C section

My second son was a scheduled C-section (after a less than ideal emergency C-section with my first). I was able to go home with baby less than 48 hours later. I was only sent home with Motrin and Tylenol and I was fairly uncomfortable, but it was manageable for me. They should give you an abdominal binder in the hospital. You are going to want to keep that thing on for the first week postpartum (otherwise it feels like your guts are going to spill out 🫠). The pain subsided around day 9-10 for me and I cut down to just Tylenol as needed. If you plan on breastfeeding just keep trying to latch baby and let him feed as much as you can. Don’t get discouraged, milk typically takes a couple more days to come in after a C-section vs a vaginal birth. If your hospital has a lactation specialist I would definitely recommend requesting her to come visit your room before you leave the hospital. I learned a lot there as a first time mom. Ask for help. In the hospital and at home. From partner and mo

My c section in September was great. It was scheduled due to size and I have 0 regrets. Prior to this I had never had any procedure ever so I was terrified. The worst part for me was them taking 4 tries to get my IV in. The rest went smooth, they numb your back before they give you the spinal so that doesn’t hurt. I was up that night getting my catheter out (didn’t hurt) and my pain was managed by ibuprofen and acetaminophen by day 3 and I got up and started walking around by day 3 as well. Things to know, the gas is wild Wild West, I was farting a ton for the first few days and if they give you an abdominal binder (I recommend, it felt good) then you might have some gas and intestinal discomfort until you poop, a heating pad and gentle belly rubs helped me. Lastly the fundal checks suck and hurt bad but it’s only a few seconds each time! YOU GOT THIS MOMMA

If you can have a great support person with you. The key to recovering is not overdoing it too soon. Also it’s hard to get out of bed without side rails or something to pull yourself up with. I ended up sleeping on the couch for the first couple days. And if you have to cough, sneeze, or laugh hug a pillow. If you have any specific questions just ask 💙

Reading the comments above, I had forgotten the tips like sneezing/coughing into a pillow! Mine was scheduled and went very smoothly. Everyone explained what was happening and I was able to do skin to skin while they stitched me up. The fundal “massage” is the worst and most painful part. I pumped as much as possible in the hospital and my milk came in by the time I was sent home. Get up from bed/couches slowly and sit back down very slowly. Trust your body and move/walk as much as you are able. It helps with healing. I was only in Tylenol for about a week. I was pleasantly surprised how well the recovery went. Best of luck to you and your family!

Changing baby was hard for me, the leaning over part. I wasn’t prepared for that! I did the football hold for breastfeeding for the first few weeks. The pain wasn’t that bad as long as I took the ibuprofen that was suggested.

Bring a pillow to hold onto your tummy for the car ride home. Don't drink any fizzy drinks for the first week at least it causes undue pain.. drink plenty of water and get on your post natal vitamins to he'll with healing. Take your time recovering you don't want to do too much too fast.