
C-Section Recovery Essentials
I’ve mentioned here and there that Carter’s delivery was a C-Section. C-Section is short for the medical terminology Cesarean Section/Cesarean Delivery. It’s a surgical procedure to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. This type of childbirth delivery is necessary when vaginal birth is not possible. Reasons for a C-section could be due to the health of the mother, the size or position of the baby, mother is carrying more than one baby, baby’s health is in danger, or labor is not moving along as it should be.
In my case, I had to get a C-section because Carter was breeched at the time of the delivery. Which is crazy to think because during my entire pregnancy, Carter was head down haha. I was also a breech baby and had to be delivered via C-section. Did you know that the average number of C-sections in this country is about 32% of all childbirth delivery?
I know many people out there have opinions about how childbirth should be done. In my opinion, all births, whether via C-section or vaginal delivery, are equal and mothers should not be judged for the way they delivered their babies. As long as baby and mother is healthy, that’s all that matters.
My Experience
Having a C-section birth is a major surgery. All your insides are taken out in order to deliver the baby. The recovery time and hospital stay is longer than compared to moms who delivered via vaginal birth. I stayed in the hospital for three days. That first day, I was not allowed to walk or get up from my hospital bed for 24 hours. So they did not remove the catheter until I was exactly 24 hours out from surgery. The first time I took my first step was hard. So I started small and only walked to the bathroom with assistance at first. As I got more conformable walking to the bathroom without assistance, I started doing a lap around the maternity floor.
Recovery took about 6 weeks and there are strict restriction such as no lifting. Let me tell you, trying to take a step back with a newborn is really hard. Newborns need a lot of attention and it’s hard to figure out when you should or should not do something especially when I can tell Carter needs me. So if you can, ask for extra help!
I could not wait until I received the green light from my OB/GYN that I can resume my usual physical activity. Not only that, I experienced the baby blues. If you experienced the baby blues too to be open about with your doctor. I told mine and they were so helpful, supportive, and provided me resources. It also flagged them to monitor for postpartum depression.
If there’s anything cancer had taught me, it is to be open with my healthcare provider about my mental state. I was able to receive the help I need and get in a better place mentally and physically.
C Section Recovery Essentials
This post is dedicated to recovery essentials the are specific to the needs of C-section mamas and hopefully help C-section mamas recover quickly. If you know ahead of time that you will be getting a c-section, this post will help you pack for your hospital bag and what you will need when you’re home.
Nursing Pillow
Even if you are formula feeding (which I am), a nursing pillow such as the Boppy is extremely helpful during the recovery. Since you can’t lift, it may be difficult to carry or hold your baby. The nurse told me it is possible to hold your baby by placing the Boppy around my waist while sitting down and lay Carter on top of it. That way his weight is not all in my arms. I never thought to use it that way! Plus, the Boppy is multipurpose and you can use it a lounger or a tummy time pillow. Currently, Carter is using it as a way to hold himself up when he sits up.
Mesh Underwear / Disposable Underwear
C-section mamas also experience lochia and trust me you will use and only want to use mesh underwear / disposable underwear. I used the mesh underwear that the hospital provided and used the Fridababy Disposable Underwear when I was home. It’s nice that all I had to do throw them away when I was done using them.
Based on my conversations with other mamas I know who had a C-section, everyone’s incision was closed differently. For me, they used dissolvable stitches, and therefore did not bandaged my incision site. So it was nice that I wore disposable underwear over it and don’t have to worry about cleaning or ruining my underwear haha.
High Waisted Underwear
Another great underwear to wear is high-waisted underwear that are c-section friendly. I used the Kindred Bravely High Waisted Postpartum Underwear. It’s very soft, comfortable, and sits above your c-section line. They also designed this underwear to hold post surgery dressing or postpartum maternity pads.
Pain Relief
Like I said before, C-section is a major surgery which means you will be in pain. Typically, you will be prescribed with pain meds and then you will switch over to over-the-counter pain relief. When you’re in pain, you can’t function and I believe pain management is very helpful in any surgical recovery.
Belly Binder
Some hospitals will give you a belly binder to take home. I received one but I honestly had to switch to the the Belly Bandit one. It’s so much easier to put on and much more comfortable. I recommend getting your pre-pregnancy size. It’ll feel really snug especially at the beginning of your recovery. But as your body heals, it gets easier to put on.
The purpose of the belly binder is to pull your post-pregnancy tummy and help it feel secure. Right after birth, my tummy felt like jelly as if my organs are just shifting and jumping around whenever I move. So the Belly Bandit binder held everything together. I was told it is most helpful to wear your belly binder when you’re moving (versus sitting down). So I used mine whenever I would go on stroller walks.
Water Bottles
Just like during pregnancy, you have to drink A LOT of water during postpartum recovery. You might not need to bring a water bottle to the hospital but it is handy to have one at home so you don’t have to constantly get up and get more water. I didn’t need a water bottle at the hospital because every time someone came to my room, they brought me a large cup of water for me.
Love using this water bottle because it kept my water cold. I’m not a fan of drinking warm water haha. Drinking lots of water also helps soften your stool. And believe me, you will be backed up haha.
Stool Softeners
Aside from drinking water, your body will need assistance from a stool softener. Like I said, you will be very backed up and that first poop is painful because your incision is still healing. Bowl movement is a sign that your body and its organs are healing and functioning well. This might be TMI, but I struggled with my first poop. And that first one was painful!
Loose Fitting Clothes
You really don’t want anything to rub against your incision. So I recommend wearing loose-fitting clothes. You either want something to sit above or below your incision. I personally prefer to wear a dress (haha surprise, surprise). It’s just much more comfortable and didn’t have to worry about where it sits on my incision as long as I’m wearing the proper underwear. I highly recommend the Hill House Nap Dress. This dress is breastfeeding friendly (it’s also great during pregnancy too), and I recommend sizing down. I wrote a full review of them here.
CICA-Care Silicone Gel
To help with your c-section scar, my OB recommended I used the CICA-Care Silicone Gel. I used it and saw a difference with the appearance of my scar. It will not make your scar disappear but it helps protect your scar and reduce the appearance. All you have to do it cut out the patch to match your scar’s size and place it over your incision site. Super easy to use and it is reusable.
Take Regular Walks
Even though there are strict restrictions during recovery, you are allowed to walk. In fact, taking regular walks is encouraged. It helps with healing and you’ll be able to gain back your endurance. It’s also great way to add a cardio workout without too much pressure on your body. I personally loved taking walks because it is good for my mental health Something about getting out of the house and the fresh air helps so much! Carter and I did lots of stroller walks. I love to use these postpartum workout leggings. They’re engineered to support your tummy without losing its shape and doesn’t feel constricting. I usually wear my belly binder with it too during my walks.
Coconut Oil / Bio-Oil
Massaging your scar is very important. To help massage my scar, I used Coconut Oil or Bio-Oil. Massaging helps break up the fibers that surrounds the muscle. If you don’t break apart the fibers it can grow like spider webs and create adhesions to your muscle and organs and it can be painful. Massaging your c-section scar also helps reduce the appearance of the ‘C-Section shelf/C-Section pooch’.
All you need to do is rub the coconut oil or Bio-Oil over your incision site. Place your fingers 2-3 inches from your scar and start moving them in different direction. You only need to do this for 10 minutes. Remember to check with your doctor before you begin massaging your scar. Everyone heals differently!
Ask For Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Having a newborn is already overwhelming and trying to heal from a major surgery at the same time is a lot to take on. Anyone that offers, take it! It will help so so so much and you will feel so much better. I feel so grateful that both Tre and I’s parents were able to come over and help.
xo RD
Such a great post. Thanks for sharing Rach!
-Nina
http://www.stylingwithnina.com/2021/08/summer-date-night-look-ootn.html
Thanks Nina!
What a fab list! Most importantly, it’s okay to ask for help. Attempting to power through baby care single-handedly can leave one feeling overwhelmed and alone.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thank you Lovely!
Such a useful post for everyone who would go to c-section.
I didn’t know the average of c-section in US at least it’s only 30%. I thought it was more common.
My mum also gave me birth through a c-section.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
It’s definitely more common! Thank you Margot!
When I would babysit my cousins when they were babies, I loved using the boppy when I had to feed them. Makes it so much easier! Thanks for sharing. And I’m also glad you’re recovering well.
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
Definitely a lot easier!
Very insightful. It must be very helpful. Thank you so much for sharing these details. Lots of Love.
Thanks Mariann
First of all congrats and I hope you are now healed. It’s so important to ask for help if needed!
https://www.aproposh.com
Thank you Yvonne!
I cannot even imagine how hard it must be!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk
It wasn’t easy but it gets easier!
Oh I’ve had c section too,
and I’ve used high waisted underwears that are one size larger than my size
for comfort and ease. I did not massage my scar, nobody told me too, fortunately
for me my scar is not looking bad and is very thin.
I love your pics and your writing about c-section, brought back so many memories to me.
Ann
https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/
Thanks Ann! You totally get it. I believe the massage is to help with the fibers and alleviate the pouch.
I am sure many new moms will find this very useful.
Thanks Hena!
Wonderful post! I love the fact that you stress to ask for help. I think having a team to rely on makes all the difference when it comes to motherhood. Congrats on your delivery!
Cheers,
Tania
https://inspiremyfancy.com/
It totally does. Thank you Tania!
Very informative post, thank you ❤
Thanks Kinga!
These are great essentials for C-section delivery. I also had a C-section when my son was born because he was also breeched. Like you said, it’s a little weird considering they were both head down for most of our pregnancies. I am just glad that our doctors were able to detect that they were breeched before anything happened. I also experience d the baby blues. I think it was the combination of lack of sleep and trying to recover that made things so difficult. Before giving birth, things were so different you know. Then bam, everything was turned upside down. Back to your list of essentials though, my doctor didn’t give me a belly binder. I actually have not heard of this until today! Crazy, right?! I hope you and family are doing well and happy Thursday!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Exactly! It was a sudden change. But now, I can’t imagine life without my little guy. Not every hospital provides everything you need but the binder really helped!
Muy buen post para futuras mamás ^^
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your story, Rach! And congratulations on the arrival of little Carter, so gorgeous! Wishing you both all the best.
Thank you Katerina!
I am going to have to share this with my sister. Thanks for sharing!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk
Thanks Danielle!
So brave to share your experience. I love what you recommended as well 🙂 http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2021/09/the-toastiest-faux-fur-coats-to-wear.html
Thank you Heather!