Well Done Mum

Recovering after a C-Section

Caesarean Section

A Caesarean birth / delivery - also known as a C-section - is the birth of a baby through an incision in the mother's abdomen. Although C-sections are sometimes planned due to pregnancy complications or previous C-sections, most first-time C-sections occur unexpectedly. C-Section patients typically stay three or five days in hospital before going home. You may find your recovery after a caesarean slower than that of other mothers. This recovery is similar to recovery from any major abdominal surgery - with a delightful difference, you gain a new baby.

The First Few Days:

You may feel groggy and possibly nauseated right after surgery. Nausea can last up to 48 hours, but your Doctor / Nurse can give you medication to help minimize your discomfort.

If you plan to breastfeed, you can start in the recovery room right after surgery. Ask the nurse to show you how to nurse in the side-lying position or using the football hold, so there won't be pressure on your incision.

You may feel numbness and soreness around the incision, and the scar will be slightly raised, puffy, and darker than your natural skin tone. The cut may look large at first but it will gradually shrink as your tummy flattens.

Your doctor will keep a close check that the wound is healing properly. As the incision continues to heal, your scar will lighten to your own skin color

C-section scars are usually very low on the abdomen. A low-lying scar will eventually be hidden by your pubic hair and probably way below the waistband of your underwear or bikini bottom. It might be itchy while it's healing.

Soon after the C-section, you'll be encouraged to walk - with assistance. Getting up and moving around can speed your recovery and help prevent constipation and potentially dangerous blood clots.

After three to four days, your doctor will probably remove your sutures or stitches. This takes just minutes, and you may feel a small pinch but no pain. After that, if all's well, you'll be sent home.

Some tips to help you along your recovery include the following:

• Constantly check your incision. It is important to keep it clean and keep a close eye on it to catch any inflammation, redness or discharge early.
• Because your abdomen will be tender from your incision, the stomach muscles will be of very little use to you for the first few weeks following your operation. You may need to use several pillows to support your body while resting. Holding your baby may also be difficult. Try resting your baby on a pillow on your tummy, as this can help reduce the pressure on your incision.
• Take things slowly and don't rush yourself as your body needs adequate time to heal properly.
• Rest as much as you can - you have just undergone a major abdominal surgery
• Allow family and friends to help you with your chores and caring for the baby.
• Eat nutritious foods and particularly those high in fiber to avoid constipation.
• Drink plenty of water to encourage frequent urination

When you return Home

Take it easy. Give yourself time to rest. Your incision will feel better day by day, though it may continue to be tender for several weeks. Support your abdomen or the area near the incision during sudden movements, such as coughing, sneezing or laughing. Use pillows for extra support while breast-feeding. Don't drive until you can handle the sudden movements driving might require.
Take medication as needed.
Call your Doctor if you have signs of an infection, including warmth, redness, or swelling at the incision site.