Tips for Recovering After a C-Section

Delivering a baby via Cesarean section is becoming more and more common these days. Many women elect to have them, because they think that it will be easier for them. Or because they can choose the date of their baby's arrival. But, C-sections are major surgery. And the recovery period can be daunting. On top of that can be feelings of failure because you didn't deliver vaginally. Here are tips to help your recovery go smoothly.

Take it easy

For the first few days after the surgery you have to take it easy. Doctors encourage women to walk around some each day, even as early as the day after the surgery, to help you heal. But, don't do much more than walk around a bit, and care for your baby. Even taking care of the baby can be difficult. For me, I couldn't pick up my first son on my own for the first two weeks. I just didn't have the strength. The second time around, though, I was strong enough to pick up my daughter after a few days. Each experience is different for different women, but you should still take it easy for at least the first two weeks.

Enlist the help of others

My mother and mother-in-law helped me after I had my first C-section. They helped with cooking, cleaning, laundry, and helped me with the baby. Without their help, and my husband's help, I don't know what I would have done. It was hard for me to get around. I needed assistance to get out of bed, and out of a chair. I felt really helpless during those first few weeks. But, it's ok to ask for help. You do not want to risk hurting yourself, because you are too prideful.

Face feelings of failure

When I couldn't pick up my son on my own for the first two weeks, I felt really sad. I felt like a failure for having had a C-section. I had planned and wanted a natural, vaginal birth. Instead, I had to deal with not being able to move around well, not being able to be the mother that I wanted to my son, an unsightly C-section scar, the feeling of being violated because I was cut open. I felt depressed about all of that. I read that women who have C-sections have a higher chance of having post-partum depression. And, it takes them longer to bond with their babies, because oxytocin, the bonding hormone, is released as you give birth. With a C-section, you don't have that.

If you are feeling depressed about having a C-section, make sure you talk your feelings over with a loved one. There are even recovery groups for women who have had C-sections. Try to find one in your area, if you are feeling blue about your experience.

In the end, try to focus on the positives of your experience. A baby was born! Yes, you may have had to have a C-section, but the outcome outweighs the trauma of surgery and the recovery. You will be back to feeling like yourself soon. And, you will have a precious baby to love and adore.