How to Recover Quickly From a C-Section

Having a baby should be memorable and enjoyable. If you have a C-section, either emergency or voluntary, the following may help you recover with less pain and less stress.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Listen to the nurses and doctors. This is most important. Labor and Delivery nurses know what they are talking about. It doesn't matter if you exercised up to the day you delivered or you were a couch potato for the entire 9 months of pregnancy, you will need at least 8 weeks to fully recover before going back to normal activities.
2. Stay in the hospital for the maximum number of days your health plan allows. Generally, if you undergo a C-section, your health plan will cover up to 4 days in the hospital. Stay. The less moving you do, the easier it will be for you to recover.
3. Breastfeed. Breastfeeding is the body's natural way to recondition itself. The uterus, which expands during pregnancy, contracts and reduces in size faster if you breastfeed due to the "sucking effect." The faster your uterus shrinks, the less stress will be placed on the area of incision.
   Most hospitals have full-time lactation specialists on duty to help you and your baby feed efficiently and correctly. Plus, if you feel you were cheated out of experiencing a vaginal birth, the bond created between you and your child while breastfeeding will make up for it.
4. Allow the nurses to help you with everything that requires you to stand or reach. Hospital staff is there to help for a reason. Do not try lifting the baby yourself or walk to the bathroom alone. Call the nurse. Even a family member can't anticipate as much as an experienced nurse can. Swallow your pride and focus on getting better.
5. After your hospital discharge, hire a nurse or ask a family member to stay with you for a few weeks. If you do not live close to your family or your husband or significant other prove less than helpful, arrange for a home care nurse to assist you with everyday activities. At home, you should stay in bed and not worry about the laundry or the dishes. A relative or nurse can do all of those things for you.
6. Invest in a bedside co-sleeper. Allowing your baby to sleep in your bed is a bad idea for many reasons. Instead, purchase a bedside co-sleeper that attaches beneath the mattress. To access your baby for feedings, all you need to do is roll to your side and roll back again.
7. Once you are able to walk upright, consider wearing a back support band. Because your stomach muscles were weakened and your back relies on your stomach muscles for support, purchase and wear a belt that fits snug around your waist and incision area. These can be found at any online baby store or large baby department store.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid walking up and down stairs.
• Rest when your baby rests.
• Ask for a leg massage each evening.
• Do not play with your incision and keep it covered even in the shower until your doctor says otherwise.