C-Section Moms: What Was Recovery Like for You?

My recovery took longer this time bc i didn't have the support or help with my other 3 kids my pain just went away this week and im coming up on a 1mpp from my c section

I'm 2 weeks pp from an emergency section and my recovery has been so much easier than I expected. Post op the only pain control I needed was Tylenol and ibuprofen. I was up walking around less than 12 hours post op (my section was at midnight so I slept right after). I have virtually no pain any more and I'm not even taking Tylenol/ibuprofen regularly anymore. The most pain I have is when I move too quickly (like a jerky movement) or in a not very ergonomic way.

The worst part is some pulling where your sutures are tied off honestly but it’s not too bad

I recommend a bed rail, it’s saved me as it’s so hard to get in and out of bed. https://amzn.eu/d/gPs3xSa

Oh I also got really bad constipation couldn’t go for 6 days and it was really painful so getting bits to help with that is useful xx

My recovery was great, first time mum and of course my first time having a c section, it did take me a week before I could walk very small distances but I managed to get about the house ok, it does hurt to stand up/sit down at the beginning. Just take your time and rest as much as possible 💗

I really struggled pp from the pain, soreness, and exhaustion but I would’ve felt worse if I hadn’t had so much help from my family— even with my high pain tolerance. Everyone’s pain is different though and not one c section is the same as another! I was more bedridden though not by choice if that explains my experience better.

My recovery was fast and smooth.

I was in discomfort for like 3 days but no real pain. I was up and walking the day of my section and driving within 2 days of being discharged. I had had abdominal surgery before (appendix) and my appendix recovery was harder than the section. I did sleep in a chair that reclined and stood me up instead of the bed for two weeks which helped a lot. I did have an internal bleed after being discharged, that seeped through my incision for 3 weeks. Popped a stitch. It got infected and needed two rounds of antibiotics. Then had to get it packed and dressed at the hospital every week for three weeks. And still to this day I deal with skin rashes around it (I’ll be 14 weeks on Wednesday). BUT I would happily do it again. No pain. Didn’t slow me down. Was able to be intimate with my partner when I wanted. My friends who gave birth vaginally around me all had harder recoveries with tears and stitches and infections. I was sorta happy we needed the section in the end.

The worst part for me was the gas pains after (peppermint tea is a must) and the pain you feel if you cough or sneeze (hold a pillow to your incision). It took me a little longer to be up and walking (48 hours), but by the time I was discharged 3 days later I was walking fine.

I have had two c sections and my second recovery was so much better. With my first they left me in the hospital bed for over 24 hours before trying to get me up and when they did it was torture. I couldn’t walk alone for days. But with my second I was up and independently walking and getting myself dressed as soon as the catheter was out which was around 16/17 hours. I’d say getting up and mobile when you feel able is key. It is hard but it does massively help. Just as equally though listen to your body. When you need to rest, rest. I would do short walks then sit for an hour or two. Drink loads after you come out aswell as you have a time frame to wee after your catheter comes out and if you go over that time frame you may need it reinserted and have an extended hospital stay. You’ll be shocked though, personally for me it wasn’t as bad as I expected and my pain threshold is super low. Go into it calm and with positive thoughts and it’ll be amazing xx

I don’t know how much difference it makes but with my first I formula fed and this time around I breastfed. I did read this can help you recovery faster as your uterus contracts quicker however i’m not sure how true this is and completely appreciate that everybody is different and some may chose not to or can’t. As scary as it feels at the time, remember this will be the best day of your life and soak every moment up. It really does take a village so if you are lucky enough to have support then take everything you can and be easy on yourself. Even when you feel “normal” again don’t do too much because you can quickly go back to square one. Good luck lovely, enjoy every moment. I’d do both my c sections again over and over 🥹❤️

I had such a smooth recovery, bounced back so quickly. Genuinely think getting up and walking about in moderation is how to speed your recovery up x

Just be aware of the signs of infection is all I would say. I tested positive for Group B Strep during my pregnancy, and I contracted sepsis afterwards because I was discharged from hospital even though I was in a lot of pain and had infection markers on my blood tests. Obviously this isn't the norm at all, but I wish I'd known what to look out for. For me, it was dizziness and heart palpitations that were the main warning signs.