If you’re reading this right now- then you’re most likely getting ready to have a c-section or you just had one. Mama- I am with you. I have had not one but 2 emergency c-sections. Both recoveries were a journey in itself. I wish I could make recovery easy for all of you just know that my heart goes out to you – please just know YOU GOT THIS!!! This part of the journey may be hard and painful but I promise that you’ll get through this. I hope these tips from an experienced c-section mama will help make your journey just a bit easier!
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1. Mamas, please invest in an abdominal binder. This truly is a game changer. You will need all the belly support you can get. Many people often forget that having a c-section is MAJOR abdominal surgery. It’s a tough road to recovery and in the first few weeks it truly is hard to use those core muscles and feel stable. Wearing the belly belt makes the simplest things that much more comfortable. I even slept in my belt for extra support- it made me feel safe. Sometimes the hospital will provide them- if you are in the hospital ask your OB or Surgeon to send you home with one- they are often more stretchy than ones you can get on Amazon or at the store and are perfect for those first weeks. As your uterus shrinks and you lose some of the water weight though you’ll want a more supportive one like I linked above.
2. High waisted panties. Yep- sorry Ladies I know they won’t be the most flattering, sexy articles that you keep in your dresser. However, your incision will be incredibly sore, tender and a weird numb feeling that I find hard to explain. In fact to this day 5 years post-op I still am wearing high waisted leggings because anything on my incision site is still a tad bothersome. While visually my scar has healed flawlessly- that numbness hasn’t gone away.
I will link a few of the sets that I own and have found the most comfortable.
3. A pillow. You can get a fancy nursing pillow like the Boppy or simply a throw pillow will do. This pillow for you will actually have ZERO to do with nursing and EVERYTHING to do with support. I promise you when you go to laugh or sneeze please do me and more so yourself the biggest favor and hold that pillow over your stomach for support. I don’t write this to scare anyone just want you to brace yourself. Sneezing post cesarean is one of the most painful things you can experience and having a pillow on standby at all times is crucial. I am getting ready to have abdominal wall surgery and you can be sure that I have my pillows already set up. Life savers.
4. Get out of bed slowly. I mean very slowly. Start by rolling to your side facing the edge of your bed. Maybe grab that pillow for stomach support with one arm and use the other arm to slowly push yourself up to the sitting position. and slowly get down- hold on to your bed for support in that first week or two. If you have a higher bed having a stool at the edge of your bed to help you down would be nice.
5. HYDRATE and Stool softeners. Water is your new best friend and so is protein for recovery. While you should eat light meals to start post c-section, protein has been proven to help people recover faster- plus if you plan on nursing you’re going to want all the clean eating calories you can get to boost milk production! Staying hydrated should go without saying but grab yourself a fancy water bottle – I prefer one with a straw like the Hydro Flask but anything to get you to that gallon of water daily will help. Water helps keep the metabolism moving- you’re also going to want to be hydrated if you are nursing and even for yourself. Bowel movements post section with painkillers can be problematic. Stay on top of stool softeners and water intake to keep everything moving. I promise you’ll be more comfortable.
6. A Co-sleeper is a MUST have post c-section. You are going to want your baby close to you and somewhere that your partner can help you for those late night feedings and early morning wake up calls. You do not want to be bending over a crib or pack n play. I loved using the swivel Halo bassinet that came over my bed. I had easy access to my son- plus being able to see him breathe in the middle of the night was always comforting to me.
7. Finally, TAKE WALKS. Get moving asap. Mama… I know you don’t want to. Trust me I feel this to my core-literally. I promise you getting up and moving, walking lightly maybe just around the hall in the hospital to start will get you healing faster. Get the blood pumping and move. Staying stagnant and still is one of the biggest disservices you can do to yourself. You will be more sore and you won’t be able to move the post surgery gas as well and you will heal slower. An added bonus for our spring/summer moms is that taking a walk when you get home even just on your street will get you in the fresh air and that is healing in itself. I personally always felt a million times better once I left the hospital and could take a walk around my house!
I hope some of these tips help you feel more prepared for your upcoming delivery planned or not! Are you a c-section mom yourself? What are some tips you would tell a fellow mom in need to recover?
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