Whether you anticipated a Cesarean birth or not, the recovery period is different from a post-vaginal birth experience.
#1 You will potentially stay at the hospital an extra night. Because you have had surgery, the medical staff will want to monitor you a bit longer.
#2 Once you are home, take it easy and rest when possible. Have everything you need within close reach.
#3 Accept help when it is offered. Having friends and family members who can assist with meals or household duties will allow you to rest more.
#4 Your medical provider will give you pain medication that is safe to take while you're breastfeeding. Take the medicine as prescribed to stay on top of the pain from the incision.
#5 A heating pad is a great way to find relief for both the site of your incision and of your epidural.
#6 Keep your incision clean and make sure it is healing properly. Look for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, discharge, bleeding, a fever, or increased pain. If you have any questions, call your doctor, nurse, or midwife.
#7 For the first few weeks, don’t lift anything heavier than your baby. This will help the healing process.
#8 Wait to drive. It will be a few weeks before you can comfortably and safely apply the brakes and twist to see behind you.
#9 Like with a vaginal birth, you will experience cramps and vaginal bleeding. Use a pad and not a tampon to decrease the chance of infection.
#10 Recovery takes time. Day 3 post-surgery will be the most painful, but from there, every day should get a little better. By Week 2 post-surgery, you should have significantly less pain and be able to move easier. By Week 6 post-surgery, there will be long stretches of time each day where you don't even think about your surgical site. Give yourself lots of grace and surround yourself with support.
It is helpful to know what to expect throughout the first weeks and months at home with your new baby, especially after a C-section. Tennessee Family Doulas are ready to answer your questions (especially, “Is this normal?”) and even provide in-home and overnight care. We would love to hear from you and walk with you on this journey!
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