Whether you're planning a C-section or want to prepare for a surgical delivery "just in case," knowing what to expect during recovery—both physically and emotionally—can help you through the postpartum period.
No doubt you're eager to put all of your energy (the little you have right now) into taking care of your precious (and needy) newborn. But before you get up and go-go-go through these first few postpartum — and postsurgery — weeks, remember that slow and steady wins this race. And that's probably exactly what your doctor ordered: to scale back your activity so that you don't put undue strain on your incision and your energy level. Ignoring that advice will only lead to a longer C-section recovery, so keep these strategies in mind over the next few weeks for a speedier recuperation:
- Be patient with your bodily functions
One thing you seldom hear when people talk about c-sections is the impact it can have on your bodily functions. First of all, you and your bladder might not know each other as well at first. For some women, that means having difficulty peeing for the first time after surgery. It can feel like you forgot how to go, but fear not: You will remember (Tip: To help stimulate the right muscles, blow into a straw while sitting on the toilet.)
- Put together a carry-all bag.
Especially if you live in a two-story house, having a bag that is easy to sling over your shoulder should help keep you from making unnecessary trips up and down the stairs. Fill it with items you may need within arm's reach, but keep it lightweight:
burp cloths
diapers and wipes
snacks
extra baby clothes
sanitary pads
lotion and lip balm
reading material
water bottle
medication
- Know where your meals are coming from
If a friend or family member is organizing meals for you, have her check out Food Tidings. The website allows the organizer to put in dates for bringing food, lets everyone — including you — know what others are making for you and your family, and sends email reminders.
You also will have to contend with many questions about your ability to pass gas and/or poop, as the nurses assess whether your body is getting back to normal. "Your belly has been pumped full of gases and air during the c-section, so be prepared to take a lot of anti-gas medication and possibly even a suppository so that you can get rid of it. It's a painful and annoying process, but they won't let you leave the hospital until you have gone to the bathroom. In my case, I took a suppository, which was not as bad as it seemed, and was better in minutes. An experienced nurse should offer this to you if you're having trouble going to the bathroom," says Jackie Pobiega, whose 18-month-old son was born via c-section.
While it is important to get up and around some, the medicine used during your surgery is still wearing off, and you may feel like taking on more than you should. Rest frequently and let others do the work.
Having lots of pillows around will be a boon for you when you are recovering from a c-section. Hugging the pillow while laughing or coughing will make the muscle motions associated with that much more tolerable. You also can use pillows to prop up baby and yourself. "Bring an extra pillow or two with you to the hospital. You will need a few to keep you still while you sleep (so you don't roll over onto your incision) and a few to place on your belly to keep it braced when you cough, yawn etc. If you plan on nursing, bring another pillow to keep baby up off your belly and closer to your breast," says mom of four Linsey Knerl.
- If breastfeeding, learn to do it lying down
This will also take pressure off your abdomen, and can be very relaxing and comfortable way to nurse your baby.
Be sure to ask questions and information from those who have been there before about their experiences. Good girlfriends are your best resource!
You likely will leave the hospital with one or two strong painkillers. Regardless of whether you can withstand period cramps sans Midol or grin and bear headaches without a Tylenol in sight, taking pain medication after delivery is an absolute must. Your abdomen will not just ache; it will hurt at times, and taking pain medication allows you to get moving on recovery without having the pain slow you down. "Take the pain medicine on time, even if you don't think you need it! It helps you manage the pain," says Cathy Hayes, mother of three.
In the hours after a cesarean, the last thing on your mind is getting out of the hospital bed. Between the pain of recovery and the fogginess that can accompany the medications, you could just lie there forever -- but don't! Getting up as soon as your medical professionals say it's okay is an important way to make that recovery happen faster. "After my first c-section, the nurses let me lie in bed until the day before I left the hospital. I had a very difficult recovery from that surgery. My second c-section, the nurses made me get out of bed that afternoon (I had my cesarean at 4 a.m.). While it hurt a lot, it made the recovery so much easier," says mom of two Jody Halsted.
Before Hillary Morris had a c-section, a friend peppered her with pointers to help her recovery go more smoothly. Among the pointers was a great tip for tackling stairs, which are often unavoidable. "If stairs are unavoidable (in my case they were), walk up backwards so you are not inclined to stand up or use stomach muscles," says Hillary.
You will need someone to assist with cooking, cleaning, and, if you have other children, childcare.
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