C-section Recovery - What should I expect?

Heather - posted on 01/24/2011

My advice is to have someone there for the first week and a trick I found that really helped me afterwards was when I got up I put a pillow to my stomach to ease the pain!

Linda - posted on 10/03/2010

It's great that you have a high tolerance for pain. I would definately see if someone can come by at least for the first week. You will be more tired that a vaginal birth because it is major surgery. Don't be afraid to ask for help, and nap when the baby does. Best of luck to you!!!!

Annette - posted on 02/25/2010

well it would help if you have a little help after. because you won't be able to carry anything more than 10lbs at first the pain is crazy I have 4 children and I have already had 2 c-sections. getting your body back into shape after is a lot harder. it takes about 3 weeks to not feel anymore pain then again everyone is different. but regardless of the pain it's the outcome that's amazing just looking into his/her eyes makes it all worth it savor the moment because it goes by so fast.

Marcia - posted on 02/25/2010

I had a c-section for my daughter who is now 15 months old & I can honestly say it was the best decision I ever made. I heard so many conflicting views for and against the procedure that I was also quite nervous. Now if I had to do it over again I would do it exactly the same way! And recovery was fine. As long as you take your pain meds you'll be just fine. Within a week I was back to my old self. Good luck :0)

Sera - posted on 02/24/2010

My pain tolerance in low low low. I handled it. Only cried once, that was after coming home and having to wait on walmart to have my meds ready. Every hospital is different. I had to go to recovery for an hour after I had Aeralyn. The nurse is going to push VERY hard on your uterus to expel and blood not coming out fast enough and it will hurt like hell. You're gonna wanna punch her in the face. I mean, it JUST got cut open and sewed back up! Don't worry, they will continue this every 15 minutes for about 2 hours. Then, only every 2 hours or so. They will let you out of recovery when you can begin to move your legs. You keep a catheter in all that day until the next morning. Be VERY careful not to pull it, lol. They'll staple your belly, and the staples don't hurt to come out except the ones on the very end. It hurt to stand up straight and if you try to use your stomach muscles at all it will burn like it's on fire at the incision site and around it. From just above the incision site to about an inch or so above it, my skin is still numb. My friends like to pinch it because I still can't feel it and I'm 3 months postpartum. That's about it.

Amy - posted on 02/24/2010

First... Make sure some one is at the hospital to help you. You should be feeling better by the time you get home.

Don't refuse your medicine even if you are feeling ok. As soon as the ones you took previosly or the anesthesia weres off you will be in a lot of pain.

Exspect a nurse to come in and massage your abdomen. Ask her to SLOWLY PRESS IN AND SLOWLY MASSAGE TINY CIRCLES. I've had one try to do a karate chop on my stomach and press in and she nearly got punched. I suggest you massage your own stomach as well. This helps your uterus expel clotts.



My experiance comes from 3 C-sections.

Aleisha - posted on 02/24/2010

I had a c-section after being in labor for 14 hours with my son 13 months ago. The only thing I can say is that no matter what it may feel like your guts are NOT going to fall out when you stand up lol. That's the one thing I really remember about my c-section. I felt like i had to support my stomach with my hands whenever I stood up to make sure that my insides didn't come out. The pain is pretty bad for the first 24-48 hours but you'll be too preoccupied with your baby to really pay too much attention to it. After about a week you start to feel a lot better. Just rest as much as you can and make sure you clean it properly like the doctors tell you. I won't go into details about my horror story with an infection that I got while I was STILL in the hospital, because I don't want to scare you. Just take good care of yourself and listen to the doctors and you'll be fine. Good luck! Oh, and whenever you have to cough squeeze a pillow on top of your belly. It helps kind of brace yourself cuz it can really hurt when you cough for the first couple of days.

Taya - posted on 02/24/2010

Hi Ashlyn. I had a c-section 4 months ago with my baby boy but I went through 2 days with no sleep prior to the operation as they tried to induce me first. The recovery from no sleep for that couple days was rough but because you are booked in and you can prepare for it you will be fine. Just rest up as much as you can and prepare everything before you go into hospital. My mum came to stay for a couple of weeks when I got home from hospital cause my husband works long hours and I found this to be an amazing help; not only to me but to my baby and my husband also. All the best and enjoy this very exciting time!

Christy - posted on 02/24/2010

I had to have a c-section 5 weeks ago because my baby boy was breech. It was not a planed c-section so I was freaked out and didn't know what to expect. Anyways everything went well with the surgery and my baby is fine. I was very thankful to have help. You will be sore and really need to take an easy, so your body can heal up faster. I was thankful to have someone help me get out of a chair, walk, make meals, do housework and take care of my older kids. I had my first two babies all natural without drugs and would rather of had this child that way. Recovery hasn't been bad, but it's been more painful and longer for me. My incision was 6 inches long, that could be why I had more pain then some other women. Good luck !

Anna - posted on 02/23/2010

I loved my c-section. I had my son at 36w6d because my water broke and he was breech. He was a little early but there were no real complications. The worst part of the whole thing was the panic attack I had before the surgery. I am pretty sure the anti-nausea meds they put in my IV triggered it. The spinal block isn't fun either- make sure you curl over far enough for the doctor when he's inserting it, otherwise he'll try it for 5 painful minutes before telling you you're positioned wrong. Haha. Even though the spinal hurts, it's not unbearable and it's over relatively fast. I felt weird for a few minutes after the spinal was done. My hearing got weird and I couldn't really hear anything clearly. I couldn't even hear the doctors reassuring me when I asked them if something was going wrong. No one told me that could happen so I panicked until it went away. Once my hearing came back and I felt relatively normal (only numb) and my husband came back in the room, the rest was a breeze. I just closed my eyes and relaxed during the whole thing. You can feel the doctors touching you and tugging at your skin and stuff, but it won't hurt at all. I didn't expect to feel as much as I did and at first I thought the spinal wasn't working completely when I felt them moving me around. I actually liked feeling them tugging, pulling, and moving me. It was comforting feeling that my body still existed down there! When I heard my son cry for the first time my husband and I both cried. It's a moment you'll never ever forget. My husband left my side to watch them clean off the baby and I was lonely for a while. Then my husband came over to me with my beautiful baby. They left for the rest of the surgery and went to the NICU for observation because he was early, and my husband met me in the recovery room after I got sewn up. Recovery isn't bad. It hurts, but for some reason I don't remember ever being annoyed that I was in pain. I didn't really mind. Most of the time my pain was a 1 or 2 on a scale of 1-10 unless I forgot my meds and moved wrong. I think you'll be fine. I'm a wimp and loved the whole experience. Good luck!

Laura - posted on 02/23/2010

well everyone is different im bit on big side anyway .. i had emergency c-section at37 weeks i went in for natural had be started off coz baby being big but after had c-section i notice i cudnt get foot were on for about 10 days ... was very sore and yes its true getting up from laying down is uncomftable notice when go sleep as well uncomftable i had bad if people wanna help let them dont u do it let people wait on u for change hun trust me u need to heal if people wanna cuppa they make it and for u too good luck all best from one new mum to another xxx

Dani - posted on 02/23/2010

Also i drank and ate right after my surgery , i just informed the nurse i was freaking starveing and wanted to eat right now ! also i drank a ton of orange juice to and i survived juuuuuust fine.

Dani - posted on 02/23/2010

I had an emergency c-section with my daughter 2 months ago after being in labour for 38 hours and even though its not the way i wanted to deliver, it was honestly really easy, and seemed pretty painless after being in labour all that time. I felt great about 12 hours later , i even made them release me from the hospital early because i was up and moving around and insanely bored! I was by my self for 5 days until my mom came to stay with me ( boyfriend was working too) But i also made my self get up and get moving! I really think that thats the key to feeling better , i kept up with the house work and the baby surpriseingly well and my stitches has healed beautifully , its soo wonderful how small they can make the scar now. I just took advil for the discomfort and it worked just fine , the only thing i found difficult was bending down for things cause your tummy feels really tight , also definitly plan on wearing lots of sweats or yoga pants cause jeans and anything tight fitting around the pubic bone is very uncomfortaable same with zippers and buttons. But honestly dont stress about it everyone makes it sound soooo much worse than it is! i was terrified at first and looking back i think it was the best possible way. Congradulations on the baby and best of luck ! :)

Joy - posted on 02/23/2010

I had a c-section and it wasn't that bad. You will need a good 2-3 days after you get home with some help. As mentioned above the hardest part is just getting up. Once I was up I was ok. I would say enlist some help for those first few days and you should be good.

Jaime - posted on 02/23/2010

HI
I had a c-section i was in the hospital on monday nite at 7 for the inducing and went all the way to wed nite when are heart rartes dropped and i was put on oxgen. They called the surgery for a emergency c-section, i labor through the c-section it was painful the numbness wore out and i felt them pushing and stitching at the area, i was in recover for 3 hours with my baby before i was taken to my room, then i had the spins and very thirsty, but u can on take sips of water no juices because the effect of ur stomach u dont have solids to the second day ur on liquids. But i had her at 747 pm and i was up then next day out of bed at 630 to brush my teeth and was standing after that talking to my daughters ped dr. then i was not in bed the whole day, but stay on the meds i tried to be a smarty and i ended up almost blacking out infront of my family when i was trying to move around. Also walk with the nurses all u can it helps alot with the tightness, i had bad water retention in my ankles and feet they were so huge almost like they were going to pop. But they say u should be there for 4 days and i came home in 3 but make sure u get ur (if u get staples out sooner then a week because when i went in ( when they scheduled me for staple removal the skin over grew on them it was pain ful then i got a yeast infection on the scare.
Good luck at least its planned and u dont have to be rushed and nurses and drs spiining there heads...

after coming home i took the meds and my husband went to work, i didnt want help, and he went to work the next day, but do not do stairs for the first 3 weeks i was tryin to be a brave mom and luckly my husband saw me fallin back wards and caught me its something to do with the c-section so i stayed on the first floor and slepted when she slepted. We made it.
Congrats

Theresa - posted on 02/23/2010

I would have someone help out for the 1st week or so - it was hard jumping up ( actually just getting out of bed) to get my son when he would cry - but it's not so bad - nothing to worry about! Good Luck!! ( : & congrats on the baby!!

Deanna - posted on 02/22/2010

btw when they tell you to cough occasionally it hurts really bad and your afraid ur gunna pop a staple, but you wont. and for comfort, get thoes long pads they have at the hospital and put it over the staples, so your underwear doesnt dig into that area, because that can hurt.

Deanna - posted on 02/22/2010

i actually enjoyed the c-section itself. it's facinating. but in the recovery i would recommend taking all the medicine at the time they tell you too, because i didn't thinkin i felt fine, and it didn't work out for me later. haha. but it's not horrible just kinda baby yourself for a while. dont move to quickly and such. they heal pretty quick. and will feel weird afterwards. mine is kinda numb in that area.

Jamie - posted on 02/22/2010

Im only 17, and my pain tolerance is terrible. And i had a c-section. My son was in the NICU for the first 6 days, and was transported to a different hospital. So i forced myself through the pain. Just getting up too fast, or stairs, or sneezing/laughin/coughin, hurts the most. But it really isnt that bad. I would, just to be safe, have someone there to help the first day, just to see if you need the help. It just depends on the person. But if you have good pain tolerance, you should be fine. Just dont wait a long time to take your meds. And if they dont help, TELL YOUR OB/GYN, because i hate pain meds, but they help!

Chelsea - posted on 02/22/2010

My water broke at 37 weeks. I was in labor for 24 hours,4 of which were pushing and my daughters head was stuck so ended with a c-section. Pain meds will be your best friend! My Percocets helped me through the first 2 weeks. I agree with alot of the others,make sure you take them before the first batch wears off or you will be sorry! I was lucky me and my bf were living with my parents at the time. I would've been lost without my mother there to help me since my significant other worked all day. I believe breast feeding helped speed the healing along alot as well!! Good luck!!

Maegan - posted on 02/22/2010

i had a scheduled c section for the 20th of august for my son but at 10pm i was laboring hard and so i went in to the hosptial and i was 10cm diliated and 100% effaced and so they di the c section that night.after i was on a morphine drip and i was so doped up i didnt know i had a tv in my room until 3 days later when the hospital stopped the drip.i was in and out of it couldnt finish my sentences.but it di hurt to pee,cough,have a bm, walk ,stand straight.i got better in a weeks time.the c section though i didnt feel anything at all.no pulling no tugging no pain.my face was numb too so i was in lalala land.i would rather do a c section cause i have a low pain tolerance. the pain meds i couldnt take cause i was breast feeding.so i took tylenol and it took the edge off.i moved in with my parents so they helped me alot.thyed would have to pick up taylor and id give him back .but other than that it went good

Dawn - posted on 02/22/2010

I had a c-section in July after laboring for over 23 hours and getting to 8cm, however the baby's head was stuck sideways and had some heartrate issues that they were concerned about. Next child will be a scheduled c-section for sure, it was much much better than labor...I have actually vowed to never have a contraction again as long as I live, LABOR WAS HORRIFIC. With that said, I had no problems recovering from my c-setion, I had the baby on a Wednesday morning and I went home Friday morning. Friday evening I attended my sister's rehearsal dinner and Saturday was in her wedding (matron of honor) and Sunday was at the wedding brunch. I agree with everyone else, it was wonderful to have someone there for the 1st week and TAKE YOUR PAIN MEDS! Just becuase you feel okay doesn't mean you are...and don't overdue it just because you feel okay on the pain meds, you will regret it later. It honestly isn't bad at all, I was up walking around and showering 12 hours after the surgery, I just had stiches which had to be removed a week later. I was back playing soccer 8 weeks later.

Victorina - posted on 02/22/2010

You should have help and get plenty of rest.

Sumi - posted on 02/21/2010

I went into preterm labor that they were unable to stop and ended up with a c-section with my twins because my son (baby A) was breech. (I was probably going to need a c-section anyway but I was at 32 weeks and they were waiting to see if he would turn on his own.) I would say, as others have said, stay on top of your pain. Once the pain is ahead of your meds, it's really hard to catch up.

There are 2 things other than meds that really helped me: 1) I slept in my recliner at home because I found that I could not lie flat on my back in bed right away. 2) I wore a "waist trimmer." A friend told me about it as a way to get your stomach flatter faster. I found that it helped me feel more "contained." It's hard to explain if you've never had a baby but things are loose after birth (at least they were with me) and by wearing a waist slimmer that held my stomach in, it gave me support that I really needed.

Randi - posted on 02/21/2010

Hey- I ended up having a c-section. It was wonderful- my doctors were the best ever. The recovery period is as long as one can handle some discomfort and pain. I was able to get moving about a week after my son was born. I would surely take it easy and don't carry your little one up and down the steps. Take the steps as little as possible for a week or two. Is your husband going back to work immediately? Having extra help would be a good thing so it is totally up to you. I am like you- very high tolerance for pain so I basically pulled through and by the second week home, taking walks with my son everyday. Also- you will still have numbness for a while where the surgery took place. My doctors said it would be a year before it went away- that is just how it goes. You may feel a little ping of pain every now and then and that is totally normal. Much congrats and easy recovery!

Keri - posted on 02/20/2010

I had 2 c-section babies. The only thing I didn't like about it was the recovery, especially when they have you get up out of bed for the first time. You will have a hard time getting up for awhile, but once you start moving around more, it will get better. You should probably have someone help you while your husband is working, especially the first few weeks after the surgery.

Debra - posted on 02/20/2010

I had my c-section when I was 39 weeks because I haved hig-blood pressure . and i was in there for about a week.

Rebecca - posted on 02/20/2010

You won't be able lift anything heavier than your baby, which means you shouldn't be lifting the baby + infant car seat, and you won't be able to drive for 2+ weeks. So you will need help to take the baby to the 1 and 2 weeks check-ups, and for any other errands you might need to run. You also can't climb stairs for at least a couple of weeks, so if you live in a 2-story house, you need to make arrangements to live on the main floor.



Even thought you say you "heal okay" and have a good pain tolerance, you need to be very aware of how your incision is healing and go to your doctor immediately if you see any increased redness or discharge -- infection is VERY common after a c-section. Also, make sure you get up and move around early and often -- every hospital tells moms something different, but my friends who got up within 12 hours all healed better than those who waited 24+ hours. Also, as others said, don't skip your pain meds the first few days even if you're feeling great -- the pain will come back so much worse and then you will need to take more meds to get it under control, which can make you too groggy to take care of your baby.



Perhaps have your husband go to work while you're in the hospital so he can save his days off for when you go home. I definitely think you should have help for at least a few hours a day, the first couple of weeks, to do housework, cooking, etc. Everyone recovers differently, but don't rely on others saying it "won't be so bad" -- you may be shocked by how awful you feel and how difficult it is for you to move and do anything. You will need to focus your energy on your baby and succeeding with breastfeeding, not worrying about anything else. If it turns out you have an easy recovery, you can just let the person know that you don't need any more help.



You say you have no choice about the c-section, but have you asked your doctor about doing an external version to turn the baby, or finding another doctor who will? The procedure has some risks but they are much less than the risks of a surgical birth, and the procedure has a 60% success rate with a skilled provider -- not bad odds to avoid major abdominal surgery that could preclude you from ever having a vaginal delivery, the way the trend against VBAC is going in this country. If that's not a possibility, I encourage you to still prepare a birth plan and insist on having your baby brought to you in the recovery room so you can initiate breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact immediately (barring any complications, of course). Some hospitals will keep mom and baby separated for hours just "because" -- my friends who have had c-sections have described that time as the most horrible in their lives, being immobilized in bed, in terrible pain, without their babies. You have the right to be treated as a person, not be subjected to the hospital's "standard policies" for no good reason.



Speaking of VBAC, make sure your doctor plans to use double-layer sutures -- there's no clear evidence that it makes uterine rupture less likely during subsequent pregnancies/VBACs, yet some doctors are trying to exclude women from having VBACs unless they have double-layer sutures -- better safe than sorry as long as the VBAC climate is so dismal.

DeShannon - posted on 02/20/2010

HAVE A LOVE ONE TO ASSIST. Trust me. I recently had a c-section, and even though my pain tolerance may be less than yours, I was in so much pain that I walked hunched back for weeks, unable to walk straight because the pain was so terrible. My mom from Louisiana came to help out, even though I had my hubby for support, I needed more. I was in labor for 18 hours trying to have my baby vagina. All doctors will tell you that the recovery time is longer and more intense with a c-section than vagina birth. Suggestions: asked the doctor for pain medication, and have a few family members to help out with the small things like cooking, laundry, changing baby diapers, lite house work. I was in pain for a good week and prepare for a major shock to your body, the incision area will remain numb for months- I am still numb after 9 months- my stitches are still not totally dissolve, but on a happier note, I am almost back to my original weight. I am 104 post pregnancy and pre pregnancy 98. I breast fed, so that also helps with the pain and weight loss. God Speed. Good Luck

Emma - posted on 02/20/2010

I had a C-section for the same reason and found for me that the hardest thing was not being able to pick up my own baby for the first day and had to rely on midwives and her daddy to give her to me, though it also got me out of having to change nappies too. Do take your pain meds on time and be careful when moving but note that they will make you constipated, when I was sent home they had to give me a laxative solution too. My partner took 3 weeks off to help me initially but try to get housework done before you go in, especially vacuuming as you wont be allowed to do this and get your partner to it before you bring baby home as it is generally not recommeded to hoover a room your baby will in due to particles in the air so it could be some time before the house gets tidy again.

Amanda - posted on 02/20/2010

Well, I had a c-section and I found it painful afterward however I was bed ridden for two weeks prior to that with HELLP Syndrome. Take your pain meds as directed is the best advice I can give you they help alot and make it easier to move around.

Melissa - posted on 02/20/2010

hi goodluck with it hun,ive had 3 c sections now as mine were breech and transv.1st one not too bad after you have bub but it does hurt 1st day and 2nd.and its good its ya 1st cos you dont need to worry bout not holding anything heavier then ya bub.and yes take the meds

Kaela - posted on 02/20/2010

i had a c-section with my first baby, and healed really well , i would suggest having someone there to help if possible

Nina - posted on 02/20/2010

I had C-section for the same reason also. As you do, I have a better pain tolerance than most. The pain was worse than I thought. My error was that I refused the pain killers as I thought I didn't feel any pain as I moved around in bed. I started to feel the pain the 2nd day as I got off bed for a sponge bath. My 2nd error was I refused help from the midwife and bend my back to wash my legs. If help is available, it would be great. Do take the painkillers. They help and I learned the hard way about bending my back...since the instruction came way too late (when I was about to leave hospital). You'll be fine! Congratulations!!

Shona - posted on 02/19/2010

I had a c-section...but mine was after labouring over 36 hours.

I found the recovery very slow, but other moms I know who've had a planned section healed really quickly and were mobile by the second or 3rd day. I personally would recommend help, my mom, sister and a few friends, shared days. I was okay on my own after the first week from when I got home.

Good luck!! So excited for you to meat your little boy!! They are SO much fun!!

Kelly - posted on 02/19/2010

I had a c-section after 39 hours of labor...I highly recommend the c-section, LOL! My husband had off for 2 weeks after the baby was born. It was a great help :) I should say that the recovery wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. As everyone else has said, make sure you take the pain meds, don't let them lapse, it's hard to catch up when you do. Do everything the nurses tell you and don't forget to walk. The walking as soon as you are allowed actually helps with the gas build up that you will have (not glamorous at all, lol) Just take it easy and enjoy your new family. But be sure not to do anything to fast (like lifting or doing too much) because it may cause a delay in healing or some upset to your incision. Good luck on your new journey and CONGRATS!

DEBBIE - posted on 02/19/2010

good for you that this early you know you are going to deliver via C-section. Mine was unexpected.. during a routine prenatal check-up, during the third trimester ultrasound, my OB informed me that my son is in breech presentation and that I will be delivering him via C-section that day because unknowingly I was already in to labor. I gave birth January18...My son just turned a month old a few days ago.
A very well prepared (psychologically & physically) mom regarding c-section plays a big role in recovery. There would be pain, at the incision site, ask for pain reliever that works 24 hours( they gave me MOBIC 15mg). Early ambulation or out of bed surely helps a lot too. And start breastfeeding but don't forget to support the incision site with a pillow or with an abdominal binder. My usual complain was gas pain because of the return of the function of my colon after surgery. remember that the only thing you will carry is your baby, never exert too much effort or carry any heavy loads. So you should have someone to support you with chores or even bathing and dressing up the baby. By two weeks, you can navigate freely around your house without pain.

Lania - posted on 02/19/2010

I had a c-section but i had to, i had preeclampsia and when you have pain killers its okay because you can sleep it off but with a new baby it can be hard if you dont have anyone else but if you do thats great. Its been 3 months and its still a little hard to wear jeans. after i had put a pad on my incision and that helps alot so it doesnt rub but im not going to lie and say its not painful because to me it was very and i have a high tolerance to pain. Good luck and listen to the doc when they say dont lift ANY thing but your baby.

Nicole - posted on 02/19/2010

Don't drink from a straw or drink soft drinks for a few days. It can cause gas bubbles, which can be rather painful. Don't be afraid to take the pain meds. Also, you probably won't be able to drive a car for two weeks, so be prepared. And keep your feet elevated. They will swell a great deal, due to the fluids they give you. Good luck!

Kellie - posted on 02/19/2010

I do think that you should have someone there to help you for a week or two. It really helped me out a lot to have my mom here for a couple of weeks in order to get use to having a bay around and if I need a nap or was in pain I had some help. Also, take those meds...they help. The nurses will have you up and walking in the hosptial within 24hrs though.

Angela - posted on 02/19/2010

I had a c-section as well. my son was almost 11 lbs and frank breech the entire pregnancy... I was up and walking around after 5 hours. I would say have your husband take off for 2-3 days. I heard all of these horror stories, that scared me so bad. At least for me it wasnt. You'll definately be a little sore for a couple of days but it gets better. My biggest issue was my stomache felt like it was on fire if anything rubbed up against it. So definately wear some loose clothing and dont let the baby kick or rest there. And as for the scar....its nothing. If its done correctly its about 6inches long. and when it heals up its a very thin line that you barely notice.

Whitney - posted on 02/19/2010

I had to have an emergency c-section so I had no idea what to expect or to prepare for it. My biggest piece of advice is to walk, walk, walk! I started walking around a lot 2 days after my c-section, and I recovered much more quickly and I never took any pain medicine they prescribed me. I actually didn't even get it filled. I stayed at home with baby by myself the week we came home. It really isn't as bad as you think it is going into it. I just had to have my husband help me out of the bed and off the couch just because I was afraid I would hurt myself, not so much because I was in pain. Just take it slow and you shouldn't have any problems!

Ashley - posted on 02/19/2010

i wound up having a c section after 72 hours of labour because she was stuck and my partner went bak to work the next day u should b fine hun i managed to do it after my daughter was born

Jennifer - posted on 02/19/2010

For at least the first week after you bring your little one home, Isuggest to have some help. I had my daughter over a month ago via C-Section and I can still feel tenderness and I have a high pain tolernece and heel fast.

Lana - posted on 02/18/2010

my first c section was an emergency because my labor wasnt progressing and she couldnt come thru my pelvis. the c section went fine. i had alot of swelling in my hands and feet, it made it a lot worse. make sure you take your meds and request them atleast half an hour before you are due for more because you do not want them to wear off. i had a repeat c section 7 months ago, it went better than the first but i still suffered from the swelling. i think it is a reaction to iv fluids, so it may not happen to you. my best advice is to take the medicine religiously! dont try to tough it without it because you will need it!

Iona - posted on 02/18/2010

I haven't read what everyone has posted....but the one thing I didn't see in my quick glance is the wonderful band thing that the hospital gave me after my c-section. It went around my entire stomach, kind of like an ace bandage. It helped to keep the pain down when moving around by keeping my midsection tight. I wore it every day when I was moving around, or when company was over and I might laugh (because that actually hurts at first!) for the first couple of weeks. It was, in addition to the pain meds, the BEST thing!

Tiffany - posted on 02/18/2010

Odd things that happened after the c/s...The first time i walked after the surgery it felt like walking for the first time, slow and feet were really heavy. I was itchy all over after the epidural wore off, shave your legs in case they put these leg massagers on them, the little hairs will make you itch more. The pain meds are definitely helpful and even if you feel good, sleep whenever possible. Also, depending on what meds they give you for the surgery, I had an epidural from laboring before the c/s, your feet and ankles may swell more than you have ever experienced during your entire pregnancy, so keep them up and drink lots of water!! The doctors used dissolving stitches on my incision which was nice, but don't be worried if there is weeping form the scar, there is a build up of fluid under the skin which is part of the healing process and it may weep, use hot washcloth compresses on it a few times a day.
Your experiences may be different of course depending, but that's what I learned and would have loved to now before hand, if my c/s was planned. 3 hours of pushing and baby was in transverse lie and sunnyside up...not coming out!!! lol

Samantha - posted on 02/18/2010

oddly enough my right side is worse as well. maybe its because that the side your bladder and other vital body parts are!!

Mindi - posted on 02/18/2010

it's very painful. i took the medication but they didn't work to well. it's very hard to stand up and bend. try not to do more than you have to because it will make the pain worse. it burns really bad too. when i had my c section the incision felt like it was on fire because of the medicine they had to use to keep it from being infected. i know every hospital is different so i don't know how they will do yours. i suggest sitting on a couch or chair that isn't low to the ground and having extra diapers,milk,wipes,etc near you so you don't have to get up so much. getting up is the worst part. i would definetly have someone stay with you if you can. my so had to work so i had no one and it was very painful and hard for me to get things i needed for my son. my recovery took two months. good luck.

Mindi - posted on 02/18/2010

it's very painful. i took the medication but they didn't work to well. it's very hard to stand up and bend. try not to do more than you have to because it will make the pain worse. it burns really bad too. when i had my c section the incision felt like it was on fire because of the medicine they had to use to keep it from being infected. i know every hospital is different so i don't know how they will do yours. i suggest sitting on a couch or chair that isn't low to the ground and having extra diapers,milk,wipes,etc near you so you don't have to get up so much. getting up is the worst part. i would definetly have someone stay with you if you can. my so had to work so i had no one and it was very painful and hard for me to get things i needed for my son. my recovery took two months. good luck.