PART2: How to Recover from a caesarean birth quickly

(1)How long will it be before I can get out of bed?
At first you'll probably feel as though you'll never walk again. So it may come as a surprise when your midwife encourages you to get out of bed and move around. Even if it's the last thing you feel like doing, it's worth making the effort. Try to get up as soon as you can after your baby's been born, and definitely within 24 hours.

 

The sooner you get going, the better it is for your circulation and general recovery. Being mobile also means you can have your bladder catheter removed, although it's usually left it in for at least 12 hours after your last epidural top-up. Once you've got up for the first time, the next time will be easier.

 

You'll be encouraged to do ankle exercises while you're in bed to improve circulation to your legs. After childbirth and surgery - and remember you've been through both - there's a chance you could develop a blood clot. This could be serious if it lodges in a vein in your leg or your lung. Doing exercises will reduce the chance of this happening.

 

(2)What will the scar look like?
In most caesareans, the cut is made along your bikini line. At first your scar will look very red, but as the weeks and months go by it will gradually fade and be covered by your pubic hair. While your scar heals it may be sensitive and itchy, particularly when the hair re-grows.

 

You may notice some numbness on or around your scar. This usually gets better a few months after the operation but it can carry on for longer. If your scar becomes very sore, red or inflamed, you may have developed an infection. It's important you tell your midwife or doctor if this happens.

 

A year or two after your operation, the scar will probably have faded to a faint line. It will always be a slightly different colour to your normal skin tone but may eventually be almost invisible. Some women regain a flat tummy after a caesarean birth, but it's common to have a bit of tummy overhang.

 

(3)When can I go home and how will I feel once I'm home?
You'll probably stay in hospital for three or four days. If you want, you can go home after about 24 hours, provided you are recovering well. You'll be given follow-up care at home. Or you may prefer to stay in hospital, with the knowledge that medical staff are nearby if you need them.

 

When you're home, you shouldn't lift anything heavy. Unfortunately, this includes your toddler, if you have one. Movements that involve stretching upwards will be difficult for you for some time. Vacuuming and other strenuous jobs around the house will also be off limits. If you have people who can help you, let them! You may find some movements painful for up to six months after the surgery.

 

You might not feel well enough to drive for up to six weeks after your caesarean, as turning and twisting may be awkward and having to do an emergency stop could be very painful.

You will be encouraged to start gentle postnatal exercises the day after your operation. This will help speed your physical recovery. A physiotherapist may come to see you and show you what to do, or your midwife may give you a leaflet. You should not start a more strenuous exercise programme until eight to 10 weeks after your caesarean.

 

(4)Will I be able to breastfeed?
Yes, and once you've got started you're just as likely to breastfeed your baby successfully as if you've had a vaginal birth.

 

Breastfeeding can be more challenging in the early days after a caesarean because of the pain from your wound. Make sure you get plenty of support and and keep trying different positions until you are comfortable.

 

Try to have someone else around when you're feeding your baby. They can help you to get comfortable before you start, and then hand your baby to you. Some hospital beds have cots that clip onto the bed that make it easier for you to reach your baby for feeds. Lying on your side may be easier than sitting up.

 

The caesarean won't affect your milk supply and most painkillers are safe to take while breastfeeding. If you're taking other medication you'll need to check with your midwife and doctor that they're safe to take. You will be given alternatives if they are not.

 

(5)Coping when you get home
Back home, regardless of how well you feel, it's important to take things easy for at least six to eight weeks.

When it comes to recovering from a C-section, lifting heavy items - and that includes small children and shopping - doing the vacuuming or anything else that puts particular pressure on your tummy muscles (or current lack of them) is to be completely avoided: you do not want your scar to tear.

So try not to stress about housework (it's not a problem we've ever had, but we know some of you do) and take steps to ensure you have extra help, particularly if you've got older children to care for.

Remember, treating yourself kindly is not being lazy - it's common sense. Overdo things and your recovery could end up taking a lot longer.

(6)Physical and emotional effects
It can take several months for your muscles to knit back together - and even then you may feel numb around the scar area for years to come.

Despite what the gossip mags would have you believe, it's perfectly normal to not instantly ping back to your pre-caesarean shape. So try not to get dispirited if things don't look quite, er, how they used to.

Time - and then exercise - will help strengthen your tummy muscles, but don't hit the gym before you're ready as you can end up doing more harm than good.

Aside from the physical recovery from your c-section, some mums - particularly those who have undergone emergency c-sections - can feel quite traumatised by the experience. This is perfectly normal and you shouldn't feel ashamed if this is how you feel.

It can help to talk through what happened with your midwife and obstetrician - and this can usually be arranged very simply by contacting your hospital.