About 15 minutes after my firstborn was born I was up and walking around. I had a natural and relatively easy delivery. My recovery was also pretty easy. Unfortunately when my twins were born that wasn’t the case. My twins were born via an emergency c-section. I had been hoping for another vaginal delivery and I simply wasn’t prepared for what the recovery would be like. Here are a few things you need to know in order to have a smoother recovery from a c-section.
1. Take your pain medications. If your doctor tells you to take your pain medication every so many hours, do so. Just because you’re not in a pain, don’t skip your scheduled pain medication. I made the mistake of doing this once, two days after my c-section. I didn’t think I needed it. When the pain medication I had previously taken really began to fade, I realized my painful mistake. Much to my nurses dismay I shed a few tears over it. Don’t make the same mistake and wait for when you’re in a lot of pain to take your medication.
2. Take it slow. Don’t think you’re just going to jump out of that bed the first time and everything will be like normal. Prepare yourself for the pain and take slow baby steps. If you feel lightheaded or dizzy have someone assist you. Don’t try to do everything you’re use to doing. Make sure to get plenty of rest.
3. Let others lend you a hand. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you need help with anything, ask! My husband had to help me get on and off the toilet the first day after my c-section. You won’t be able to do a lot by yourself right away, don’t feel ashamed. You just had major abdominal surgery, it’s normal.
4. Keep frequently used items within reach. You will probably want to not move as much as possible. Have things that you’ll be using a lot well within your reach such as diapers, wipes, a bottle of water, etc.
5. Avoid Stairs. Stairs will be your worst enemy, avoid them at all costs. I lived in a tri-level house when I went through my c-section. If you have a house with stairs you may want to make some arrangements to live downstairs for the next week or so (like moving a mattress downstairs where you can sleep), if at all possible.
6. Check your incision. Whether you want to look at it or not, keep a close eye on your incision for signs of infection. If you see any signs of inflamation, redness or discharge you want to tell your doctor.
7. A pillow is your best friend. Take a pillow with you on car rides. Car rides can be painful. I learned very quickly that sudden stops or bumps hurt. Take a pillow that you can hold over your incision. You should also use your pillow for sneezing, laughing or coughing. This offers some support to the area which makes car rides more bearable.
8. Take plenty Milk of Magnesia. Having just had major abdominal surgery, the last thing you would like is to find yourself constipated and straining. Don’t forget to take a little Milk of Magnesia to make sure everything is working smoothly.
