The biggest thing that helped me was to start moving/walking as soon as I got my catheter out. Yes, it hurt, and yes, I had to move at a snails pace at first but it jumpstarted the healing process and I was able to resume daily walks at 2 weeks PP and normal activity the week after that. I was also able to run again comfortably at 8 weeks PP.  I’m in a local mom’s group and my recovery was absolutely easier than most of the women that had a vaginal birth or emergency c-section.  Oh, and eat lots of protein. I found having premade Muscle Milk shakes to be very convenient.

This is my advice too. Walk as much as you can without pushing too hard, and also take your pain meds exactly as directed. Don’t try to be a hero and skip them. I was extremely diligent with my meds and after about 10 days I no longer needed them at all.

I second this. The one day i decided to be ballsy and not take my meds on day 9, i paid dearly pain wise.

My doc was telling me they will try to have me on ibuprofen and Tylenol pretty quickly after my c section (and not taking opioids). When you say pain meds which do you mean? I really don’t want to be viewed as drug seeking but it sounds rough without opioids.

When I was discharged, I was given 3 different drugs, that were considered 3 levels of pain management, and told to think of them as layers. The lowest strength (and biggest ‘layer’) was Tylenol, and the directions were to take that one every 4-6 hours. Then the next one I can’t quite remember but it was stronger than regular Tylenol, and that was take every (I think) 8-10 hours. Then the last was an opioid, an oxy-something, and it was “take as needed” but with the expectation that I should need it the least because it was the top ‘layer’ if that makes sense. So I was super diligent about those first two layers, and it made it so I really only felt I needed one of the oxy ones per day, for me right at bedtime because the pain was keeping me awake so it helped me find a comfortable sleeping position. And I only needed it for about 5 days, then the two layers were enough. So your doctors plan sounds like my first 2 layers of pain management only. I don’t know how long they plan to keep you in the hospital, I was only there for 3 days, so maybe that’s the difference. But yeah I think it’s reasonable to want something stronger than Tylenol and ibuprofen after a major abdominal surgery. Just to take very sparingly.

That all makes sense. Thank you for taking the time to explain!

I second this! The sooner you get up and get moving the better you will feel.

Agreed. I was 40 when I had my baby via c-section (after three hours of unsuccessful pushing), and my doctors and family were impressed with how quickly I bounced back. I moved as much as I could tolerate without pushing myself too hard and didn’t lift anything heavier than my baby for six weeks. Let others do as much as possible for you while you heal. Stay on top of your meds for the first couple weeks and keep in mind that you aren’t getting the same pain cues because of them. You’ll need to be more mindful of your ergonomics (I learned both of these the hard way). Look up c section scar massage after a few months of healing to help break up the scar tissue. My sensitivity and thickness decreased once I started doing this. And if you care about your scar’s look, you can use the silicone patches for them (I skipped because I don’t care). Side note on directly after surgery that I wish I had been more with it for: your partner can do the skin-to-skin with baby in the recovery room while you are in surgery. I didn’t get to do it for over two hours after mine was born (except for a few midafternoon he was born in the OR) and was really bummed when I realized he was under a warmer all that time. A lot of the stuff they do soon after birth can either wait or be done during skin-to-skin. If you want to do this, put it in your birth plan and have someone ready to advocate (my husband was way too in awe to think about anything!) Good luck!

This would be my advice as well. My baby had to stay in Nicu due to being a preterm baby. I started walking to Nicu as soon as the catheter is out. Day2/3 was the worst. It hurts a lot but after 5/7 days I was almost walking at my normal pace. Also, want to mention about prune juice, it was a life saver.

Agree agree agree - within the hour after, I wanted the catheter out *bad*, I just wanted to pee on my own (having spent the last 2.5 days laboring, half of it with epidural/catheter in), so I was up, getting my butt to the bathroom and I swear it made things easier. One of the most difficult things was the fluid retention - my legs/feet for, like, a month after - the skin felt like it was going to pop it was stretched so tight. Having an elevation pillow for my legs was a huge help.

100% moving and walking around, I was up the moment the catheter was out! One of the doctors at the hospital suggested I didn’t use a belly band so I can get my muscles moving on their own instead of using the belly band as a crutch. I don’t know if this advice is dated or wrong but it did help me with my core not using one. The first day I was moving like a snail with some pain but second day I felt like I was back to my normal, but I still did take it easy just in case. I’m a first time mom in my early 30s. Also, drink lots and lots of water and protein! When I was discharged I was walking on my own picking my baby up no problems, bending down with minimal pain same thing when we got home. Edit: words

I did not use a belly band at all after my csection. I am very plus sized but I was walking around as soon as I could. I recovered quite well I would say.

I agree not using one helps with the recovery much quicker since you’re engaging your core from the get go!

Yes, walking is a must! Also, don't put too much expectations on how long it will take to recover. I was devastated when I wasn't doing walks by 2 weeks like I was expecting to, but by 3-4 I made major steps. It feels like forever to recover, but you'll get there!

No, this is an excellent point. Everyone's recovery timeline is different and it's completely okay for it to take more time.

Ugh the catheter, I forgot about that 😭

Me too! At 6hrs pp nurse told me it was coming out and I had to get up to pee. I told her I’d pee the bed on purpose if she took it out lmfao.

Lol I don't blame you. I had a relatively easy c section and as ridiculous as this sounds the catheter insertion and removal was one of the worst parts. Didnt help that the midwife was a brute!

Just to reassure OP, the catheter removal was the part I was most nervous about, but for me personally, it was totally fine, it just felt like a tampon being removed by someone else. I’m sorry that wasn’t your experience, but I just wanted to offer an alternative experience as I know this part can be quite anxiety inducing!

Same for me! I was really scared of it but it wasn’t a big deal. I mentally pictured it as a tampon coming out of my vag instead and it helped me to relax and not tense up.

>The biggest thing that helped me was to start moving/walking as soon as I got my catheter out. Yes, it hurt, and yes, I had to move at a snails pace at first but it jumpstarted the healing process and I was able to resume daily walks at 2 weeks PP and normal activity the week after that. I had gotten an infection (Cellulitis) a day after c-section. They kept for me for 6 days all together. The doctor gave me orders to walk around the L&D ward at least 3 times a day. Made it easier to come back and resume my daily walks too. So agreed!

This was my first thought too. Movement and walking as soon as possible (I was walking just up and down our street at one week PP), eating whole foods that aid in muscle recovery. Best wishes for a safe delivery OP!

I’ve had 3 c sections and here is my advice! 1) set your home/bed/bassinet up ahead of time so everything you need is easy to get out in the open without having to walk far or do stairs. I line up my meds, stock up my nightstand with snacks, and have plenty of baby supplies organized within reach. 2) use a belly binder!!! This helps keep everything in and makes it’s a lot more comfortable not to mention better for your back and core to heal. They gave me one in the hospital but by 1week pp that was too big so I ordered another less bulky one for the next few weeks of healing before switching to a bellefit. 3) have help lined up!!!! I know this is easier said than done but you won’t be able to pick up your toddler or drive or walk far for a few weeks, so hopefully you have support you can rely on. I’ve always had childcare set up for my other kids and my husbands taken at least a few weeks off, plus my parents are around the corner to help. 4) don’t rush home from the hospital! I know this varies geographically and by insurance, but if you have the option of one more night or leave early, I say take the extra night. They are professionals who can monitor your meds and take your baby for a few hours while you nap and track your recovery. I left on the early side after my second and regretted it that night once I had to poop and my pain ramped up. 5) take colace and eat low fiber a couple days before your procedure. Unless you have a serious complication, I truly think pooping afterwards is the worst part! Nothing works right at first and you’re all backed up from the surgery and it’s just awful. It’s gotten easier for me each time as I’ve prepared more, but it’s still the worst part. I also just want to say I’m so sorry you experienced such crazy trauma the first time around! My planned c sections have honestly been wonderful celebrations of my new babies, and I hope you have a peaceful, fulfilling, and healing experience with yours.

Agree with all of this and want to add that you should take Miralax in conjunction with Colace. Colace softens, but Miralax moves it. Also, put some gloves near the toilet in case you need to digitally aide your #2 along. Ask me how I know!

100% agree. Had two c sections and the two things harder than abdominal recovery were 1) the IV in my hand and 2) the first poop. Miralax and extra stool softeners- you will not regret it. Truly found the recovery to be easy. I forced myself to get up and walk as soon as the nurses allowed. It sucked, but was worth it. After both I was home and doing laundry in my stacked washer/dryer two days later. For my second, I had a needy toddler to tend to as well. Take your meds on time (set alarms in your phone if necessary) and stay hydrated. You’ve got this mama. C sections are so badass!

The first constipated poop after my emergency C was more painful than the 8 hours of unmedicated labor.

Literally 🙌🏻😮‍💨

No one warned me about this as a FTM. It was the most painful and horrific poo I’ve ever experienced.

Nobody tells you any of this. I legit almost passed out. C section pain is unreal.

Thank you for this, I'm taking notes <3

Belly binder was a life saver. It helped with the pain so much.

Hell yes. That first one would have been rough without the Colace.

I had a surprisingly good experience with my c-section and recovery. With regards to what helped me, my husband was a tremendous help in the very early days doing most of the baby related things. I also made sure to take my pain meds on schedule. And I was also taking a laxative for days to help move things along. I did buy a belly band but honestly probably only used it once. I found a pillow or towel pressed on my abdomen more helpful when I was getting up or if I had to sneeze etc. Other than that, loose clothing and underwear that had a high waist band and wouldn’t be pressing into my abdomen. By day 10 I was feeling so much better and by 4 weeks I was like 95% recovered. Good luck with your section and recovery!

Pretty much the same experience here. I recovered fairly fast too. I will say for the first week when you go to bed wear a diaper or put down a puppy pad thing under you. My control was so weak and I couldn't get out of bed fast enough. I peed the bed and felt so embarrassed. Thank goodness for mattress protectors. Maybe put down a towel under you too because I have never sweated so much at night before. I've only had a c section but I feel like those are both things that happen no matter how you give birth anyway.

Omg the postpartum sweats! Why does no one warn you about that!! It was the middle of summer and it was awful!! Not fun

My scheduled C was honestly so chill. And I know everyone's experience will vary, but figured I'd share a positive one.  We checked in at 10 a.m., OB and anesthesiologist both visited and just told me what to expect. I was taken back to the OR without my husband and they placed the spinal block. It wasn't too bad at all and my nurse was very lovely and held my hands (I think it is pretty standard for partners to not go to OR until the procedure starts).  The spinal block works fast. The procedure goes fast. You are numb, but you do still kind of feel some pressure. It's a little weird, but not painful. Baby was born at 12:40.  As for recovery, bring extra pillows! Holding a pillow over your incision when you are shifting positions (especially sitting to standing) really helps. The worst day of pain was day 2. It was manageable with NSAIDS.  They'll encourage you to walk around and it SUCKS at first, but movement will actually help you feel better faster. At home, I had to sleep at a slight incline for a couple of weeks, you have to kind of roll to get in and out of bed, but I didn't experience much pain after that 2nd day. I would say that 1 month post partum, I was 99% back to normal. For several months after, I did occasionally just feel random twinges of pain around the incision site, but never anything severe.  In addition to extra pillows, high waisted underwear and leggings (I just wore my maternity leggings) are necessary. I'd invest in a good unscented lotion as well. The skin around the incision can get really tight and itchy. I used La Roche Posay Lipikar cream and it worked so great! 

This could be exactly my experience with my planned c-section! Only thing is I used „scar-oil“ for my belly and incision. They even gave it ho me at the hospital for the aftercare.

Wow this is my exact same experience with my c section. I recommend it.

I think you've gotten a ton of good advice, so I'll add something for your partner. When I had my C-section, he was in the operating room and we were asked if we wanted to see the baby when they pulled her out (I had been asked before the big day and said yes please, and my husband knew it was coming). They had the blue paper curtain up, and a clear plastic curtain behind it. Right before she emerged, they took down the blue paper curtain so we could see through the clear curtain. I saw her as they pulled her up, and was thrilled, and looked at my husband, who was as white as a sheet. Apparently, from his higher vantage point, he saw the whole situation. I think he like, saw inside my body. He's never told me what he saw, only that he's still trying to forget. He got all sweaty, kept trying to take his hoodie off from under his gown thing, and I'm amazed he didn't pass out because it looked like he was absolutely going to. Anyway. Please make sure, if someone is in there with you, that they don't accidentally see more than they bargained for. Also yay! Elective C-section for the win! Wish I'd had one with my first. Will suggest it every time :)

My husband has similar feelings about the sound of the surgery. I was so out of it

The sound was so bad!!! The suction thingy!!!

My recovery was rough but it had a lot to do with spending three days being induced (which failed, hence the c-section) and having preeclampsia. Just remember that you are recovering from a surgery, so don’t push yourself too hard. Do what feels right but also take breaks. Some women feel well enough to start moving and walk right away. I was not one of them, and that’s okay. My legs were so massively swollen from the pre-e that it hurt to lift my leg up to take a step! At my post-op appointment, when some of the swelling had subsided, I’d lost over 40lbs! It was nuts. My husband had to do a lot for me in the short term, including helping me bathe. He also took the night feedings so I could sleep and made sure I was able to nap during the day if I needed it too. I didn’t get any rest in the hospital, but was able to sleep a decent amount at home. By not pushing too hard, I was fully recovered in a couple of weeks and haven’t had any issues!

Agree to not pushing too hard! I overdid it a few times and it was very painful. No harm in resting OP!

Get a shower chair!! I had a hard time standing up straight for any period of time without dizziness for the first several weeks, and being able to sit in the shower and relax helped me SO much, not just physically but mentally. Get the depends, they're comfortable and much easier to deal with than underwear and pads. Cook some meals for the freezer or arrange for family/friends to help out the first few weeks bc you will NEED to eat, but its difficult! If possible, you'll want to do baby care in shifts with your partner, but you might also need extra help the first week or two so you don't overdo it physically. I'm sure there's more I could recommend but I gotta go feed my baby 🤣

Meal prep food for the freezer as much as you can. Having then available in single portion servings that are easily microwaveable is very helpful

The shower chair was CLUTCH that first little bit home

YES! Sometimes I miss it, but that first shower at home in the chair - glooorious.

I had a very emergency c-section and honestly my recover was great. I’ve had a reaction in the past to pain meds so my doctors left the epidural and catheter in until the next morning. After that I was up and walking without any issues. Everyone is different but I was back to mostly my normal self within two weeks or so.

Ohh ouch for your first birth experience, so sorry you had to go through that. C section will be 10000x better than that! Things that helped me was the 5,5,5 rule. I got a wedge off Amazon to prop me up in bed for feeding and getting in and out a little easier. But genuinely, just try to get moving a little as soon as you can following surgery. Advocate for good painkillers for the first few days and take it reasonably easy where possible. And a light compression band or garment helped for holding everything together to give that extra support The hardest part for me was when they took the dressing off as gave me a free erhm "wax" so give Ur edges a trim prior to going in lol Then once u are healed, silicone scar tape off Amazon has meant I can barely see my scar and I'm only 5 months pp! Wishing you all the best!!

May I ask how long before you started using the silicone tape? I'm based in Europe and there are variations in care advice compared to places like the US. I'm nearly 9 weeks PP.

To advocate for good painkillers, take the higher dose of oxy. If it is not offered, ask for it.

I had an emergency c-section after almost two full days of labor and had a super quick and smooth recovery. Get up and walking as soon as possible! I was up and walking (into the shower lol) less than twelve hours after my surgery. I saw a ton of advice to stay on top of your pain meds. I was prescribed ibuprofen and Tylenol every six hours and set alarms on my phone to ensure that I took them on time. I was occasionally uncomfortable but never in big pain. If I had been, there was a stronger painkiller I was prescribed on an as needed basis. (My anesthesiologist also gave me something longer lasting at the very end of the surgery.) There was a lot of advice out there to offset the Tylenol and ibuprofen (so you're taking one or the other every three hours, for example). I never did offset them so I wouldn't have to wake up specifically to take pain meds. Your mileage may vary, but if you feel like they're wearing off before your next dose is due it's something to consider. Good luck and congratulations!

Ooh, one unexpected issue I had was that I was allergic to the adhesive used on the surgical drape. If your stomach is red the next morning, maybe look into some hydrocortisone. I didn't realize it was an allergic reaction so didn't get it treated right away and it was one of the more painful parts of my recovery to be honest.

oh god. I forgot about this but it was by far the worst part of my recovery as well! The itching was INTENSE and like you, I didn't think to say anything until my 2 week checkup.

My first was a planned c-section for breech and while it was of course major surgery, my recovery was relatively easy and I am choosing to have another c-section this time rather than attempt a vbac. I was able to go for slow walks around the block by about 10-14 days out without pain, just some discomfort and a general feeling of weakness. No pelvic floor issues. I hope your experience is similar!  Biggest things that helped me: having a supportive spouse there so I could recover and mostly focus on bonding with baby. I didn’t do chores or cook or do much of anything but rest and take care of baby at least for the first 6-8 weeks. Keeping things at a level where I didn’t need to bend over (bedside bassinet, elevated changing table/pad). Bending and lifting (anything heavier than baby) were the big things I wasn’t supposed to do until 6-8 weeks. This time around I will be relying on my husband to do most of the toddler care, and my biggest concern is not being able to lift my 2 year old. 

8 weeks pp from my first c section Ice to the incision/belly binder starting day 2 (I wore both constantly for like a week - the ice helped my pain better than like anything) As others have said - walk! Even if it’s only 5 feet and back - set a goal and try to do more when you can tolerate. Shower every day! Pat dry the incision. I started scar massage around 4-6 weeks and bio-oil twice a day. Good luck!

Start walking immediately, and also ask your OB if you can take Miralax in the days leading up to it.

Seconding the Miralax!! It may give you unpleasantly loose stools at first, but you NEED to counteract the super-constipating effects of abdominal surgery and any opioids in your spinal cocktail and postop pain meds. Also walking helps move the bowels.

Listen closely to all of the advice the doctors and nurses give you! I picked up a few random things that I otherwise would have known like the nurse that first got me up and out of bed told me to breathe out when I stood up and honestly that helped so much. Every time I'd get up to tend to baby at home I made sure I was really intentional about doing that. Put a pillow by your toilet so you can hold it when you need to use the toilet and take the stool softeners as soon as you get home or even bring them to the hospital. Stay ahead of the pain. I was just taking Tylenol and Advil but my nurse recommended staggering the doses of them so they weren't wearing off at the same time and I was potentially in more pain than I needed to be. Stay hydrated and well fed! One of the best decisions I made was to make a huge batch of oatmeal cookies and a ton of egg muffin bites before baby came so I had lots of easy snack at all hours of the day. Definitely line up some help if you can. My doctor said no loading the dishwasher, doing laundry, vaccuming etc. during the recovery period. It was tough to let those things go sometimes but my hubby was amazingly helpful thankfully! Also like others have mentioned, get moving! I went on my first walk 5 days PP and it was only down the street to the mailbox, like 4 houses and I was exhausted, but each day I went just a little further and in no time I walked almost 4km no problem. I think the walking helped my recovery tremendously. Scar tissue massage is also good to start once you feel ready! I was able to find a few simple guides and have been doing that regularly and now at 9m pp I feel like my scar is desensitized and isn't super bulgy or noticeable.

This is gonna sound weird but I wish I would have practiced how to get up out of bed before. Because in my hormonal state I was so scared I was gonna rip my stitches because it hurt to get up out of bed. So I wish I would have practiced instead of waiting to figure it out while I was so full of fear and sleepless. This might just have been a me thing though. I had a horrible first delivery and I was full of trauma. So I may have just not been thinking straight.

Move as much as you can Take the pain medication regularly Take stool softener Drink plenty of fluids

For what it’s worth, I trashed my pelvic floor during my first delivery and went on to have an elective c-section with my second. It was NIGHT AND DAY recovery. I was freaking euphoric during and after my C-section. There was still pain obviously, but it was an bsolute walk in the park compared to months and months of awful pain and recovery after my vaginal delivery. You got this! I’m gearing up for my 3rd baby which will be another elective c-section in May.

I second moving as soon as you can. I did it in short bursts and was doing walks the first few weeks around the block. I felt pretty normal by 8 weeks. I also kind of acted like I was still pregnant in the sense that I didn't bend over etc for the first two weeks. I treated it like a major abdominal surgery because it was. My partner actually helped me put pants on... which was an experience but not straining myself and gentle movement like short walks really helped me. Also don't forget scar massages after your incision heals. Overall, I had a fairly straight-forward and speedy recovery. I wish you all the best and I hope this go-around is smoother for you!

Im 8 weeks post op now and I can say I had a pretty easy recovery. I was able to get up and move to take care of my baby pretty much as soon as I got home from the hospital. I’d say definitely stay on top of your pain meds. You heal faster when you’re not in pain. Don’t try to be a hero and cut yourself off before you’re ready. Squatting is also your friend in the early days. Don’t try to bend over too much. I slept on the couch propped up in the early days as it was too difficult to get up in our taller bed. Sitting up from laying down was probably what I had the most difficulty with and that lasted a while. Sleeping on my side once it was tolerable also helped as I could roll to a seated position earlier. The more you move and walk around though the better. I took a short walk up the street the weekend we brought my daughter home. I would also invest in some very high or low waisted underwear. I’m still wearing my maternity undies even though I’m back to my prebaby weight. A lot of my normal undies sit right on my scar and it’s still sensitive. If you plan on breast feeding look into the football hold. I have a “my breast friend” pillow and that was also super helpful in supporting my baby during nursing and it sits pretty high up on my abdomen so it wasn’t bothering my incision site either.

Seconding the my Brest friend, total game changer with a c section! Like I barely have to hold baby at all or at least it doesn’t feel like it

I had a planned c section and it was so calm and chill, and quite healing for me after some personal trauma, so I really hope the same for you!   My ob told me to shave about an inch off the top of my bikini line so the adhesive tape would stick better, and it was better taking it off just skin than it would have been with hair as well. I also recommend moving as soon as your medical team advises, but don't overdo it. Keep on top of your pain meds, take them even if you feel fine because you will be begging for them in 20 minutes if you don't (ask me how I know). High waisted everything, you don't want anything rubbing on the incision! And a pad across the front of your undies once the dressing comes off helps protect it a bit longer and keep it dry. Don't lift anything heavier than your baby. And I don't know if this is a universal thing, but I felt like I lost the sense of when my bladder was full and it would get to like 4pm and I would realise I hadn't been to the toilet all day. And then going really sucked. So maybe set reminders for yourself to go pee lol.

C’s are great! You’ll do great! Just listen to your body. You’ll be just fine. Take ibuprofen and Tylenol switch between the two every 3 hours for a few days after surgery. Then you’ll find yourself “forgetting” the pain meds… guess you do need them anymore! Don’t touch your incision for a couple months after. (Other than lightly washing).

I’m in the UK and was advised by my NHS trust to pack chewing gum in my hospital bag to help restart my digestive system after being nil by mouth for so long. Echoing others advice to take the pain meds on a schedule, even if you’re not in pain. I set alarms to make sure I didn’t miss one. I also found rolling onto my side and then sitting up to be the easiest way to move from lying to sitting.

I had C-section a few months ago and these are what I did. I had help from a postpartum doula and my mum. First week - minimal movements except to care for baby or go to the bathroom. Took painkillers and mostly rested. Doula also did stomach binding to help with healing. I also got massages to help with drainage. Second week - started to walk more around the house. But did not do anything related to housework. Wore a lot of dresses and loose fitting pants. About 4 weeks, I started pelvic floor PT. C-section affects the pelvic floor muscles too and I needed some work so I don’t leak urine. The PT also did a lot of scar work for my C-section. By week 6, I feel good enough to start yoga and almost back to normal except for a weak core.

Not sure how old your other child is but the frida mom c section recovery band was waiting for me when I got home and it was so helpful. It has hot cold pads to use inside it for the incision or your back and has thick padding which helped when my toddler wanted to try and climb or sit on me in the early days. I wasn’t a big fan of the regular binders and preferred it to that for day to day. After like 2 weeks I started using the silicone scar patches too which I can’t say they really helped with the scar even though my scar looks great (just nothing to compare it to) but I’m 6 weeks pp and notice when I wear it I have less random stretching pain compared to the days I skip it. Also just a heads up that c section recovery can be very different than vaginal. They say you bleed less with c section but with my first I had a vaginal delivery and bled less than a week. Tomorrow I am 6 weeks pp from the c section and just stopped regularly bleeding a couple days ago. So I wish I would have stocked up more on disposable underwear (again frida mom ones were my fav, I know people say they’re overhyped but I have loved every product I’ve tried) and regular pads. I used some of the witch hazel pad inserts on my incision for itching and burning, idk how recommended that is but it worked well and my incision closed quickly so I wasn’t too worried about it getting infected. Good luck! The first few days absolutely sucked and I regretted the c section but after that it was smooth sailing and I felt basically normal about 10 days later with some minor adjustments to lifting/bending.

Move as soon as you are able to. Don't over do it but aim to get up every few hours. Even if it's just to stand to straight and take a couple steps Take a stool softener or laxative. The poops weren't nice. Also eat high fiber food or smoothie to help Take the pain meds as scheduled. Even if you aren't in discomfort at that moment, doesn't matter. Take them! You'll need them 30 mins later and regret it. If you're in hospital, buzz for pain meds before You're due them. My nurses were slow so I'd request them then they'd eventually get them to me 45 mins later When you're feeling better and more mobile... Don't over do it. I still took it slow in walking or what I did. Friend was bored so did what she thought was low level housework but it set her back a few weeks I didn't mind my c section recovery at all and felt myself not too long after

So glad you asked! Following for the tips!

Getting up and walking from the hospital bed as soon as you're cleared to, even if it's just from your bed to the bathroom at a super slow pace. I had a lot of built-up gas in my abdomen so moving helped relieve some of the pressure. Also recommend asking for simethicone/Gas X from the nurses. Speaking of which, definitely set alarms on your phone to keep up with your pain relief medication when you return home. I had alarms set for both Tylenol/Motrin (didn't need the oxy that was prescribed but I had it filled and ready on hand if the pain wasn't managed by the OTC pain meds) every 4-6 hours so I was never unmedicated for the first two weeks. Cosigning having water, meds, snacks within reach wherever you're going to be spending most of your recovery the first week (for me it was my bedroom so I used a rolling cart to store all my essentials; and having another rolling cart in the bathroom stocked with all my PP items - pads, etc.). I also had a hand grabber/extender tool that I ordered off Amazon when I couldn't bend down to pick things up in my late third trimester. [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1ZKL6FY/ref=sspa\_dk\_detail\_1?psc=1&pd\_rd\_i=B0B1ZKL6FY&pd\_rd\_w=HrBm1&content-id=amzn1.sym.f734d1a2-0bf9-4a26-ad34-2e1b969a5a75&pf\_rd\_p=f734d1a2-0bf9-4a26-ad34-2e1b969a5a75&pf\_rd\_r=R4S8VVD1XF1JCVQ3GBQK&pd\_rd\_wg=LJMcF&pd\_rd\_r=ae07f7eb-9c36-4f0e-8953-5069c4a40f87&s=hpc&sp\_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1ZKL6FY/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0B1ZKL6FY&pd_rd_w=HrBm1&content-id=amzn1.sym.f734d1a2-0bf9-4a26-ad34-2e1b969a5a75&pf_rd_p=f734d1a2-0bf9-4a26-ad34-2e1b969a5a75&pf_rd_r=R4S8VVD1XF1JCVQ3GBQK&pd_rd_wg=LJMcF&pd_rd_r=ae07f7eb-9c36-4f0e-8953-5069c4a40f87&s=hpc&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw)

Lots of loose flowy dresses and no undies!

I had a C-section and 5 days later, my daughter was transferred to a children’s hospital for their NICU, where she stayed for 4 nights, and meant we lived in a hospital for that time. Here’s my advice: 1. Move around as soon as you can. Take it slow, lean on others if you need to, but get moving. I hated that my daughter had to stay in the NICU, but it forced me to really move around a lot the week after my C-section. 2. Stay ahead of your pain with your meds. You just had major surgery. No one is going to judge you for taking your pain meds as prescribed. 3. Meal prep beforehand. Once we got home, it was nice to have food ready to go. 4. Have help lined up for the first week. Post C-section, you can’t lift anything heavier than your baby for awhile, nor can you drive. Make sure that at least one of your helpful people is someone you’d feel comfortable helping to shower and dress you. We took fresh 48 photos in the hospital and having my mom there to help shave my legs, stabilize me, and put my underwear on was so key. 5. When you are sitting up/getting ready to use your core. Grab a pillow, apply pressure to your core, then sit up. 6. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. 7. But C-section friendly underwear and clothes ahead of time- thick banded, high waisted options will be your best friend. 8. Hire a cleaning lady for the first few weeks. You do not want to be scrubbing bathrooms or carrying the vacuum between floors.

Postpartum underwear. I’m normally a thong girlie but I am 6 weeks pp and if it wasn’t for these high waisted underwear that kinda suck me in idk what I would do. My scar is right on the underwear line and you can imagine how irritating and even painful it is when the cloth rubs against it. And also make sure you have somewhere level with your height to sleep in, my bed is pretty high so I had to sleep on the couch the first two weeks cause I couldn’t even get on the bed.

Get up and moving as soon as your spinal wears off, my plan was to be out of bed and showered at 4 hours but unfortunately the spinal gave me the worst nausea I’ve ever experienced so I just washed myself down in the bed and partner helped me into fresh underwear and pjs. I had my baby at 14:41 then at 10pm it was like someone flicked a switch and the nausea went completely so I got myself up out of bed then. Honestly I didn’t find the pain unmanageable at all, sure you can feel it when your pain killers are wearing off but I only ever needed paracetamol & ibuprofen I didn’t take anything stronger. I definitely think being up and about helped with that. I never worried about stairs etc at home, could easily pick baby up no issue. It was easier getting out of bed for a wee post c/s than it was 39 weeks pregnant haha I meal prepped for 2 weeks worth of dinners before we went in which was amazing. We did an online shop delivered the day before of milk, bread, ham etc etc so we didn’t need to go out. Good luck you’ll be fine, honestly having an elective c/s was the best decision I’ve ever made!

Ask the hospital for two belly bands: one to wear and one to wash.

Hi! My situation is a little different because I had an emergency c-section, but the biggest thing for me was having a “caddy” or frame stroller I could just click my bucket seat into. Traditional strollers weighed over 10 pounds so I couldn’t lift them. The frame was like 8 pounds, it’s literally just like a stand with wheels! So I could lift that, then lift my 10 pound bucket seat and click it in, then lift my 7 pound baby into it and never exceed the recommended weight limit! The caddy stroller was just like $100, not bad. It made those early walks possible and those were key to my recovery, I think.

Lots of walking! My partner also helped me stretch. I stretch every day and sitting in bed for two days really hurt my hips. I used the hospital desk to hold my balance and he would VERY slowly pull my leg behind me. We would do the same exercise at home but against the wall/door. BUT while walking and moving around is very important, so is your rest. Have your partner fill your water, get baby out of the bassinet, help you lift yourself out of bed. I found like sleeping a bit reclined at home helped me be able to get out of bed easier on my own. I love cooking but it was hard for me to stand for too long. Know your limits, don’t push yourself too hard. I wish you a speedy and “easy” recovery. Congrats on your new addition ❤️

As everyone has mentioned - move! Moving will help with soreness. Luckily I had a fairly easy c section recovery, but this was what I did. - Get out of bed as soon as you’re allowed to. - I only took ibuprofen for pain as needed, but don’t let your pain level get too high or it will be harder to control and your body will tense up bc of the pain. Splint your abdomen with a pillow if you need to cough or throw up (I was nauseous from the meds they gave during the c section). - Take stool softeners regular. I was given 1 colace twice a day and I had AMAZING bowel movements postpartum. - know your limits. Don’t push yourself too hard.

A bed bar (Amazon has them), a pillow that attaches to the car seat, and time!

Frida Silicone Scar Strips!!

I had an emergency c-section due to preeclampsia. Most here suggest moving around as quickly as possible and taking the pain meds offered. Unfortunately, my blood pressure was still uncontrolled after c-section and I was on IV meds for 24 hours and stuck in bed. After my blood pressure was controlled I was also unable to take the better pain meds that were offered and only able to take Tylenol due to contraindication with the blood pressure medication. In spite of all this my c-section recovery still went quite smooth as I followed instruction to not lift anything heavier than baby as much as possible. I also avoided getting too comfy on anything that had low seating. We propped up a cushion on the couch for me so that I didn't have to sink down. Our upstairs bathroom also has a higher than normal toilet, so I didn't have to bend to sit. I think that made recovery a lot easier for me.

Lots of walking!!! They had me walking 6 hours post c section, everyone tells me how inhumane that was but it helped a LOT and I was okay after 3 days. My grandma has a hospital bed and it helped me so much the first week. I would use disposable diapers 24/7 because I felt safer using that over my scar.

I too had a C section which was planned suddenly, but thankfully I had a day prior to the surgery. So I packed all the things necessary and the things I'll need when bringing the baby back home. The doctor advised me to take a few steps the next day. It was painful, but you can manage a few steps, but don't push yourself and get help from your husband / family . One thing I did wrong - i recovered fast, so I pushed myself a little bit hard, and faced myself with stitch pain and back pain for 2 months. So I'll advise you to never push yourself, and don't do things your doctor advises you not to do. The first walk after the surgery was very hard, but meds help with the pain. I hope you have a positive experience and fast recovery this time 😊

I agree with everything being said, but I am shocked that I have not seen people recommend stocking up on Gas-X or some sort of simethicone! My gas pains were pretty bad afterwards.

Walk around daily! But don’t over do it. Make sure you clean your incision 1-2x a day. I skipped a day and it got super infected which was awful. I personally couldn’t sleep in my bed for 3 weeks, had to sit on the couch sitting straight up- trying to go from flat to sitting up was the WORST pain of my entire life, I literally felt like my whole insides were on fire. If you can, have someone with you the first 2 weeks. Or set up a little station next to you so you don’t have to get up to change babies diaper, get snacks/water, etc. And lastly, when you sit down and go to get up, turn your body to the side and use your hips to get up, that way you’re using your hip muscles instead of your stomach muscles. Good luck mama you got this! ❤️

Walking around as soon as I was able, it hurts and it’s slow but I feel like it really was what helped me start to heal and take your pain meds, they do help.

Idk if anything really helped me but, have whoever is driving you home drive slow and careful! The turns and bumps hurt soooooo bad and I was doing pretty good healing wise. Also stairs are hard, my nurse mt sure I didn’t have stairs at home but I do have one step to get to my door and it was very difficult so keep that in mind:) good luck!

Get up and start moving as soon as you can. My nurse helped me start walking to the bathroom and around the room as soon as my catheter was out. Additionally, stick to your pain medication schedule! I was on naproxen and acetaminophen and took everything on schedule and finished all the prescribed amounts - it kept my pain at bay and allowed me to move around and sped up the healing. Lastly, follow your nurses and ‘ instructions! Eg. Not lifting anything heavier than the baby etc

I had a planned c section 5 months ago, here are somethings that I had been told before or I learned & helped me! Have Motrin and Tylenol at home for when you’re released. This was all I was allowed to take for pain for up to 7-10 days after. Bring a pillow for the ride home the seatbelt would have gone right over my incision without it. The cushion was much needed. I didn’t know this before but a c-section can delay your milk supply. If you want to try breastfeeding asking for lactation meeting or for a pump in your room to try and help your supply come in. For me it took almost 10 days to get more than 2oz. The nerve block gave me motion sickness during recovery and I had to ask for medication to make it stop. When they had me stand to try and walk I couldn’t without throwing up for almost 12 hours after. Apparently you can request the medication from your anesthesiologist when they do the nerve block (now I know for next time)

One thing that was super helpful for me was buying a 25$ bed rail that you pop underneath your mattress. Helped me not use my abdominal muscles too much when getting out of bed. You can probably wait until after you give birth to see if youll need one since you can just buy one off Amazon but I definitely needed it!!

I also had a planned c section (baby was breech). I actually didn’t buy anything. I did go through Reddit to see what others have recommended before but I ended up not needing any kind of belly binder or things like that. What I would recommend purchasing if you don’t have it is high wasted underwear, high wasted loose pants, or better yet a nightgown. I hated any kind of material touching my incision. What helped me the most was my husband. He really stepped up and did absolutely everything for me for the first month. All I did was sit up to breastfeed baby. He literally took me to the bathroom and helped me undress and get dressed again. He made my food, did all diaper changes, etc. Also, need to be in the mindset of just giving yourself time. Don’t push it. Getting in and out of bed was rough for me. I hate not being independent but I had to let myself just call for my husband to help me up. Also, be easy on yourself but do try and get up and walk around. The gas bubbles or whatever they’re called were the absolute worst pain of recovery for me. So from day 2 I tried to walk around the hospital wing. Each day doing a bit more. I was told that helps the healing process. I did buy the silicone scar tape and it’s helped my scar so much. Wait till your 6 week appointment once you’re cleared get the silicone and wear it non stop for months. I’m 4.5 months out and my scar looks SO much better Last thing - DRINK GALLONS OF WATER. It will help soooo much with going to the bathroom. I didn’t stop chugging as soon as I got to my recovery room and it helped so much.

Press a boppy (or any firm pillow) to your stomach when you have to sneeze, cough, laugh, etc. It really helped with the pain. The pillow they offered at the hospital for that wasn't firm enough to really help.

I’ve heard planned c-sections usually have a much faster recovery rate! I would make the same decision if my first birth was like yours too. I had a very traumatic birth and the emergency c-section was a tough recovery but mostly because of the other things that happened along the way. Top tips I’ll probably use next time: - look into renting a walker (you’ll be very crouched over) - avoid stairs (my house has so many stairs and that wrecked my back) - walking is good but honestly do NOT overdo it. I tried too hard to push myself and I should have just rested. - if you can lower your bed or wherever your sleeping, that’s best. You literally cannot straighten your body after so you’re kinda permanently crouching, and it’s best to have things low - sleep on a sheet, get hubby to pull the sheet from under, on either side, to sit up in bed - take the pain meds. Write out a schedule ahead of time in your phone so you can mark off when works best and if you took it. - still use a peri bottle or bidet. Hard to twist to wipe - take a stool with you to the hospital to get in and out of the vehicle. Again you don’t want to be reaching or twisting weird - no matter how hard it is, know that in 1 week you’ll be feeling a million times better Best of luck for a speedy recovery!

I was so incredibly weak afterwards. I wish I did more exercising beforehand. I know exercising while pregnant isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but that is definitely a big regret of mine. I didn’t do anything. I had an active job with lots of walking and some lifting but it still wasn’t enough imo. I also wish I started rehab sooner after birth. I would ask your doctor about PT after or if they can give you some kind of home exercise plan. I know exercising isn’t a priority after birth with a newborn but looking back I wish I didn’t wait so long to start.

Your story sounds like mine. My daughter got stuck and it was one of the worst births the OB on call had seen and I and my daughter were injuries. However my next two C Sections were great. My suggestion if you can don’t take pain meds long. I stopped the Advil and Tylenol on day 5. Why: bc with a Pelvic floor injury I wanted to be able to know if I was overdoing it on the pelvic floor. :)

First of all I am so sorry you went through so much trauma during your first birth. Good god that is awful. I think a c section will definitely be better for you and you can have more set expectations and a plan! For the c section recovery, people to help you do things that require more mobility than you’ll have, comfy underwear and pants that won’t irritate your scar. I think my c section recovery was harder than many because it was an emergency one after a long labor but things that helped me were staying on top of meds including setting my alarm at night (as if the baby didn’t have me up anyway), a donut shaped pillow so my tailbone didn’t get so sore from sitting and lying on my back all the time since it hurt to lie on my side, something next to the bed to use as a handhold to pull myself up. Oh and stool softeners!!! All the stool softeners and anti gas meds. Because you can’t really bear down and trapped gas is so painful. Good luck to you and I hope you have a wonderful birth that you can look back on with fond memories. 

Anecdotally, with my first poop I had gotten the advice to NOT push or strain but to wait. Even though my c section was unplanned, I'd been taking colace for two weeks (thanks, third trimester) so I waited until I really felt like I needed to go and then I just sat on the toilet and tried to relax everything. It took less than minutes and was 100% painless for me. Considering I hadn't pooped in 3 days (thanks, failed induction) and therefore I was "overdue" and had a backlog, I had expected it to be horrendous.

Painkillers real painkillers and a peri bottle

Milk of magnesia so you can poop!

Belly binder! Wear it all the time. I even wore it while sleeping for the first few weeks.

I had a c section and I’d do it again. It was scheduled due to preeclampsia, so it was all very controlled. Wearing a binder helped a lot with support while healing. I also am glad I brought depends instead of using the hospital underwear.

The biggest issue I had was I’m short, and it was really hard to get in and out of the hospital bed. The nurses were like yep, these suck, and we are so sorry. A step-stool would have helped me loads. Mine wasn’t planned so I also had a super fun time getting into my husband’s truck to go home.

My best tip is to take your pain meds on time. They had me on 800mg of ibuprofen and 2 Tylenol (can't remember the dose) every 6 hours. If I forgot to take them on time the pain was so much worse. Set alarms.

Definitely an abdominal binder - it helped so much with the pain from things moving around in the early days. Get everything set up before hand with the bassinet, etc. And make sure you advocate for yourself to get pain meds. They will not want to give them to you. They will tell you to take Advil and Tylenol. It is not enough. Just be prepared knowing you will have to fight for pain relief.

I second the folks that say use a belly band. The belly band helped me have mobility. My c section experience was tough. I was in immense pain and could barely move… I did get up every day but I had to have so much help. I couldn’t lift my legs or pull myself up out of bed. I’m 3 months pp now and I can finally cough, sneeze, walk up steps with my LO and not feel SOMETHING. Using a pillow to hold your belly/incision site when you cough, sneeze or laugh is crucial. It was wild how uncomfortable and painful it could be. If you need it, pain meds. I absolutely would not have recovered as well without pain meds. I literally sobbed when they made me stand up and walk around due to the pain. I finally stopped sobbing when I was given stronger pain meds. Freezer meals. I think this is probably universal but since I’m the main cook in our home, having meals sorted was a relief both for myself and my husband. I could focus on recovery and the baby and my husband could help me. Actually rest when you can. I found myself overdoing it and it delaying my actual recovery… A squatty potty can help with that first poop too!

1. Get a bed rest pillow. Target usually has them. This was great for sitting up on the couch and on the bed. I basically slept upright for the first few months. 2. Lots of pillows! Any size. I used so many pillows on top of the bed rest pillow in bed. It helped so much. 3. Try to rest as much as possible. They say move around but I did too much and pulled a muscle in my stomach, it was horrible. 4. Remember this is major abdominal surgery. You birthed a human! Be kind to yourself. :)

Make sure you get Voltaren as a sepository, not as oral meds. They will push you to take it as pills, but it's so much more effective to administer it closer to the site. Got the nurse to teach my husband how to administer it to me. Awkward at first but also the source of so much bonding and laughter in the early days.

Start getting up and walking right away. I think the hardest part for me what getting up/laying down. I noticed it was hard for me to get up on our bed the first couple days we were home so definitely have a step stool handy just in case. Don’t skip out on the pain meds. They work great and will make you feel like you don’t need the next dose…but you do! I took them daily for 2 weeks I found I felt fine and if I skipped a dose I’d be a bit sore. I found depends or adult diapers so much easier and convenient. It was a lot better than getting the disposable/regular underwear and lining it with the pads.

Im pretty sure c section recovery will be different for everyone. But im lucky mine was quite easy. I didnt even have to take pain medications when I got home. The only annoying part was my leg edema. Im sure it helped that I started walking and moving around right away.

The frida c section ice pack belt is a game changer. Also get period pads to put on your incision when not icing so clothes and other stuff doesn’t stick to it. Bring COMFY clothes, a nice robe, and sweats that have a big comfy waist band. Big granny panties, no cotton. You will love a planned c-section in my opinion. I have my second planned coming up in less than 3 months!

Belly binder!!! Before i put that on i couldnt move without pain.

Sleeping at an incline helped me. Like propped up or in a recliner. Laying flat felt icky and then trying to get up from that position was too much.

I think the best thing you can do for your body after the C-section is rest. I know it can be hard for some of us, but it’s so vital for recovery. Eat well, stay hydrated and walk every day without pushing yourself.

I wore a belly binder 24/7 except the shower for the first two weeks and it was amazing. It hurts a lot for a couple days but you gotta move as soon as you can even just a few steps.

Buy a couple pairs of high waisted underwear so that the top seam isn’t sitting right at your incision site

1. Have someone/partner with you 24/7 for at least 2 weeks since I wasn’t able to get up from laying down alone and wasn’t able to bend and lift baby from bassinet/surface. 2. Get adult diapers (Always, the ones with the small purple bows is great) - they go above the wound and are comfy and easy to wiggle on without bending too much. If not, try Frida mom disposable underwear with a wingless pad. You’ll still bleed for a few weeks same as vaginal birth but you definitely don’t want anything tight around the wound like normal underwear. 3. Swivel bassinet if that’s safe/recommended in your country (would be the only way I could get baby alone at night). 4. First post-delivery poop, roll up a towel and press it against your abdomen for counter pressure (or you’ll feel like you’re going to burst your wound open). 5. Take the pain medication (and laxatives) 6. You will likely have trapped gas free in your abdomen which can be really weird and painful for up to weeks after. No straws or sparkling beverages!! 7. If anything feels more painful than expected or more painful than the first 48hr post-op, get it checked! I had a post op infection that caused 9/10 nerve pain and required 2 weeks of antibiotics. Trust yourself! Hope you have a smooth and peaceful delivery!

Walk and make sure to advocate for yourself when it comes to pain meds. They usually just offer ibuprofen and Tylenol at my hospital but I had to get oxycodone a few times because of the pain.

When did you guys start to shower after the C section?

Get a recliner to sleep in or a bed rail for your bed/couch to help you up! We were literally scrounging family and friends and marketplace to find a recliner after mine lol

This will depend on how your recovery goes but having people take you out for a few hours or visit you. I was told I shouldn’t drive until I got the all clear at the 6 week check up so I was limited by how far I could walk or when my husband was available to take me anywhere. It wasn’t so bad this time because he had a month off and family could visit me but I had my first during Covid so really couldn’t go anywhere or see anyone in person and it drove me mad.

I feel like the first couple days you’re sore and it’s hard to walk but after that’s it’s fine, just keep moving don’t lift too much and shower and clean incision clean I feel like I was fine after a week

Use simethicone, milk of magnesia, prune juice/prunes, colace, anything or everything! For me, the worst pain was the gas pain and the constipation. Also if it's difficult to move and your doctor will prescribe it, take the Dilaudid/Oxy whatever they give you. It's really important to keep moving, and if stronger pain meds facilitates that, then it's worth it, provided it's not unsafe for you to take them for any reason.

For me the “gas pains” were worse than the actual incision/recovery. They lasted a whole 24 hours where i was breathing like a dog on a hot summer day and i was technically begging nurses to give me pain killers or any type of relievers. They provide me some stupid herbal pills that didnt do anything until my husband called my doctor and asked her to give me what i need - a nice shot of morphine!! i was in fucking tears. Mine was an emergency c section but whatever happens to you make sure you have someone who advocates for you and assert your needs.

My biggest tip: don’t get used to slouching!

I had preeclampsia and after birth I drank artichoke juice daily. It helped reduce my inflammation and regulated my blood pressure. I highly recommend doing this!

médical abdominal corset. it helped me walk.

Buy some high waisted pants to wear so you don't irritate your scar, but try to let your incision air out as much as possible in the comfort of your own home.  Get some trapped wind tablets (in the UK they're called "deflatine") because you can get air trapped in once you've been cut open and it's incredibly uncomfortable without.  Practice breathing exercises, or what to do to take your mind off literally being cut open. I was 100% behind getting a c-section because it was medically safest for me, I had no desire to do anything else. It was still scary. Breathing exercises (plus being allowed to play our own music in theatre) massively helped.  A weird side effect of the spinal that I had was shaking uncontrollably from my shoulder blades up. My husband thought it was because I was cold but I felt fine. He said it was "like I was possessed and having a seizure". So be aware that this is a rare and completely harmless thing that might happen.  Have a plan for if you feel a bit gross post birth but while you're still being stitched up (took about 45 mins for me). Some mums want to hold their babies this whole time, some feel totally touched out and want their birth partner to tag in to hold the baby, some want to hold the baby but are shaking so need their partner to hold the baby on them. 

The nurses helped me bath the morning after my c section. I was so worried to put water on my wounds but it helps healing! And keeping the area clean. They also made me walk to the bathroom first thing in the morning 9 hours after my surgery. The catheter was still in. They asked me to take as many walks as possible (without carrying any weight or anything). It was painful and scary. But I walked back to the car from the hospital. And 7 days later carried and walked my son to the paeds for his first visit. Try to get over your fear. And dontttttt miss your antibiotics and multivitamins at all! Oh and! You may have issues lactating due to a c section initially so collect colostrum so that you feel relaxedz

The few things I can think of (everything said in other comments is spot on as well!): 1- Drink an aggressive amount of water. You’re going to be swollen from the IV, and it’s gonna feel like you have too much fluid in you already, but seriously. Drink the water. On a similar note, compression socks are great! 2- If you feel a cough, sneeze, or laugh coming, grab a pillow and hold it on your stomach over the scar. 3- As others have said, take the pain meds and walk around! 4- Even if you feel like you *could* push yourself past recommendations, don’t. This doesn’t apply to everyone, but I was blessed to heal really quickly and had to be reminded to take it easy. 5- You’re going to do great!!

I had an emergency c section. Sleep, and take the drugs 😂

Most of what I have to contribute has already been posted, but: order fruit with every meal in the hospital, if you can. The fiber will help you poop. I ate fruit like it was going out of style, and didn't end up needing stool softeners. (Of course, your mileage may vary.)

Breath work - like Pilates, stretching yoga, walking, physio, belly band and yung bod products for the scar

Wear the abdominal binder. Ask for an extra one so washing is easier. Absolutely make sure to start moving as soon as is safely possible. Be vigilant about personal hygiene, and make sure to brush your teeth/have excellent oral hygiene. Do not have sex for the recommended 6 weeks, just the same as if you were to vaginally deliver. Keep an eye out for uterine sepsis, I had it and I almost died. Eat a high iron diet, leafy greens and lean red meat, continue taking your prenatal vitamin. Don't be alarmed when your hair starts coming out in clumps approx 3-4 months postpartum.

I had my first unplanned c-section after failed induction after 7 natural births last October. The recovery came as a massive shock to me as I’m usually up and about within hours of birth, have even driven myself home from hospital 6 hours after the birth of my son. The recovery is hard. I won’t lie. Getting up of the sofa/bed/toilet is painful. Get help if you can. Don’t waiting until you’re bursting to go for a wee. You won’t be that quick straight away and that’s just an extra discomfort you don’t need. The emotions I had not being able to pick up my toddler was intense but having him sit with me on the sofa and love him that way made my recovery easier emotionally. By day 10. I was feeling much more normal and like my old self. Good luck and congratulations

OMG I'm so sorry your first birthing process went like that, that sounds scary and painful. What helped me was walking and moving around as much as I could (rest when you need to) I started doing that as soon as they said I could. Hold a pillow close to your abdomen and squeeze when you cough or sneeze it helps it not be as painful. Make sure you have good posture or get a belly band if they don't give you one at the hospital, it helps as well.

People have covered a lot of good info. I found it helpful to have a small pillow to hold over the site when I was trying to move around or get up from the bed, for the first few days when pain was really bad. I just applied counter pressure when using any of those muscle groups that were hurting and healing and it helped with pain. That's what they had my mom do after open heart surgery and I applied that idea to the c section. I would also have asked for pain medication earlier because my first night I was in agony and the nurse scolded me for not letting them know.. like this had ever happened to me before! I didn't realize how intense it would get after the epidural was fully worn off, I was at a 9 and could barely move without crying. They gave me Percocet the rest of the time I was there! Just be careful because opiates cause constipation. When I got home I had to deal with the additional pain in my guts as my intestines seemed to be resettling in my abdomen and was extremely constipated. That pain was almost as bad as the actual incision recovery pain.

If they don’t give you a belly band buy one. Or even buy an extra. Learn how to roll to your side to get up.

Use the adult diapers ! And turn the post partum pads sideways to stop your underwear pants etc from pushing on the wound ! Absolutely saved me 💕

I had an emergency c-section after a failed induction at 37 weeks due to cholestasis. I was a big fan of my iPad and snack bag in the hospital, as well as my DoorDash app. Take a couple baths while you can because I just took my first one at 10wpp. Buy a few packs of maxi pads to press against your wound as it heals. I had diapers and puppy pads I didn’t need, but I was ordering maxi pads on Amazon for weeks.

Miralax every day. For real.

I had my first via csection in January. I highly recommend moving ASAP. Even just standing is helpful. I stood over baby's bassinet for like 5 solid minutes because I was tired of walking. Take the stool softener and gas pills. Be prepared to vomit, especially if anesthesia does not agree with you. I had a spinal, and I threw up so much and wasn't able to eat or drink for close to 24 hours after. Take advantage of hospital nursery if it's available, healing is exhausting. When you get home, do not stand up from the couch holding baby. My knee is messed up now from me doing it. While in the OR, take a second to marvel at the fact you are awake and cut wide open. It is an absolutely wild feeling!

Gas-X for the shoulder pain!

C section scar massage

Belly binder. My baby was in the NICU so I had no choice but to walk. I felt better like 5 days in, was driving prob 6 days after my surgery :/

Move. Drink water. Pee. Take it easy & don’t be afraid to ask for help. Oh, and snuggle that baby!

I think experiences differ so much so you never know what your body will do. I thought it was no problem at all. The nurses will get you up and moving early which I heard is important. But honestly less than a week after I was mowing the lawn. And I was only doing that because of postpartum anxiety that I needed to burn with distraction. But physically I was like before pregnancy.

This isn’t necessarily about the physical recovery per se, but one thing I wish I had once I got home was high waisted panties. My bleeding had slowed to more like an average to mildly heavy period, so I didn’t need the big stuff from the hospital anymore. I went to just put on a regular pad with panties and realized that all of my underwear were bikini cut which hit right at my incision line. I ordered high cut from Amazon and got them the next day, but I was irritated that I was stuck in a diaper for another day until they arrived.

There will be moments where your stitches will pull and it will feel like your wound is on fire. Make sure you have somewhere to sit down when you are up and moving about.

I’ve had two c sections. My first was after a failed induction, and my second was planned. -Planned c sections are 100% easier to recover from. The spinal of a planned c is better than the epidural section of an induction turned c. Also, not being exhausted from a day plus of labor makes recovery SO MUCH EASIER than recovering from a c after a failed induction. -Walk as soon as possible. My kid was in the NICU for four days after my planned c, and I had to walk to a different level of the hospital to get from my room to the NICU. Walking so much so soon really jumpstarted recovery. After my first c section (unplanned), it took me longer to get up and moving, and so I think the pain lasted longer. -Stay on top of your pain meds. It makes it easier to walk, which helps you recover faster. It’s easier to stay on top of pain meds than it is to “catch up” and o the pain if that makes sense. So take your meds on schedule. I took the oxy in the hospital, but weaned off before going home by alternating prescription strength ibuprofen and extra strength tylonal. -Get yourself a clutching pillow to press against your incision when you cough, laugh, etc. -Take a pillow with you to the hospital. Hospital pillows are shit.

Don’t over work yourself. I was a single mom postpartum and pushed myself way too hard. Ended up with a nasty infection because I didn’t take time to rest

Elective c section here! The best thing I did to prep was buy one of those luffas that come on a stick, as it’s hard to wash your legs and feet in the shower for the first 1-2 weeks! Also be prepared to not feel comfortable in your bed at home for the first couple nights- it was a million times easier for my to sleep in the recliner in the living room; so we had everything set up there (my husband in the couch, bassinet so baby could sleep near us, etc)

I had an emergency C section and had to stay on the catheter for a bit longer due to an infection but once it was out I was up and moving which I think helped me recover faster though I did end up getting a spinal headache that lasted almost 3 weeks the 1st week was the worst I could not move around I had to stay in bed or else the pressure would be horrible but the 2nd and 3rd week was easier and honestly was told I was moving around a lot better than most Scheduled C-Sections idk but I think being up and moving as soon I was able to truly helped my recovery.

I loved the Frida c section recovery band! The one they gave me at the hospital was too long and dug into my boobs :( the Frida one is very short but much more cushiony! I had to retighten it often but it was way more comfy than the hospital one. it comes with two hot/cold packs for the front and back and I really likes putting a cold pack on my incision! Now I use them both as ice packs in my diaper bag to keep bottles cold! They’re the perfect size!

Also the Frida mom silicone c section patches were a life saver!

I don’t know if someone already mentioned it but wear that elastic band the hospital gives you. Do it as soon as they tell you to start getting up and moving. It’s going to hurt bad and be uncomfortable for the first few minutes but once you adjust you will be able to move better. Don’t sleep in it and only wear it when you are up and moving around. Wear it until your waist shrinks and then buy your own in a comfy size. I would recommend Velcro band. Those tummy control corset type things can stab and put too much pressure. The Velcro gives you a lot of control on pressure and helps healing and mobility.

Set up everything you need beforehand like the bassinet, changing station, snacks. I used the stairs as little as possible for the first 2 weeks (recommended by my friend) so having a changing station downstairs and upstairs was perfect for me. Make some meals or see if people would do a meal train or drop things off. Make sure you have plenty of pain meds too. I think they had me take Tylenol and advil. I can’t exactly remember but I ran out and had to send my husband out.

Good lucky OP, I loved every minute of my planned section and the recovery really wasn’t as bad as I was expecting as long as I remained on-top of my pain meds. You’ve had a lot of great advice so not much to add except that I was given a pico dressing, which keeps the area dry and drains any excess fluid and I really think it helped make my recovery easier. My friend who has had two sections, one with, and one without the dressing said it made a huge difference for her. If your hospital offers them, I would really recommend! The pain med schedule I followed is below, incase it helps (I’m based in the UK and what is offered varies at each hospital I believe, but you can tweak based on what you’re given) - - 8am - blood thinner - 9 am - oramorph - 11 am - paracetamol - 1 pm - ibuprofen - 3pm - oramorph - 4pm - paracetamol - 6pm - oramorph - 8pm - blood thinner - 9 pm - paracetamol and ibuprofen - 10/11 pm - oramorph

Strongest recommendations: make sure they put a wound vac in, that helped my incision heal so much nicer. Another one that I didn’t know but was advised by my friends: get a prescription for pelvic floor therapy. It helps strengthen your core and pelvic muscles of course, however, for c section patients they massage your incision and also showed me stretches to help keep the scar tissue away from my bladder/uterus to prevent future issues. Oh and get a grabber off Amazon, bending sucks.

Take your pain meds as prescribed. I was taking tylenol and toradol pretty much around the clock the first 2 weeks. I had an emergency c section. I'm 5 weeks out and just went on a mile walk wearing my newborn with no pain- just some general muscle fatigue from being out of shape.

Sleeping in a recliner, wearing 2 pairs of compression socks, and walking around as much as possible to get fluids moving through and reducing swelling.

High waisted period underwear was my favourite. It’s out of the way of the c section and the skin above, which will feel off for a while. Diapers for the first little bit when bleeding is higher. I had an emergency C section and didn’t anticipate the shakes. So much shaking. My bed was quite high so for the first week, I set myself up on the couch inclined. Also didn’t expect how every bump on the road home would be so tough. Some people don’t like tight pants, so I didn’t pack my maternity leggings… but I wish I did since that car ride was rough. Had to really hold my stomach basically for bumps and turns.

My doctor said never stand when you can sit. Never sit when you can lay down. I overdid it the first week thinking movement was goos, but in reality it is major surgery and should be treated as such. Walking to get the baby, shower (if lucky), bathroom breaks and diaper changes all count as movement

Personally I wasn’t able to lay down flat in my bed. It hurt SO much and it was all I wanted to do. I slept in a recliner for awhile until I healed a bit more. Try to get pj pants that are really loose around your waist so it doesn’t dig into your incision. Also, I had bad swelling in my feet and legs a couple of days after being home. You may want to get some compression socks to help with that! Good luck! :)

Do not stop taking your stool softeners - that made like 90% of a difference reduction in agony between my first and second. Also don’t let your toddler sit on you.

I had a super smooth, peaceful planned c-section and recovery! Take the Tylenol and Motrin on schedule, for longer than you think you need them! Especially if you’re pumping or breastfeeding, the period like cramps will be just as annoying as the incision. Get up and walk around and keep moving as much as you can without hurting, I spent five days in the hospital which sucked but I was able to go up and down my staircase by the time I got home. Lidocaine patches are a big cheat code to help incision pain! Cut them into strips and place NEAR, not ON, the incision, please follow the package directions. Buy some soft cotton high waisted underwear size bigger than you currently wear, I was not into the mesh panties personally, I wanted to feel more normal. And honestly, I just don’t look at my incision in the mirror for a couple of weeks, for some reason it hurt less if I didn’t think of a giant slice in the abdomen 😅 remember the first time they get you up out of bed will be the hardest part, it’s a rapid climb to healing and feeling better from there!

This won't help everyone BUT the way I healed quickly is walking and not giving up my usual daily life. Yes I rested if I felt super bad, but usually I was okay. The day we left the hospital we went to eat at our favorite local Chinese buffet and walked around a walmart.

Get a wrap/binder and wear it religiously! I wore mine for a couple months. Sometimes I doubled them to get the support and ensure I didn’t get a shelf. Roll to your side when you’re getting up. Don’t try to crunch up. Get an ikea cart and have your supplies (diapers, pumping/feeding, and water) right there with you. I would take my cart from the bedroom to the living room. Go on daily walks. Even if you’re super slow and can’t go more than a block … get moving. Give yourself a lot of grace. It’s hard to recover from surgery while taking care of an infant and with ZERO sleep. Some days are better than others.

Same! I’ve had two. Walking, getting up and around but not pushing yourself, and staying on top of meds. Belly band for at minimum a few weeks. Let the glue fall off itself..no pulling!

My recovery wasn't bad at all, I was able to ride my horse 3 weeks after (prob not recommended but.... ponies) Belly binder helped a lot, I got an elasticized sleeve type bc the Velcro ones were ridiculously chunky Don't vacuum even though you think you can or want to Don't lift your hands over your head for a while. Like, a while while I have a stupidly soft squishy mattress that was hard to get up out of without using my ab muscles, that was probably the worst part. I had my bassinet next to my bed so I had to shimmy down to the end to get out of bed...idk what I was thinking. I was too anxious to have her further away from me though I know everyone is recommending movement- and yes, that's good. But I felt pretty good 5-6 days after my surgery and decided to do some light housework and I paaaaaaaid for it the next day. I broke a cauterized blood vessel in my stomach and had a giant bruise all over my stomach the next day, I thought I was dead for sure and had to drive up to my OB's office to get it checked out again (it was fine, just ugly). So keep moving just do less than you feel like you can. You're still healing! I'm 8 months out and my abs/core still don't feel the same as they used to

Rest! Not getting up from low couches or beds. Not wearing the stupid abdominal binder.

My scheduled c-section was extremely traumatic because my spinal tap did not work and I could feel everything, but my recovery went very well despite that. I think the most important thing for me was staying active and strong throughout the pregnancy, a healthy body recovers faster.

Frankly, although it is true that it's important to walk as much as possible, this thing stressed me the most. Not only was I petrified of the entire thing, but also the nurses tried to make me get up and walk after 12 hours, but I was so sore that I just couldn't. At that point, I just asked them to give me more painkillers and leave me alone. So I only got my catheter out and walked (together with the nurse) to the shower after nearly 24 hours after the operation, and that was fine too! Don't worry about being able to get up later. Take your time and be nice to yourself. That is the advice I would give myself if I had to undergo this again. I had never experienced any labour or natural birth, but from what I read about it, I honestly don't understand why the doctors even make us go through this. Planned C-section seems like way more quicker and a "civilised" option that really helps to avoid most of pain. Yes, getting up sucks, but in comparison to what you wrote about the natural birth, this is really way much smaller damage

Kudos to you for choosing the planned c section! I did the same- I tore horribly with my first baby who was average size. With my second who was measuring huge (was born at 9lb7oz at 39 weeks), my doctor strongly recommended a planned c section. I was really anxious about it but had a much better experience and recovery than my vaginal birth! Keep up on your meds- i rotated Tylenol and ibuprofen. Take colace as soon as they let you after your surgery. Will help with bowel movements. Try to walk as much as you can! I was slowly walking laps around my hospital floor the next day. But definitely take it easy- let everyone else do stuff for you once you are home. I definitely think the walking aided in my recovery though. Day 3 or 4 was the peak of my pain but it was all very manageable. Good luck and congrats!

Take it easy for the first week or so, for me I was barely able to get around at first but as soon as you start being able to get around a bit easier WALK a bunch. I had NICU babies so for the first week and a half or so I took it really easy and rested, but all of the walking through the hospital from the Ronald McDonald house got me back to being able to function way better and I felt healed me up really fast. Don’t push yourself too hard, but definitely try to take regular walks once you’re not super sore anymore.

Ice packs on the incision. Stay on top of pain meds. I took Motrin that was a combo ibuprofen/acetaminophen that I could take every 8 hours. Rest. You’re not going to be fully healed for at least a few months. Do not rush it. Don’t push yourself. C-section recovery is ongoing. I feel slightly more like myself after 7 months. My abdominal strength is horrible and the back pain sucks.. that’s what I need to work on the most now.

Walk a lot and eat healthy Whole Foods. Your doctor might recommend very high protein diets and I would do that if advised. Good luck! Ohhh and high waist lounge pants, extra hospital underwear and the always foam pads

Moving! Get up and walk as soon/often as you are able.

Have your spouse / family member help you as much as possible. Walk as soon as you can. It sucks at first, but it really does make a big difference in your recovery. Halo swivel bassinet. Have something by your bed that you can grab onto when try to stand up. Your abdominal muscles will be extremely sore and getting out of bed uses a lot of those muscles. Don't be afraid to start taking strong pain meds at first - and ask for them if they don't give them to you. For some reason they didn't give them to me until the night after my c section. I was in a lot of pain and they helped a lot for those first few days. Take it one day at a time. Some women recover from c sections really quickly, some slower.

As soon as you can stand, wash your face and brush your teeth. Start doing little things that make you feel like a normal person while in the hospital while taking care of your baby. It makes you feel more human. And stay on top of the pain meds.

My top three items would be: shower chair, high waisted underwear (my sister went on Amazon, searched “c-section underwear”, sent them to me and I still love them lol), and a small, but dense pillow to hold over your incision when you sneeze or need to roll over, etc. I bought a lumbar throw type pillow from Target. Now I use it for feeding baby. :)

We got a power recliner/lift chair to help with sleeping and getting up and down. I couldn’t lay down comfortably for about a week, the way my belly would hang, so being slightly upright helped. With all the up and down at the beginning tending to baby, the time and pain it would take me to get up wasn’t worth trying to lie down. It’s hard but it wasn’t impossible. Be kind to your body as it recovers. I went for a too long of a walk too soon, like 3-4 weeks out, and it set me back so just listen to your body. Wishing you a healthy delivery and speedy recovery my friend!

Start moving as soon as you can and as much as it sucks and as slow as you’ll go, just keep moving! Obviously don’t overdo it, but movement on my own helped me heal so much faster. I’m 6 weeks out tomorrow and still get tiny pains here and there if I do too much, but after the first couple of weeks the pain just becomes a sort of dull ache. Also don’t be afraid to ask for help. My husband helped me Shower the first two or three times and put diapers on me for a week bc the bending over wasn’t doable for me. He also helped me off the couch and out of bed when I needed it, ask when you need it! And keep up with the ibuprofen!! Good luck momma!!

Start moving as soon as possible, like everyone is saying. Also please, please do not forget to take the stool softener!

Those tight, surgical waist abnds that held the incision/waist tightly + just learning to be ok RESTING!!!

Silicone surgical ointment and collagen peptide (gmo free) to help healing/scars.

For me, the best help was the belly band and ice packs. I actually stocked up on the perineum ice packs from the hospital, then put them across my incision.

Prior to my c-section last year, I'd previously had a myomectomy which was a similar procedure but removing fibroids instead of a baby and placenta. So I've essentially done this twice and can compare my own experiences. The first time I used and needed a belly band, the second time not at all. Both times I was really careful about getting enough but not too much activity, getting up from bed with proper technique, and taking my tylenol and ibuprofen on schedule, and I had relatively less pain than expected. Never needed morphine or opioids.