C-section recovery

twogirlsandagreen · October 2015

Can any of you moms share your experiences with me? I am asking to have a c-section on Monday (I have a very very good reason for wanting/needing one, don't worry) at my appointment. I've had two vaginal deliveries and I know what to expect with that recovery, but no idea how long I will be down and out after a section.

margies2010 · October 2015

While every mama will recover differently, I will share my experience

I was in bed through the next morning by hospital policy, even though in was ready to get up and move. The first shower is divine. I got up and walked the halls periodically, which it does help your recovery if you get up and move. Discharged on Thursday after a Monday surgery; they were talking about sending me home on Wednesday, but I opted to stay the extra day.

I am now almost 4 weeks PP and felt amazing! Just stay ahead of your pain by sticking to your med schedule for the firest week or so, and don't push yourself too hard!

arwestover3 · October 2015

Definitely walk the halls. Take those stool softeners!! If they haven't given you any, ask for them! Seriously.

If you're breastfeeding, nursing pillows are the bomb, they keep baby off the incision and just having that support there kind of helped me with the pain from breastfeeding. Your milk might take a little longer to come in with a section, but it's worth it! (Your uterus contracts with breastfeeding, and the incision can make the pain worse. But it's worth it to stick with it!)

Take your painkillers! Sometimes people feel super awesome right afterwards and push it too hard. Some people are off their painkillers in a few days, some more like ten days. Listen to your body! And listen to the restrictions they give you, like no heavy lifting and no vacuuming. Your incision needs to heal well on the inside and the outside.

And if you're interested, Google ICAN, they have a lot of good resources and information about cesareans. There are also ICAN Facebook groups for a lot of local cities. A lot of the people who belong to those groups have had C-sections that they felt were forced on them, etc., but from what I've seen, everyone is very supportive of the choices others have made about their c-sections. So those groups are a great place to ask about recovery and getting back into exercise, etc.

Sorry that was a huge novel haha

twogirlsandagreen · October 2015

Thank you both for sharing with me!

rue:D · October 2015

Take the stool softeners! And even when you come home, take some more until you get through at least the first poop! The pain meds will likely clog you up, and I had an AWFUL time with the first one (9 days pp - I don't poop often to begin with), and it made my relatively mild hemorrhoids a HUGE problem.

Take the painkillers, even if at the moment you don't feel like you need them (while in the hospital at least). You don't want to already be in pain before you have to ask for them. I took almost all of my Tylenol #3 but now 11 days pp I'm just on ibuprofen.

Getting up and walking will definitely help. They only made me get up to use the restroom and didn't force me to do anything else so the first day or two at home was tough. Once I made myself do some walking each time it got easier.

MrsFaust1432 · October 2015

Everything previous posters said. Remember to bring comfy clothes. Either nightgowns or pants that can come up high enough over your incision.

Also I suggest depends for the first week instead of your regular undies and pads. The depends come up high enough over the insicion so it doesn't rub.... And they are so much better then the mesh undies and huge pads that the hospital gives you.

In my opinion the c-section is the way to go although I have never been through labor! It definitely made the whole process seem easy.

millereliz13 · October 2015

Everyone has said great things, do all of what PP have said. My recommendation is for when you get home, I'm 3 weeks post c-section, I'm still wearing my yoga pants as too tight pants/clothing makes my incesion hurt. Be sure to be active but remember this is major abdominal surgery and you will want help once you get home. Also, stairs will be rough, take them one at a time. Happy and safe delivery to you.

baby2teams · October 2015

I had a fairly easy recovery from my first c-section and am scheduled for another next week. I'm more nervous this time around since I have had a harder pregnancy in general and having to chase a toddler around is going to be difficult.

All the posts are right on target. Keeping moving helps your body heal, rest, ask for help, take the painkillers, and if you laugh, cough or sneeze put a pillow over your incision! I cannot stress how hard it hurts to laugh. My milk came right in too, which I know helps with recovery also, nursing helps the healing I hear. Planned CS is I'm sure much different than the emergency version so you may hear other versions as well. Good luck!!'

amberrmariee20 · October 2015

@twogirlsandagreen I remember your post a while back and yes I agree your reason for a c section is a very good one. I'm gonna tell you it does hurt afterwards very much, I'm PP emergency c section day 3 now, and still in lots of pain. But I had no choice for my section, baby got stuck and his heart rate dropped. Do what's best for you and the baby. You'll recover but it'll be a long road ! Best of luck :x

MauKa23 · October 2015

Like the others said, stay up on your meds! Make a point -and advocate for yourself - to get up and walking same day. Then roam the halls every day a few times. Take advantage of the mesh hospital panties and plan to wear things that are higher or lower than the incision for awhile. Take advantage of your hubby/partner and have them do diaper changes and things that will reduce your repetitive up and down motions; getting up and down a few times is good, but if you do it yourself every time baby needs a change or wakes up over night, you'll be hurting.

Really, I don't think c section recovery is so bad - as long as you plan ahead and have the mindset to kick yourself out of bed and get moving asap. Good luck!

NatalieBrooke2007 · October 2015

My experience has been great. I had my c section at 3am two Saturday's ago and was walking around labor and delivery the same day. The second day I had some pain but the painkillers they gave me at the hospital took it away. I've tried to stay somewhat active every day even if at the beginning it just meant a small walk. To be honest, labor pains hurt a lot more than any pain I've felt after my c section. I'm 2 weeks now and barely feel like I've had surgery.

Kristyhana · October 2015

My recovery was really tough. I'm 5.5 weeks PP now and still recovering. The first 3 weeks were the worst. I thought it would be quicker than it was and was totally unprepared for how painful it was to do just about anything. The painkillers are your friend. Don't try to be a hero and go med free. The first time up out of bed (mine was at 12 hours post op) was EXCRUTIATING. All 4 days in the hospital post op was really bad. I had no idea it was going to be this hard. Not saying that yours will be bad like mine but I wish I had expected worse because I felt totally unprepared for how tough the recovery would be. I had an 18 hour labor with a 4th degree tear with my first and that was a walk in the park compared to this.

brittanispears · October 2015

This is my first baby and I wasn't expecting to have a c-section. But my water broke and I only dilated to 3cm. At 17 hours in labor, we decided a c-section was best because I'd gotten a temperature of 100.6.

I had the procedure done Tuesday night at 9 and was discharged yesterday (Saturday) afternoon. You'll definitely want to walk around as much as your body allows. It helps relieve gas and keep your body from becoming a victim. Use the stool softeners. I can't stress that enough. Also, drink warm prune juice and tea. One if my nurses gave it to me to speed up my bowel movements. Drink lots of water to help with bowel movements, too. No lifting, twisting or jerking. It hurts SOOOOOO bad when you feel like your incision is going to split.

I'm trying to take it easy so my recovery can be as smooth as possible. Right now, hubby has been taking care of the baby because I can't get up and down quickly. I'm not one for medicine but I'm happy I have norcos and Motrin to help.

Happy recovery!

jamielynne1533 · October 2015

I have had 2 c-sections. First one I labored before having to get one. Second one I had two weeks ago and it was scheduled. That being said, if it is scheduled, I think your recovery time won't be so bad. At least that has been my experience. The first time, I labored for 22 hours and then had a c-section. I was exhausted and sore. This time, I was prepared and had a good night sleep the night before and felt great. I was out of bed about 8 hours later and was eating around the same time. I was up and walking the halls that night and got my catheter put the next morning. The shower after was amazing lol and I seriously felt great and still do. My big advice to you should you get one, is... GO EASY after. That was my mistake this time around. I did too much too soon and man was I sore.

twogirlsandagreen · October 2015

Thank you all!!!!! My c-section is today at 11:15 and I am so excited and so nervous. I couldn't get much sleep which stinks. Can't wait to meet my baby boy!!!! Hope you all continue to recover well and heal quickly!

Telebell · October 2015

Good luck! I think your recovery will be pretty easy without labor and pushing beforehand. I had some labor but no pushing before mine and I thought recovery was a breeze. Still considering it for this one instead of a vbac if baby goes past 41 weeks.

FrozenMommy · October 2015

I am scheduled tomorrow morning, and getting a bit nervous. I really don't know why I am nervous, I guess just knowing what kind of pain I could be in for. Can't wait to meet my little dude though! Good luck!

MrsL32 · October 2015

I've had 3 c/s, the most recent was 15 days ago. I'm not needing any pain meds at this point and I'm basically feeling back to normal. I agree with others...keep up with your pain meds, stool softeners, and take it easy as much as you can. I have had a good experience each time. Good luck!!

indy_chic · October 2015

I just did vbac. Honestly, my csec (from what i can remember) was a walk in the park compared to my current recovery. I was in hospital for 3 days after, taking meds as prescribed. Once home, i continued meds for a couple of days but beyond that didnt need them. The biggest worry for me was wondering if i was going to pop open. Your body will let you know when to slow down. My biggest indicator was an increase in pain.
Within 2-3 weeks i was more less back to feeling normal with slight abdominal tenderness.

diamondprincess15 · October 2015

I just had my csection on the 16th and I agree with everything! Get moving as fast as you can as it really does help. Question, how long after did it take for the first bowel movement? I'm taking my stool softners religiously but still nothing.

myxunyamaexiong · October 2015

It took me 6 days to poop. I took Milk of Magnesia and that took 14 hours!

chris&haley · October 2015

diamondprincess15 said:
I just had my csection on the 16th and I agree with everything! Get moving as fast as you can as it really does help. Question, how long after did it take for the first bowel movement? I'm taking my stool softners religiously but still nothing.

I was able to go on day 3 but then regressed and was constipated after 2 weeks, so you never know! Just hydrate. It's so important for pooping and milk making!!

carmv01 · October 2015

My first c/s last Thursday. I was able to poop day 4 and today (day 5). I took all the stool softeners given at the hospital and stayed hydrated but it was still painful. I feel great and emptied out right now, though.

FrozenMommy · October 2015

WIth my first C I was able to poop within the stay at the hospital. Had refried beans at every meal. Going to ask hubs to bring me pear or prune juice too. I'm not wasting any time! I've been constipated this whole pregnancy up until like the last week for some reason!

diamondprincess15 · October 2015

I've never been so happy to poop! It finally happened today, I was really starting to worry!

mommav83 · October 2015

Everything pps have said. This is my 2nd c-section and I am 2 weeks pp. I did way to much yesterday and so today it's light duty. Try not to push yourself though it will be tempting after not being able to drive for a bit. Otherwise just take your time and remember to eat, and sleep when your lo does.

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