Parenting Children

When I was pregnant with my twins I knew at 7 months that I was going to have a cesarean section. By that time Baby B had turned head down but Baby A had not and he was the first one out. So I had no options. That was ok with me though, I just wanted everyone out safe and sound. I was not fully prepared for the recovery after the surgery though, so I thought I would write down some things to expect for other new moms who either opt or have to have a C-section.

I had special circumstances, so I was put under general anesthesia with my surgery. When I was awoken I was in a lot of pain but they gave me pain medicine right away and I felt almost instant relief, then I just needed sleep I was tired from the days events, the anesthesia and it was the middle of the night. . That morning I got to see my kids and it was great, the natural high you are makes you forget most of the pain you are in. Most of my discomfort was from the incision and just being sore.
I found holding a pillow onto my stomach when I laughed or coughed helped a lot. Even when I tried to nurse for the first time, it helped not to have any pressure on the incision sight. About 12 hours after my surgery my doctor took out my catheter and offered me food and drink (finally!).
I had doctors and nurses check my incision often.

I had some gas pain and bloating during my five day stay in the hospital. Gas tends to build up because the intestines are sluggish after surgery. Getting up and moving around will help your digestive system so about 24 hours after surgery your nurses will encourage you to get up and walk around. You probably will already have some practice getting up with the nurses help and going to the bathroom. I didn’t realize how much help I needed going to the bathroom and cleaning myself. I couldn’t say enough about the nurses they really help you with every step from breastfeeding, cleaning yourself, walking and going to the bathroom.
Walking was harder for me, I was tired after a few steps and I couldn’t stand up straight for a couple of days. It felt better on my incision if I hunched over when I walked.

Four days after my surgery my doctor came in again to check my incision and to take out the staples. This did pinch a bit but it wasn’t bad at all. I was offered pain meds throughout my stay in the hospital but did not take them unless I really needed them. My uterus contracting when I breastfed was very uncomfortable so pain medicine helped with that. They also discharged me with a prescription for pain meds, stool softeners and gas medicine.
They nurses also checked me for signs of postpartum depression.
When I was discharged, recovery was not as quick as I wanted but it went well. I had my husband, my mother and my mother in law all there to help me and that is exactly what I needed. They helped me in and out of my tall bed, cooked for us, did laundry and cleaned. All the things you do not want to do, nor do you have the strength for. If you have the money and do not have help after the birth of your child, I would recommend a postpartum doula. You really do need help.

Drink plenty of fluid so you don’t become constipated. My incision felt better day by day, but it was tender for a couple of months.
My vaginal bleeding diminished after about ten days but it can last up to six weeks. Every day that passed I got stronger and less uncomfortable. A cesarean section was major surgery and the end event was that I had two healthy babies, but I would never chose it if it was up to me. On the other hand, I never had a vaginal delivery so I have nothing to compare it to.
I was offered to have a second C-section this time around and barring any complications where a C-section was safer for me and the baby then I think I will try a vaginal birth.
Now who wants to tell me what to expect with that?

cesarean section, C-section, what to expect after a C-section, recovery from C-section, pregnancy, breech baby, new moms