Not many 1st time moms go into their delivery thinking they will have a c-section, but these births make up approximately 31% of all deliveries in the U.S.
I was stocked and ready for post-birth recovery. I had made a freezer stash of ‘pad-sicles’, packed my perineal healing foam and cute birthing robe in my hospital bag, and bought an obscenely large supply of stool softeners for that dreaded, first post-birth poop. I felt so prepared, and I think that really helped my mental game as I went into the hospital.
It was about 32 hours into labor that the doctors began talk of an emergency c-section. After my baby girl was safely out into the world, the surgeon explained to me that my hooked pelvis made it impossible for her to have navigated her way out naturally. I’m thankful for the quick actions of the hospital staff, and their expertise in making the surgery quick and safe for both baby and me.
It wasn’t until I was back in the recovery suite with my husband and brand new baby that I thought about my seemingly wasted birthing preparations. I didn’t get to wear my cute birthing robe, because I had to be put into a sterile gown. I wasn’t going to need that healing foam, or the ‘pad-sicles’ I was so proud of making. And I wasn’t going to need quite as much of those stool softeners I had bought out of fear for my post-birth nether regions.
I hadn’t really prepared myself at all for a potential C-section, much-less the recovery for it. So I was flying blind, and relying heavily on the hospital staff to provide direction. Of all the recommendations, there were five things that really helped me thrive post-surgery.
Get Up and Move!
You will be encouraged to get out of bed at least a couple of times the day of or the day after surgery. This will be to walk around and get your blood pumping. Wiggling your feet, rotating your ankles, and moving and stretching your legs are all great things to start with. You’ll want to make sure you continue to keep your blood circulating to lessen your chances of developing blood clots. Also, walking will make your bowels less sluggish, which will help you feel more comfortable a lot sooner.
High-Quality, Light-Weight Belly Wrap
It didn’t occur to me how many layers of tissue are being cut through when you have a c-section. I had considered myself to have a relatively strong core prior to pregnancy and delivery, and after baby I found myself unable to move in many of the simple ways I once had. My back was starting to hurt, since my core was so weak. Wearing the Belly Wrap helped to keep my core stable and gave me a little more confidence with movements during those first few weeks after birth.
Over the Counter Pain Relief
Don’t try to be a hero! I thought I’d wait to take pain meds until I started feeling pain, but by that time it was too late to stave off the inevitable stabs and aches. Once my hospital prescribed medications ran out, the doctors encourage another week or two of some OTC pain meds. Both acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin) are safe for breastfeeding and can really help manage any soreness or swelling you may still be experiencing. Using one or both of these medications around the clock for a few days (as advised by your healthcare provider) can really make moving around at home a lot more bearable.
C-Section Underwear
These babies are granny-panties to the extreme. They pretty much cover your entire lower torso, and with good reason. Get yourself plenty of these totally unflattering, but oh-so comfy garments. They ride high enough in the front to not rub along your incision, and are big enough to hold those giant pads you’re going to be wearing for the next several weeks.
Flexible Ice Packs
An ice pack provides much needed cooling relief, and helps with the inevitable swelling. Peas from the freezer also work just fine for this purpose! Be sure to have a layer of clothing between your bare incision and whatever cold pack you’re using.