C-Section Recovery Tips

After two c-sections, I feel like somewhat of a c-section recovery pro. So, I wanted to pass on some recovery tricks that worked for me and I hope they help you out too. As a disclaimer: The following is not medical advice, and I am by no means a medical professional.

But first, allow me to step up on my soapbox for a minute regarding c-sections. Some moms elect for them, some moms are forced to have a c-section because their baby is in the wrong position, and others have them because of an emergency. Regardless of how your child came into this world, you are no less of a mom. Your worth as a mother is not determined by how your child came into this world. It is determined by how much love your child, and the attention you give them. So rest up, Mama. Let your body heal, and don't do anything but snuggle up with that beautiful baby for the next week at least.

C-Section Recovery Tip #1: Take your pain meds.

You are not likely to become addicted to your pain meds and there's no reason to be in pain. It's hard enough being a new mom, having hormones wreaking havoc on your body, dealing with sleepless nights, and caring for your new little one. You don't need to add unnecessary pain to the equation. Keep up with the dosage and make sure to take it before you start hurting. You don't win a trophy for not taking pain meds!

C-Section Recovery Tip #2: Load up on stool softeners, water, and fiber.

Although the pain medicine is awesome, it can also cause constipation. A little too TMI, but worth knowing, I was constipated for nearly a week after my daughter was born and ended up in a lot of pain because of it. I know now that I needed to drink more water and make sure I was getting lots of fiber, along with my regular stool softener dosage. Fortunately, my doctor was able to prescribe me an awesome suppository that worked right away, but I would've rather avoided that whole circumstance all together. And while we're on the pooping thing: Many moms confess that after delivering a baby vaginally that they are afraid to push hard enough to poo, in fear of tearing again. This is also true for us c-section moms. I remember being really afraid that my incision was going to split open if I pushed too hard. But, that isn't going to happen, so don't worry!

C-Section Recovery Tip #3: Place a maxi pad in front of your incision.

When you have a fresh incision, putting on pants becomes painful. Even maternity pants have a seam at the exact spot of your incision. Investing in some sweats with a wide waistband will help. If you still need some extra protection, put on some maternity undies or granny panties and place a maxi pad over your incision, sticky side toward your undies of course.

C-Section Recovery Tip #4: Walk walk walk, even though it hurts.

Although you're going to want to lie around and not move after your c-section, you really need to get up and walk. Walking will help strengthen those muscles that got all mushed around, and help you heal faster. Don't over-do it, but make sure that you're getting on your feet a couple times a day for the first few days, more often after that. If it feels like your stomach is going to drop onto the floor, try placing a pillow against your abdomen when you get up.

C-Section Recovery Tip #5: Sleep slightly inclined.

With most major surgeries, you get sliced open, sent home with pain meds, and get to rest and relax until you're healed. With a c-section, you get sliced open, sent home with pain meds, AND a new baby who wakes up a million times a night to eat. It makes recovery a lot more difficult. Even if you're walking around with ease, you'll probably have a hard time going from lying down to standing up for at least the first week or so. If you sleep in a recliner or with pillows propping you up, it may make it easier to get up and grab your new little one in the middle of the night. If it's just too painful, don't forget that you can nudge Daddy to grab the baby and hand him to you too.

You will be back to normal before you know it! Be prepared to feel weird twinges from your incision site for quite a while, especially if it gets bumped. But, you probably won't even notice it after the first couple of weeks. Rest, relax, and heal!