Supporting C Section Recovery

missa_lyssa

My SIL had an unplanned C section a few days ago. She lives next door to me and should be coming home tomorrow. I don’t know much about C section recovery. What are some ways I can help and support her? If you’ve had a C section, what was most helpful to you? Thanks!

froggerblue

I wouldn't know exactly as I personally haven't gone through that.
If she wants company, maybe a bit of help around the house, like preparing meals and keeping things clean. If she needs time alone, maybe food delivery or something of the like? Cleaning was something my sister had a hard time doing after her c-section, so we helped her with that as much as we could (just getting up or sitting was hard, so we tried to help by limiting those to a minimum by bringing her what she needed).

moogieks

I had a C-Section with my first, but I was a little prepared bc baby was breech. Lots of rest and laying in bed. Help with ANY tasks is needed especially at first. Take baby to change diaper, bring bring from bassinet to mama for feeding. Some company is nice to have too. 

If she had unplanned she might not have nightgowns, ask if she needs any. Dishes, meals, laundry and other "standard" tasks to help out. I actually got this medical tool that can go over your toilet like a chair and it super helped with sitting down and getting up.

Some women can feel like they failed if they have a C-Section so it can be important to just listen. "At least the baby if healthy and youre okay" can be tempting to say but I found that unhelpful bc I was resententful that I had to have one since breech is hardly taught these days. It's just nice to be heard that it sucked.

It just takes a lot of time to heal mentally and physically. 

mjchristiansen

I had an unplanned emergency c section with my 4th. It was very traumatic for me. Don’t tell her at least you and baby are okay.. that’s obvious but if she suffered any trauma, comments like that don’t help. Just ask her if you can drop off meals.. do laundry.. clean.. those things were helpful to me. Get her a little care basket with her fav things because so often moms get forgotten and only baby gets gifts.