What to Expect from a Cesearean Section: From Hospital Admission to Recovery

Every woman's birthing experience is completely unique. Some women want a water birth, some women have an epidural, and some women have Cesarean sections. Recovery after a Cesarean section can be difficult, especially when you are caring for a newborn. When else in your life will you endure major surgery only to be given the job of round-the-clock care for a new life? Whether you have had an unexpected C-section or a scheduled C-section, here is what you can expect during your scheduled C-section and hospital stay.

Your first day in the hospital will be a whirlwind. If you are having a scheduled c-section, you will get checked into the hospital either through admissions or directly in the maternity ward. After you get checked in, you may be asked for a blood sample and then hooked up to an IV line and given fluids. By this point, it will have been at least 6 to 8 hours after your last food or drink, and you may be wondering when things will get on the road. Keep in mind that now is the time to get some rest because your body will need energy later in the day after your surgery.

Just before your c-section surgery, you will meet with your anesthesiologist. She will explain to you what your options are and ask you questions about your medical history. Your doctor will also stop by to answer any last-minute questions about your c-section surgery. In addition, your nurse will shave the incision area and make sure that it is ready for your doctor.

You will be required to have a catheter inserted prior to your c-section. Insist that the catheter be inserted after your anesthesia is given to avoid the pain associated with the catheter insertion. Some hospitals will try to force you to have the catheter inserted before your anesthesia, which can cause you unnecessary pain but saves them time in the operating room. You have the right to ask that your catheter be inserted after the anesthesia is given, so stick up for yourself.

After your c-section, your recovery begins in earnest once you are wheeled into the recovery room. You may be allowed to recover in your own hospital room or you may share a recovery room with other patients. In either case, while you are recovering from anesthesia you will not be able to feel or move your toes, legs, or hips. This feeling can be a bit unnerving, but it will only last a few hours at most.

You may also feel a bit woozy during this recovery period due to the surgery and anesthesia. Tell your attending nurse if you feel sick or like you are going to pass out. It may be that your blood pressure is low and that you need to spend some extra time in recovery and being monitored.

Not only will you be recovering from surgery during this time, but you will also be caring for your newborn baby. If you choose to breastfeed, you will offer your breast to your baby and try to get the hang of breastfeeding. Some newborns do not want to suck for up to 24 hours after they are born, which was my experience with my second child. Others want to try to feed right away like my first child. Don't get discouraged if breastfeeding does not come naturally to either of you at first. Just relax and get to know your new baby.

During your recovery from your c-section, your nurse will be checking your pad to make sure that you are not bleeding excessively. Being checked can be uncomfortable and somewhat embarrassing, but it is necessary. A few hours after your c-section surgery your nurse may also give you a sponge bath, particularly if your discharge has been heavy.

About 24 hours after your c-section surgery, your nurse will come in to remove the catheter. While removal of the catheter is uncomfortable, it probably will not hurt. Your nurse should explain what she is doing and keep you relaxed during the process, which only takes a few seconds. Your nurse may also be able to remove your IV line at this time, depending on your doctor's orders. At this point in your recovery, you will be allowed to get up out of bed.

Once your catheter is removed and you are free from your IV line, you will be encouraged to get up and take a shower. Be sure to really clean your hips and waist to remove any leftover iodine and tape residue which can otherwise irritate your skin. Have your husband or a friend nearby in case you feel dizzy and need help getting to and from the shower. If you want, now is a good time to put on your own clothes from home so that you feel more comfortable.

During the first day of recovery after your c-section, you will be asked to take several walks around the hospital ward. Take it easy, and bring someone with you for support. The more you walk, the better you will feel. Walking will help ease any gas pain you may be experiences following your c-section, though you may still feel sore around your incision.

On your third day in the hospital, your doctor may ask you if you are ready to go home. If you feel well enough and are ready to leave the hospital, you will be discharged. If you are like me and feel like you need a little extra time to get well and to have help with your baby from the nurses, then stay an extra day. Do not feel pressured to take on more work during this difficult period of your recovery after your c-section than you can handle. Only you can judge how quickly to take your recovery.

When you are discharged from the hospital, your doctor will give you instructions about when you should make a follow up appointment, whether you can drive, and how to take care of your wound. What your doctor may not tell you is that your stomach may look like a strange shelf for a few weeks while your uterus returns to its normal size. During this time period, keeping your wound clean and dry is essential. It sounds strange, but you may want to use a blow drier on the cool setting to dry your wound after you shower.

It may take several weeks before you can get out of bed or in and out of chairs without pain. Remember not to overdue things during your c-section recovery. Refrain from lifting heavy objects, vacuuming, or strenuous exercise until your doctor gives you the all clear. If you have extra weight to lose after your pregnancy, just be patient with your body. Recovering from a c-section is hard work, but your newborn baby is well worth the effort.