere!
Peri Bottle
I used a Peri Bottle after each of my deliveries. It was nice keeping all of my lady parts clean with a bit of water after using the restroom.
C-section Recovery Time
Every C-section is different. Some women have planned C-section while others end up with a C-section after a valiant attempt at a vaginal birth. If you have a planned C-section, you’re only caring for your C-section incision. If you attempted a vaginal birth before your C-section, you have a dual recovery with both your C-section incision and your vaginal area.
Give your body grace as it works to heal. You should feel pretty good being up and about after a week or 2. If you’re struggling to care for yourself at this point, you may want to reach out to your doctor and get their opinion in your C-section recovery timeline.
You will see your care provider for your 6-week postpartum visit. At this visit, they’ll check to make sure you’re healing well. You will likely get the all-clear at this visit. If you do any workout or weight lifting, be sure to work back into these things slowly. You have likely noticed that a C-section is MAJOR abdominal surgery.
What NOT to Do After a C-Section
Do Not Push Anything
As with any major surgery, you don’t want to be pushing anything until you’re cleared by your doctor.
Don’t Exercise Until After Your Postpartum Appointment
You should wait until your 6-week postpartum visit to begin your workout routine. Walking is the best and most recommended kind of exercise you should be doing right now. A stroll out with your baby is a great way to get your body moving.
Do Not Pull or Lift Anything
The rule here is not to pick up anything heavier than your baby. I know some women feel comfortable lifting their baby in the infant seat, but remember you can always put your car seat in the car and then carry your baby out.
Do Not Take Baths
You will want to avoid taking baths until you are cleared by your doctor. Especially right after your delivery, you want to make sure your incision isn’t soaking in water. Healing is your top priority right now.
No Driving for 2 Weeks
I know some people think this one is crazy, and you should be able to drive after you’re finished taking your pain meds, but hear me out. The reason you’re supposed to wait for 2 weeks is so your muscles are stronger. If you need to slam on the brakes, it’s important you aren’t damaging your body in any way.
Do Not Have Sex for 6 Weeks
This is another one that many C-section moms find unnecessary. Many women think that since they didn’t delivery a baby through their vagina, they should be able to have sex when they want. But your body is still healing. And, if you were to get pregnant, think about how should of a time your body would have to heal before it would begin growing another tiny human. Do yourself a favor and just wait the 6 weeks!
Do Not Skip Pain Meds
As I mentioned earlier, you never want your pain to get out of control. Take your pain medications as needed and slowly back them off when your pain begins to dissipate.
Concerning Things to Watch for After a C-section
Foul-smelling discharge from your vagina
If you begin to experience discharge that doesn’t smell right, you need to reach out to your medical provider. This can be a sign of infection, and you don’t want that to get out of control.
Bright red, heavily bleeding that fills a pad in an hour
The general rule for postpartum bleeding is that if you’re filling up a pad in an hour or less, you need to consult with your doctor. This can be a sign of a bigger problem, especially since you just had major surgery.
A fever above 100.4 with chills
After one of my deliveries, I completely misheard this direction. I thought they said 104. Let me tell you, there’s a big difference. When my temperature hit 104, I called the doctor, had chills, and was nearly delusional. Needless to say, I had an infection that needed to be dealt with. At the first sign of a temperature, reach out for help.
Sharp pains in your abdominal or chest area
Any sharp pain in your chest or abdominal area is a reason to call your doctor. Depending on the severity, they may have you call 911 or bring you in for a visit that day. You certainly don’t want to wait with this kind of pain.
Severe Headache
Postpartum headaches can be normal after having a baby. Lack of sleep, your body recovering, and trying to care for a newborn put a lot of stress on your body. But a severe headache that becomes debilitating is nothing to mess around with.
Feeling Depressed
There are certainly a lot of emotions that come with having a baby. Your hormones are crazy! But if you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, it’s best to ask for help. Postpartum depression is a very real thing, and too many women tell themselves they can deal with it. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak, it makes you smart.
Discharge, Pain, or Swelling at your C-section Incision
If you notice anything weird going on with your C-section incision that is hindering your C-section recovery, reach out to your doctor. They’re there to make sure you heal well from your C-section.
Steri-strips come off, and the incision starts to open
This was seriously one of my absolute worst fears after my C-section. I was scared to death that my incision was going to open and everything would fall out. If your Steri-Strips start to come off shortly after your delivery, call your doctor. Similarly, if you notice that your incision is opening, make the call.
Dizziness
Similar to having a severe headache, dizziness could be a sign that there is something more going on in your body. If you experience periods of dizziness, or especially if your dizziness isn’t going away, you need to seek medical help.
Nausea
You finally gave birth, and you expect the nausea to go away, but for some reason, it isn’t. Or maybe you have a sudden onset of nausea that isn’t going away. Both of these are good reasons to call your doctor.
Trouble urinating or pooping
If you’re taking the medication prescribed by your doctor and you’re still struggling to poop or urinate, you’ll want to call your doctor and ask for advice. You should have functioning bowels after your C-section.
I truly hope this complete guide to C-Section recovery has been helpful to you. I hope you feel prepared for your upcoming C-section, or if you’re reading this after your C-section, I hope it has answered some of your postpartum care questions! Best of luck to you in this new journey of motherhood!
MORE Helpful Postpartum Care Tips
The Best Postpartum Pajamas After a C-Section
Complete Guide to Breastfeeding After a C-Section
My Favorite Postpartum Leggings After Giving Birth!
The Complete List of Postpartum Essentials
Postpartum Questions New Moms Need to Ask BEFORE Leaving the Hospital
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