Recovering from a caeseran birth

The first 6 weeks of recovery after a C-section are very different compared to the recovery from a vaginal birth. Healing from major surgery with a newborn while managing postpartum changes is challenging. Accept your caeseran birth is a personal journey - It can be triggering or emotional. Be easy on yourself and be open with your support people and LMC about how you’re feeling. You might feel fine about having a caesarean or you might feel disappointed or sad that you weren’t able to give birth vaginally. If you had an unplanned (emergency) caesarean, the change in plan can sometimes be a shock. Birth is a huge time of transition for all women. Keep up communication with those close to you about how you are feeling. It is very common to experience itchiness and numbness around your C-section scar and stomach areas. Some women they will feel completely numb from their belly button to just below their scar, usually caused by damage to the nerves during your operation. For some, numbness begins to improve after 4-8 weeks, while for others the scar remains numb for life. This is due to the little nerves in the skin taking a long time to heal. 

It’s recommended to get out of bed about 8-12 hours after your operation. The hospital staff will help you get up the first few times. This is important to prevent post-op complications like blood clots and lung infections. Take it slow but move often, just around your room for the first day then venture further afeild after that. Once you get home, if you’re feeling up to it, head out for a 5-minute slow walk most days and increase as you feel up to it. It is common to experience changes in bowel movements, such as constipation, due to the effects of surgery, pain medications, and reduced physical activity. Staying hydrated, eating a fiber-rich diet, and gently moving can help alleviate this issue. You’ll likely be offered laxatives in the hospital - take them for as long as you need to keep your bowels regular and easy to pass.