It is very normal that when you are pregnant, you hear horror stories about C-section and how difficult C-section recovery is. In fact, the term normal delivery and C-sec, makes the latter sound so different and ‘abnormal’.
This debate has been going on forever and to know the pros and cons of both, you should read the post on the Normal vs C-Section Debate.
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My Experience of the C-Section Recovery
During the struggle to conceive and the pregnancy, I also had heard a lot about life after a C-section delivery and this was one of the reasons I wanted a normal one or as I would prefer to call it the vaginal delivery because I think both are NORMAL. Things hardly turn out the way you plan them to be, and I ended up delivering by a C-section at 34 weeks of pregnancy.
With a premature baby in the NICU, I wanted to make sure that I was there for her when she needs me but I had doubts about my C-section recovery. I had a long chat with my doctor before I was wheeled in the operation theatre and she assured it would not be as difficult as people make it out to be.
The night after the surgery was like it would be after any other major surgery. I was numb and there was grogginess as well and as the baby was not with us, I slept off.
C-section is very tough on your body. The doctor has cut through layers to reach the baby and this is a major surgery. The recovery after surgery is very crucial and if one does not take proper care at the right time, there can be complications later on.
Thanks to my doctor and my willingness to listen to everything she said, I was up and about in 2 days. Many people who came visiting us were surprised to see me and wondered why was I not in bed like a patient. I was not a patient, I was a mother, and I wanted to live every moment of it.
After the C-Section
Before I tell you tips for C-section recovery, let me tell you about the 24 hours after the surgery. This is because there might be many like me who are clueless. As I had mentioned above, I was always somehow sure, I will have a vaginal delivery, that I never bothered to read or ask about C-sections.
Before the surgery, mostly a spinal block is given which makes the lower part of the body numb. In very rare cases, the doctors have to give general anesthesia. I got a spinal block as well and I felt very cold during my surgery and was shivering and the doctors had to help me with hot air.
After a spinal block, it takes a few hours to feel anything. They insert a catheter for passing urine, as walking or moving is not possible. In fact, some kind of assistance will be needed for a few days to use the bathroom as well. If the mother is given general anesthesia, waking up takes some time and one can feel cold, nauseated or groggy.
In my case, Miss A was a preemie and doctors felt she had breathing issues so she was taken to NICU. In some cases, where the baby is mature and full-term, they allow the mother to hold the baby, while the surgeon stitches up the incision. This is called as gentle C-section.
The following 24 hours
The first 24 hours come with its own set of challenges and many are the same as that of a vaginal delivery too. In terms of C-section, the doctors remove the catheter about 12 hours later and ask you to walk a bit. They prefer you to pass urine and if you can pass stool too, it is the best.
Fortunately, I was able to do both and with that I got the permission to go to the NICU and see my angel. Apart from this, there is a discomfort and of course, struggles of breastfeeding and adjusting to being a parent. (I thought I had 5-6 weeks to go, and here my baby was in my arms. Though the happiest moment of my life, still it took some time to settle in)
There are a few things you need to be careful about when it comes to a C-section:
- Cramps which are like intense menstrual cramps. These happen as the uterus shrinks. If there is a lot of discomfort, always ask your doctor.
- Try and walk as soon as you can as there are risks of getting blood clots. My hospital had given me a vibrating machine for my legs to ensure there was blood flow while the catheter was there.
Tips for C-Section Recovery
C-section recovery takes about 6-8 weeks and no exercises are recommended before 6 weeks. The C-section is like a major surgery and it is essential to follow the right advice. Thus, following instructions that the doctor gives are important.
Many mothers I know, start feeling guilty because they had a C-section. This makes them weak mentally more than physically and slows healing. There is nothing wrong if you delivered by a C-section. At the end of the day, you brought a tiny miracle into the world, and trust me, it is all that matters. If you are feeling any sort of guilt, you must read my post, C-Section: I Did Not Choose the Easy Way Out.
Learning from my experience, there are some things that helped me in my quick recovery. Let me list down a few and which will help you in your C-section recovery:
Take Your Painkillers
The doctors know their job well and thus, the painkillers that are prescribed must be taken regularly at the recommended time. Do not think these are unwanted and try being a supermom thinking you can handle the pain.
Till the time, you are in the hospital everything will be taken care of, but the real battle begins after the discharge. I suggest, do not wait for the pain to increase to a level you cannot bear. Take the painkiller which usually is paracetamol. If there is not much relief, always ask your doctor.
Doctors know you will breastfeed the baby, thus, any medicine that is prescribed will be safe for you and the baby.
Take it Slow and Ask for Help
One major part of the C-section delivery is to not try to become a superwoman. I know how you feel with a newborn baby. You want to do everything for the little one and you want to lead a normal life at the earliest.
I would sincerely suggest to take it slow for the initial few weeks. Stressing your body at a time it is not ready, is not advisable. The body has gone through a lot and it deserves some rest. Your body demands rest and newborns are also very demanding.
A new mom cannot do it all. The feeds are something the mom has to do, and thus, for other things ask for help. Your husband, parents or in-laws are the best people. If there is no family support, ask a friend.
Many people prefer to keep a nanny. I personally, never liked the idea, but I had a hands-on dad and a very supportive mom and mom-in-law so a lot of things were taken care of.
My husband has been a great support in bringing up Miss A and thus, that is one reason I was able to stick to my decision of never having a maid for her. You should read my post, My Daughter has a Penguin Dad to know about our super hero.
Start WalkingAs Soon as You Can
As soon as the catheter is out, try and walk, even if it is a few steps. As we walk, the circulation in the body increases which improves the body’s healing ability and also regulates bowel movements. Monitoring bowel movements after such a surgery is essential.
Your doctor or a specialist can advise some basic exercises which speed up the recovery. The ones that were suggested to me would not take more than 10-15 minutes and thus, doing them regularly really helped.
You do not need to exert yourself, but at the same time, do not stay in bed like a patient. Movement like walking and doing basic work will help in healing.
Take Care of the Incision
The incision is an important part of the C-section recovery. Usually, the doctors use dissolvable stitches, but if you have the staples, you will need to go to the doctor to get them removed.
All care must be taken to avoid any infection in the incision. For this, it must be kept dry and any discomfort should be reported to the doctor at the earliest.
In my case, the doctor had done a waterproof dressing and thus, I could have a bath easily. The dressing had to be changed every alternate day till the stitches dissolved. All instructions by the doctor must be followed to ensure the incision heals properly.
Eat Well and Avoid Constipation
As soon as you are allowed a normal diet, you must try and eat well and eat right. Eating right is essential as it not only speeds up the healing but also avoids constipation. Foods that are anti-inflammatory should be preferred versus the ones which can cause inflammation for quick C-section recovery.
As far as constipation is concerned, it is a common problem due to the pain killers and hormones in the body. Any strain causes pain as it puts pressure on the incision. It is advisable to take a stool softener if needed. Apart from that you must have plenty of water and eat fiber rich food.
For any problem, the doctor is the best person to answer your queries and some home remedies also work well.
Learn the position to Breastfeed
A lactation consultant or a nurse can help you in explaining the right posture in which you should breastfeed the baby. Bending too much or sitting in a wrong way puts pressure on your incision and can cause pain, making the recovery difficult.
Breastfeeding is not simple and it is more difficult after a C-section. If you are struggling with it, do not lose sleep. You are not the only one and things fall in place with time.
To know my struggle, read the post, The Pressure to Breastfeed: When I Understood Fed is Best
No Bending and Picking Up Heavy Things
The doctor had advised not to lift anything heavy for the first three months after the surgery. Anything weighing more than the baby’s weight was heavy. Apart from this bending to pick up something was not advisable also.
Any movement which meant putting pressure on the abdomen had to be avoided. As long as you do not put pressure on the abdominal muscles, they heal well, and thus, all care must be taken to ensure this is managed well.
Get Enough Rest and Relax
It is natural if you will want to do everything for your baby and lead a normal life. You have stressed your body a lot and you need to give it rest. The feeding schedules and sleepless nights are enough to increase pressure. Do not hesitate to take help from the people around you.
If you are a new parent and are sleep deprived, read some simple tips in our Survival Guide for Parents’ Sleep Deprivation.
A post-natal massage is also good for C-section recovery. These help to relax and also aid in recovery. You can read the post, Post Natal Massage After C-Section to know all details.
Address Your Emotions
Like a vaginal delivery, recovery after C-section delivery is an emotional journey as well. As I said earlier, moms after a C-section tend to be more emotional due to various factors. These can lead to a depressing feeling and also lead to post-partum depression.
If there is any help processing or understanding the negative emotions, it helps to talk or seek help. The earlier you get help, the easier it gets. For those managing emotions is a task, they must read the post, Coping with emotions after a C-Section.
Enjoy Motherhood
Recovering a surgery, taking care of a baby and becoming a new mom can be overwhelming for anyone. A delivery is a delivery, and you need to focus on your C-section recovery and the baby as well. The above tips will help you.
If there is any pain or anything unusual you notice, immediately consult your doctor. Never miss the follow-up checkups, and never hesitate to talk to anyone or ask for help. Motherhood is a journey, and enjoy each and every moment of it. You are a mom, and that is all that matters.
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