Hey mama, welcoming your little one into the world is a momentous occasion. The road to recovery after a cesarean birth can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions and physical challenges whether you’re a seasoned pro or first-time mama. So, welcome to the journey of post c-section recovery, mama!
In this article I’ll offer practical tips and real-life insights to help you navigate this chapter with grace and resilience. From managing pain and incision care to rebuilding strength and finding support, I’ve got you covered every step of the way. Self-care, setting reasonable expectations and having a support system can make the recovery from a c-section easier.
Recovery in Hospital
Most women undergoing a c-section receive an epidural, spinal block or combined spinal-epidural block. This form of anaesthesia numbs the lower half of your body but still allows you to be awake.
It can take several hours to regain feeling after an epidural or spinal block. Most women will have a catheter inserted for several hours after delivery to help them urinate.
Expect a hospital stay of 2 to 4 days. Within 12 hours following surgery, you’ll be encouraged to get out of bed. Moving around helps with circulation, improves bowel function, and will get you back to your baseline sooner. You usually can take a shower after 24 hours, doing so helps reduce the risk of infection. Don’t scrub your incision but let water run over it.
You’ll be given pain relievers to reduce discomfort. Barring any complications, you’ll be able to hold and breastfeed baby right away if you choose. Expect instructions on incision care and avoiding infection. You’ll also be advised to avoid placing anything in your vagina to prevent infection. This includes penetrative sex (partnered or solo), and menstrual products like tampons.
When you are well enough to go home, arrange for someone to pick you up as you’ll be unable to drive for a few weeks.
All About C-Section Incision Care
A member of your healthcare team will tell you how to care for your incision before you leave the hospital. You’ll likely be advised to keep the wound clean and undisturbed, wear loose comfortable clothing and cotton underwear. Watch out for signs of infection and take a pain reliever. If you are breastfeeding it is better to take paracetamol and/or ibuprofen. Avoid submerging your incision in water by taking a bath or going swimming until your incision has healed (usually takes about a week or so after surgery).
What to Expect During C-Section Recovery
While every woman’s experience is unique, here’s a glimpse into what you can expect during your c-section recovery.
Postpartum Vaginal Bleeding
Yes, even after a cesarean birth, it is totally normal to experience vaginal discharge and bleeding. This is your body’s way of getting rid of the extra tissue and blood from your uterus, that nourished your baby during pregnancy.
Afterpains
Whether you delivered vaginally or by c-section, it takes about 6 weeks for your uterus to contract to its normal size. As this happens, you’ll experience contractions / cramping called afterpains.
Incision Pain
Your wound may feel sore for a week or two. The muscle surrounding the wound may also feel weak. Numbness or itching around the wound is also common. This can sometimes last a long time. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication for the first 2 weeks. It’ll take 6 to 10 weeks for your wound to completely heal.
Breast Tenderness
A few days after giving birth, you might experience full, firm, sore breasts. That’s because your breast tissues are overfilling with milk, blood, and other fluids. This is called breast engorgement. Breastfeeding your baby often on both breasts can help keep them from overfilling. If you are not breastfeeding, wear a bra that supports your breasts such as a sports bra. Don’t pump or express, as that causes your breasts to make more milk. Using ice packs on your breasts can ease discomfort.
Tips for a Smooth C-Section Recovery at Home
While you are eager to start your new parenting role, be mindful that you just had major surgery. These tips can help you feel better faster.
- Keep incision clean and undisturbed and watch for signs of infection.
- Don’t lift anything heavier than your baby until your postpartum checkup.
- Avoid going up and down stairs as much as you can.
- Eat nutritious food and drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
- Rest, rest, rest! Sleep whenever baby sleeps.
- Try light physical activity like walking to prevent blood clots and constipation.
- Manage pain with pain relievers and / or heating pads.
- When you have to cough, sneeze, or laugh, hold your abdomen to protect the incision site.
- Ask for help from partner, family, trusted friend, or neighbor.
- Use warm washcloths on your breasts or take a warm shower before breastfeeding or expressing to ease sore breasts.
- Massage breasts during breastfeeding or expressing to ease sore breasts.
- Use cold washcloths on your breasts between feeding / expressing sessions to ease sore breasts.
- Choose a comfortable breastfeeding position.
Breastfeeding After a Cesarean Birth
You can breastfeed soon after a c-section. Your body will make milk about as quickly as after a vaginal birth. Pain can mess with the hormone that helps you make milk, so make sure you take your pain meds. Breastfeeding positions that work well after you’ve had a c-section include sitting with a pillow on your lap to support baby and protect your wound, side-lying hold, and football hold. For breastfeeding support or information, contact a lactation consultant. Ask your doctor to suggest someone.
Returning to Physical Activity After a C-Section
Gentle walks each day are a great start. It can help your body and mind feel better. You could start with a 5 minutes’ walk around your home. You might like to ask a physiotherapist at the hospital for more exercise ideas you can try as you start to recover.
Try not to do too much housework or other physical activities for the first few weeks. Check with your doctor before you start driving, having sex, or doing heavy exercises that involve your belly or lifting anything heavier than your baby. Once your incision has healed, you can take a bath or go swimming.
When to Seek Medical Help
Go to the emergency room immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms.
- Bleeding that soaks more than one pad per hour for more than 2 hours.
- Signs that the incision has ruptures such as bleeding or oozing from the incision.
- Intense leg pain, especially accompanied by swelling or numbness in the feet.
- Shortness of breath or pain in your chest.
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms.
- Frequent or severe headaches.
- Difficulty or pain passing urine.
- High temperature.
- Vision changes or difficulty seeing.
- Your pain reliever does not keep your pain under control, or your pain is getting worse.
You’ve Got This, Mama!
The transition to parenthood is a big adjustment especially when you are recovering from major abdominal surgery. Self-care, supportive family, or group of friends, caring medical staff, and reasonable expectations can make the recovery and transition feel more manageable.
Finally, try not to compare yourself to a friend or family member who also has a cesarean birth. Every mama’s journey is unique. Focus on your own healing and give your body the time it needs to get back to your awesome self.
