My first C-Section was in 2003 and was not pre-scheduled although my doctor did inform me that I had about a 30% chance of not delivering my 1st son vaginally because he was measuring very large. My husband and I were both OK with having a Cesarean delivery if that's what it took to have a healthy baby and mom. After broken water, pitocin, and 12 hours my doctor suggested we go ahead with the C-Section and I gladly agreed. My recovery with my 1st C-Section was difficult only in the sense that it was all unknown. I wish I would have known that I didn't have to be nauseous during the surgery. I wish someone would have told me that I would not have stomach muscles to sit up on my own for a couple weeks. I wish someone would have told me that my breasts would be the size of bowling balls and cause even more pain. I wish I would have known that staples are much better than stitches (this I will explain later). I wish I would have know about binding (breasts and tummy). And I wish I would have known that I didn't need to be super mom all in the first week. My recovery on the 1st C-Section was about 2 1/2 weeks as far as feeling 90% (as in any surgery their is a little residual tenderness for a couple months).
My second C-Section was in 2006 and was a 100% improvement compared to the first mostly because it was scheduled and I had a better idea how to recover. However, I was "forced" into a recovery because this child fell ill and so I could only sit at the hospital for 3 long weeks. I had no option but to be still and recover. Still with the 2nd C-Section I wish I would have slept more. I wish I would have known about binding of the tummy - I had the breasts down by now (lots of ice and tight bra's). My second C-Section recovery was quicker at about 2 weeks.
My third C-Section even improved upon the 2nd and I didn't expect that to be possible. In fact I went shopping at 1 week post and attended church only 10 days post C-Section. I am not sure a Cesarean could have gone better. I would say I was recovered at 10 days. Again, by recovered I mean hardly any pain - anyone who has been "cut" knows that some tenderness remains for months sometimes.
Here are my suggestions for C-Section recovery:
#1 - Be nice and become friends with your Nurses, Dr's, and especially Anesthesiologist.
#2 - Request an anti-nausea medication (to be put through your IV) .
#3 - Stay awake through the surgery and even just after if you can, listen to your babies 1st cry.
#4 - If you begin to itch it may be from the Morphine - you can get medications to remedy this - I have chosen not to (benadryl makes me hyper and jittery) .
#5 - Don't be worried about telling "wanna be visitors" that you need to sleep. If you had just had any other surgery no one would be bugging you to visit you this soon.
#6 - Accept pain medication if you can tolerate it. I have allergic reactions to most Narcotics and so I use 800mg ibuprofen as my pain medication and it seems to be enough for me. I would rather feel a little pain then vomit after having a C-Section.
#7 - About 24 hours post op put on the tummy band just tight enough to "hold in the flab". I was not aware of this option until #3 and it was the best recovery aid I have ever had! I put the band on very first (laying down is the easiest position) then I put on any under garments on top - this way when I need to use the restroom I do not have to remove the band. If I do need to remove the band ie. for a shower, I hold my hand across my belly where the band was doing the most work. After a few days I add a second band just above the other for more support for my belly and back.
#8 - By the evening of day #2, if you are able to, try taking a shower. The heat is a great help to revitalize your body, plus you will feel clean and alive.
#9 - Stay at the hospital as long as you can. I say it this way because I am a classic "I wanna go home now" mom. With #1 I stayed 2 days, #2 I stayed just over 2 days, and with #3 I stayed 3 full days.
#10 - You will be doing lots of sitting and your bum will become sore, do a little walking often to remedy this and keep a thin pillow or folded blanket nearby to soften your seat.
#11 - I choose not to breast feed and so before day #5 when my milk comes in I use ice packs and sports bras on top of a regular bra to keep "them" under wraps so to speak. For me after about 2-3 days the swelling and pain associated with this has gone away, but to keep them down and the "leaking" to a minimum I still wear the bras for the following week.
# 12 - Don't be super mom. You just had major surgery - treat yourself as such and make sure others do as well. The only tasks you should be doing have to do with your baby and yourself and even those are within reason. Changing diapers is ok, but have someone fetch the diapers and wipes for you. Feeding the baby is of course ok but have someone else get the bottle (if using) or burp cloths for you. When you are getting up from a chair - ask someone to get the baby so you can stand up. When you need to walk up the stairs - ask someone to carry the baby. This is not only for you but for the baby. It is easy to become winded, light-headed, and dizzy.
#13 - It is typical to take a full month to regain your full strength.
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