After hours of labor and two short attempts at pushing my son's heart rate dropped so dramatically my doctor called for an emergency C-section. If this sounds like the start to your own birth story, please know you’re not alone. 1 in 3 babies in the United States will be delivered via C-section.
Whether your C-section was planned or unplanned, recovering from surgery can be painful and overwhelming. Here’s everything you should know as you navigate postpartum after a C-section. Please note, you should always consult with your medical provider as every case can be different.
Manage your pain
There’s no gold medal in motherhood for feeling the most pain. A C-section is major abdominal surgery. Due to the anesthesia, you may not feel pain immediately after surgery. However, as your anesthesia wears off, you should expect to feel pain for a couple of weeks. To ease the discomfort, your doctor may prescribe oral anti-inflammatory medication (usually Tylenol or ibuprofen).
Set a timer and stay on schedule. Set a timer on your phone or watch and take your medication. This will keep the worst of the pain at bay.
Try warm or cold compresses. Pain at your incision site is common and can be reduced through a warm or cold compress. When applied at the incision site, it decreases swelling and reduces pain. Gently place the compress on the incision for 15 minutes intervals.
Monitor your incision
During a C-section surgery, your doctor will make incisions to deliver your baby. In the recovery process, your doctor will provide specific care instructions, which can include some of the following measures:
Monitor your incision for risk of infection. Signs of infection include: severe pain, fever and chills, increased redness, swelling, heavy bleeding or drainage from the incision. Some bleeding around the incision is normal, but your incision should not be actively bleeding.
Keep your incision clean. When you shower, let the water gently run down your incision. Do not rub or wash the incision. Gently pat dry or air dry. Do not swim or take baths until you're cleared by your doctor, usually at the six week check up.
Use a belly band or pillow to reduce abdominal pain. Sitting up, changing positions, or even sneezing can be painful after a C-section. A belly band or pillow can help keep your core tight allowing you to move or sneeze with less pain.
Adjust your breastfeeding position. For moms who choose to breastfeed, try a football or side lying hold to keep your baby off your incision.
Avoid irritating the incision with tight clothing. You’ll be more comfortable wearing high-waisted underwear and loose pants or dresses for a couple of weeks while your incision heals.
Improve your mobility
Next to having the baby, nothing feels harder than getting off that hospital bed post surgery. Once your epidural has worn off, the catheter is removed, and your doctor has given the clear for you to move, you can attempt to stand and walk. As challenging as it is, getting mobile again is essential for your recovery.
Walk often. Walking will help you relieve gas pain, encourage bowel movements, and prevent blood clots.
Don’t exercise or lift anything heavy. You should not lift anything heavier than your baby, avoid taking the stairs or doing anything that would accelerate your heart rate or risk tearing open your incision.
Take it slow. Remember your body will tire out quickly. A short walk outside or around the house? Great! A long walk around the city? Pass.
Prioritize your mental health
Whether you planned for your C-section or not, childbirth can be an emotional journey. For both those whose birth plans came together or those who saw their plans fall apart, it is normal to feel a spectrum of emotions during postpartum. Remember, there is no right, wrong or easy way to have a baby.
Talk to your doctor. In emergency situations, you might not have had the chance to process your doctor's decisions. If you had an emergency C-section or complications during delivery, take the time to sit down with your doctor and ask them about what happened. Understanding why specific actions were taken during your delivery can help you process the experience.
If you haven’t found your village yet, consider us yours. If you’re feeling uncertain about navigating your postpartum journey, contact us about our retreat where you can be supported during every step of your recovery - transitioning into parenthood can be challenging, but it can be made easier with proper care.
