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My Guide to Surviving a CSection

WeringWering member
in C-sections
Please feel free to add on in the comments! Otherwise, hopefully this will help some of you facing an upcoming scheduled section!

First - if it's scheduled, consider discussing these concepts with your doctor: https://www.worry-free-c-section.com/the-gentle-cesarean/

Sarah’s Guide to Surviving a C-Section

1)      Ask your doctor if there are safe exercises you can do to strengthen your core.

2)      Know about the Belly Band (Binder) – Buy one in advance just in case the hospital doesn’t give you one. You can always return it.

3)      Get out of bed ASAP. It will hurt; you will be stiff. But do it anyway. The more you move, the easier recovery will be. But, take it easy and listen to how the Dr. wants you to move. Take three small walks per day immediately (push the baby around the maternity floor). Continue moving as much as possible once you’re home. Don’t be afraid to go to the store for brief shopping. Just be careful of the steps. They’re brutal!

4)      If possible, before the C-Section, negotiate your care. Find out how long you’ll need a catheter. If you don’t like it, try to get it out earlier. Ask about the pain medications, IVs, etc. you’ll receive and how long you’ll be hooked up. Try to know what you’re getting yourself into; it’s more for comfort than anything else. It’s a happy occasion, but scary experience.

5)      Set expectations for seeing the babies. DH is your advocate. FIGHT. My hubby did, and it made all the difference. They’ll separate you (you should have a choice for doing the baby’s vitals in the ER – take that option). Tell them you want the baby to meet you in the hospital room for recovery. They’ll try to bathe him. Tell them it can wait. Send DH with the baby to hurry them along. Don’t miss out on those precious first moments. (ESPECIALLY if you plan to nurse!)

6)      Set up your house before you go. Try to avoid stairs as much as possible. Pick a floor to hang out on, and put everything you need there – diapers, changing station, bassinets, pacifiers, entertainment, etc. Try to only go up and down the stairs once in the morning and once in the evening. Your incision will thank you.

7)      Buy (or pull out) good pillows. You probably won’t be sleeping laying down for awhile (sitting up relieves pressure on the incision and takes the stress off when you need to get up).

8)      If you didn’t buy maternity underwear, buy some in a bigger size to ensure it is above your incision at all times.

9)      Make sure you have plenty of loose fitting sweats that hit belly button or above. They’ll be your best friend until your incision is fully healed.

10)   Know that you won’t be able to drive for at least two weeks. Prepare the house as much as possible. Designate a spot in the house where you can leave a list for DH.

11)   It’s hard to get in and out of the car. Get a milk crate to use to step into a taller car. For a shorter car, carefully sit down facing out, then turn each leg in one at a time.

12)   MANAGE YOUR PAIN! While in the hospital, take more pain meds as soon as you are allowed. Don’t let the pain start. You might need to call up to 45 minutes early to remind the nurse that you’re due for medication. They can’t always get to you right away. Once home, see how long you can stretch starting on day 5, no sooner. Take some medication proactively if you know you’ll be more active.

13)   Don’t be a hero. Take the anti-itch meds immediately post-surgery.

14)   If you have a spinal headache, make them fix it BEFORE you are discharged.

15)   If nursing, see a lactation consultant either before or immediately after to learn nursing positions for c-section relief – ask about the football hold.

16)   Let your provider know that you want the option for a VBAC. 

17)   Forgive yourself for needing medical intervention.

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Re: My Guide to Surviving a CSection

  • corndogrobotcorndogrobot member
    Thank you for this!
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  • Barker2+1Barker2+1 member
    Thank you for this! Looking at my first c-section and this answered so many of the after questions for me
    Report Reply
  • Disneygeek77Disneygeek77 member
    Ask if it is possible to do delayed cord clamping if that's important to you. I was able to have it done with my 4th c-section.

    Also ask if you can hold the baby while they wheel you into recovery or into your maternity room.

    If you haven't had a BM for several days ( as this is common due to the pain medications) don't be afraid to ask for a suppository.  You will get relief within the hour as opposed to waiting hours or days for other methods to work.  For me personally the constipation was the worst part and I wish I had just taken a suppository instead of being miserable for several days.

    While on the operating table and you begin to feel nauseous, tell the anesthesiologist right away so they can give you medicine.  Trust me, you don't want to be vomiting while they are trying to sew you back up.  
    Report Reply
  • ReneeJ2011ReneeJ2011 member
    I second the get up and walk point. It sucks it hurts but you'll feel a million times better once you do it.
    Keep a pillow close by those first few days for coughing and laughing it won't hurt as bad if you support your stomach.
    Take the gas pill (simethicone) trapped gas hurts and you definitely don't need any additional pain
    Report Reply
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