C-Section Recovery

Recovering from a Cesarean section (whether a planned or emergency c-section) can be painful and surprisingly lengthy.  But don’t fear!  Advance knowledge and a few simple tips will lessen the difficulties associated with c-section recovery.

Pain After C-Section

Your doctor will prescribe a painkiller for use in the first weeks of recovery after your c-section surgery. In terms of pain management and your ability to get up and around, it is best to take the medication exactly as prescribed.  Don’t allow to pain to become severe before taking your pain medication.  This stage will only last for 1-3 weeks, at which point your pain will be significantly more manageable in and less severe (in typical cases).  Your body has undergone major surgery, you are probably not sleeping adequately, and you are taking care of a new baby (and possibly other children).  Taking pain medication will help you (both physically and mentally) get through those first difficult weeks and allow the healing process to begin.

Breastfeeding while taking prescribed painkillers is generally considered safe for both mother and baby.  Only take the medication your doctor prescribes; do not exceed the dosage or frequency of the pain medication.  Ask your doctor or lactation consultant if you have any questions about the painkiller’s effect on your newborn while nursing.

C-Section Incision Care

Your doctor should give you explicit instructions on caring for your c-section scar.  If she does not, remind her to provide you with direction before leaving the hospital.  Staples are typically used to close your incision, and normal care is as simple as pouring hydrogen peroxide on the scar a couple of times per day.

Apply vitamin E to the scar to lessen redness and speed healing.  Staple removal takes place within a week after surgery, and is typically quick and not very painful.  This visit to your doctor will also allow her to check on your incision’s healing.  Don’t forget to ask any questions that you may have about your recovery or pain management.

C-Section Scarring

Standard c-section scars are only visible when naked or when wearing the lowest-cut underwear or bikini bottoms.  In fact, in a routine c-section, the incision is called a “bikini cut,” and is made just above the public line.  Lessen the redness of scarring by applying vitamin E a couple of times a day.

Physical Limitations After C-Section

In the weeks following c-section, you will need to avoid lifting anything heavier than your newborn baby.  In addition, avoid strenuous exercise and sit-ups, and get as much sleep as you possibly can.

C-Section Recovery Tips

After cesarean surgery, coughing, sneezing, and laughing can be painful.  Applying some pressure to your lower abdomen with a pillow will greatly reduce the pain.

Don’t be hero: Unless you have a great deal of help with your new baby and any other children, are able to sleep through the night, and don’t have to move, function or lift objects with any frequency, take painkillers as prescribed by your physician.

(Editor’s Note: After my first (emergency) c-section, I did not take painkillers, believing it to be against my “all-natural” approach to motherhood.  As a result, I was unable to adequately nurse my baby ~ my body’s resources were completely depleted dealing with the pain, and I had to supplement with formula in order to keep my daughter at a healthy weight. After my second c-section, I took the painkillers my doctor prescribed, and was able to breastfeed my son very successfully.  In fact, he never once had formula.  I attribute this to the fact that I took the Vicodin my doctor prescribed for those first two weeks of recovery, which allowed my body to heal as I cared for my newborn and 3-year-old.)

READ MORE: C-Section Surprises: What You Don’t Know About Having a Cesarean Section