How to Recover From a Caesarean

Whether you are recovering from a caesarean birth yourself, are having a planned c-section or want to be prepared in case you deliver via this method, there's plenty of information available to help you have an easier recovery.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

At The Hospital

1. Follow doctor's orders after your surgery. You will be given pain medication options and you will likely spend three or four days in the hospital recovering under doctor supervision. During this time, your doctor will monitor your incision site and the nurses will help you with your baby. Pain medication offered typically does not interfere with breastfeeding and can help you with recovery.
2. Ask for help with breastfeeding if this is your first baby or your first c-section birth. You can ask for extra blankets and pillows to help support the baby and relieve the strain on your abdomen and ask for help from a lactation consultant who can help you find a comfortable way to nurse your baby and get the baby to correctly latch without hurting your incision. A caesarean doesn't have to impact your decision to breastfeed.
3. Sleep. Make the most of the rest time in the hospital. While most hospitals have babies bunk in with their mother, many will help by taking the baby for several hours a day for you. Sleep as much as you can and if you can have rest by having the baby in the nursery under nurse's care, take advantage.
4. Take walks. Slow walks around the hospital about six to twelve hours past surgery are good for your recovery. This gets the circulation going in your body, can help you resume bowel and bladder functions sooner. Wait until you're given the green light for getting out of bed and your first few attempts may require assistance.

At Home

5. Rest. You have two chores after giving birth via caesarean. Your focus needs to be on your baby and your healing. Rest as much as possible to promote healing. Minimize discomfort to your incision site by not doing anything too exerting.
6. Take it easy. It will be six to eight weeks before you are given the green light to resume exercise, driving a vehicle or sexual activity after your c-section.
7. Visit your doctor about a week after delivery to get your stitches or staples removed unless you are given different instructions. Staple removal is like a bit of a pinch and does not give you significant discomfort.
8. Take time to heal. It can be a few months to a year before you're completely back to normal. Taking good care of your own health with plenty of rest, good food, moderate exercise (once given the go-ahead by your doctor) and strong family support can help you recover from your caesarean quickly.

Tips & Warnings

• Although you'll have to wait six to eight weeks to resume sexual activity, do spend cuddle time with your partner. Intimacy is important during this time.
• Many women worry about having a c-section experience and feel inadequate because they were unable to deliver naturally. Be proud of yourself for enduring surgery to bring your child into the world.
• If you see signs of infection such as discharge at your incision site, seek medical assistance.
• Don't lift anything heavier than your baby for at least six weeks following your caesarean to minimize risk of opening your incision.