If you are gearing up to have a c-section, you’ll appreciate reading about c-section recovery before your scheduled date.
While pregnant with my first baby, I failed to educate myself on recovery and the fourth trimester. I vowed not to make the same mistake twice.
When I was pregnant with my son, I learned he measured in the 99th percentile. My doctor actually predicted that he would be the largest baby he’d ever delivered. So saying that I felt nervous was an understatement. Gulp. But ultimately I wanted a healthy and safe delivery. So I accepted the fact that I needed a c-section.
I reached out to my friends who had c-sections and did a good bit of research this time around so that I would be prepared. Now that I am 1 month postpartum and still going through the healing process, I am sharing everything you need to know about c-section recovery, including my favorite underwear (which is designed specifically for women healing from a c-section). I am fairly certain you will only want to wear these during your c-section recovery!
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C-Section Recovery
Things to Know Before Your C-Section
- Lochia after c-section: Like a vaginal birth, expect lochia. This is completely normal and how your body removes the extra blood and tissue.
- Recovery looks different: I had a vaginal birth and a c-section and recovery is different. They are both hard, just different. After my vaginal birth, my body definitely was feeling it. Sitting and pooping were two of my biggest hurdles. After my c-section, I felt so frustrated because I wanted to do things and I physically needed help. For example, I needed support getting out of bed and relied heavily on my husband to pick up my baby from his bassinet. Bending over, holding my baby, getting ready to breastfeed, and moving in general were things I wanted to do on my own. I needed help and had to accept that.
- Breastfeeding will be tough: Holding my baby while sitting up to breastfeed was not at all comfortable for me. While my nursing pillow helped me a lot, I did not love sitting up to breastfeed. It actually really frustrated me because I needed support feeding my son. Laying down to feed my son was much more comfortable. Having a proper breastfeeding bra is also key. These bras have been amazing. They are all that I wear these days.
- Lean on your support system: If family or friends offer support, accept the help. Say yes, whether it is dropping off a meal for your family, agreeing to watch your kids while you get some rest, or cleaning up around the house for you.
- You will want different underwear: Although I did my research before my c-section, I did not realize how seriously uncomfortable regular underwear felt on my incision. I lived in this underwear while I was recovering.
The Healing Process
The c-section recovery time can take up to 6 weeks. Your OB will likely book your postpartum appointment at your last prenatal appointment.
So remember to mark this date on your calendar. Following up with your doctor is important to ensure you are healing properly.
Getting rest and taking it easy can be difficult when you’re taking care of a newborn. I totally get it. If this is not your first baby, it can be even more challenging.
But rest is important, so be sure to prioritize self-care, too. This is something I have to actively remind myself of.
C-Section Recovery Essentials
1. Underwear
Regular underwear just does not cut it after a c-section. I had 2 underwear that were not terrible. The rest rubbed against my incision and I hated wearing them.
THESE underwear are designed for moms recovering from a c-section and these are all I wear. Seriously. I do not have to worry about it aggravating my incision. They are also so comfortable and 1000 times better than my regular underwear.
2. A Comfortable Nursing Bra
Whether you have a vaginal birth or a c-section, the fourth trimester is without a doubt uncomfortable. You are healing physically and emotionally.
Your breasts will leak and if you’re breastfeeding it will feel like that is all you’re during in this new phase of motherhood. So having a comfortable nursing bra is essential.
These bras are fantastic. Not only are they soft and gentle on the skin, but they are made with a purpose. You can wear these bras while you pump so you can be hands-free.
They also have one handed clip down access so you can breastfeed in a hurry. The straps can also convert to racerback.
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3. C-Section Recovery Belt
Wearing a recovery belt felt really great for me personally. It helped take some of the pressure off.
4. Loose Clothes
Some of my friends recommended that I buy gowns to wear during the fourth trimester, but gowns are just not my jam.
Instead, I am wearing t-shirts and loose pants.
5. Pads
Be sure to have large pads handy. You will need them.
6. Peri Bottle
You will quickly discover how amazing a peri bottle is. It is an easy way to keep yourself clean.
You honestly can’t go wrong keeping one in each bathroom of your house.
7. Unscented Soap
Before your first shower after your c-section, your doctor will advise that you use unscented soap on your incision.
I use unscented soap anyway since I have sensitive skin. This is the soap that I love and use.
8. Medicine
When you are discharged your doctor will send you home with prescriptions. Mine prescribed a painkiller (which I didn’t end up taking), ibuprofen, and a stool softener.
With your new crazy life mixed with a lack of sleep, it is very easy to forget whether or not you’ve taken your medication for the day.
This is why I like to use a weekly pill organizer to help remind me to take my medication. Otherwise, I’d be asking myself if I took my medicine on a daily basis.
9. Stool Softener
Avoid staying constipated with a stool softener. The last thing you want is to feel even more discomfort.
The Do’s and Don’ts After a C-Section
Do:
- Rest- I realize this is easier said than done. Especially if this isn’t your first baby. Rest as much as you can!
- Eat well- You are probably wondering what to eat after a c-section for fast recovery. Adequate nutrition will help your body heal. Reach for foods that are high in fiber to help keep you regular. Also, nourish your body with foods that are rich in calcium.
- Stay hydrated- Taking care of yourself includes staying hydrated. Quench your thirst with plenty of water. If you are breastfeeding, your daily water intake is especially important.
- Move- Gradually increase your daily activities. Do not push yourself too hard. Remember resting is also important during recovery.
- Listen to your doctor- Your doctor will talk to you before you are discharged. Listen to what he or she tells you. I had low iron after my c-section, so I was also asked to take medication to help with that.
- Wash your hands often- Always ensure that your hands are clean as you are caring for your incision.
- Wipe from front to back- Avoid infection by wiping from front to back.
- Use your peri bottle- This is one of my favorite postpartum must-haves. Fill your peri bottle with warm water and use it to clean your bottom after you have a bowel movement or urinate.
- Change your pad frequently- Keep an eye on your bleeding and change your pad often. Your blood flow should decrease and change from bright red to pinkish to brown to yellow or a cream color over time.
- Carefully clean your incision- Drip plain or soapy water over your incision and pat it dry with a towel. You can also let it air dry. Always keep your incision clean and dry.
- Use a pillow- A pillow can be helpful during c-section recovery. Hold a pillow against your incision when getting up from a lying or sitting position. You can also hold it over your incision when laughing or coughing.
Don’t:
- Lift
- Push
- Pull
- Become constipated- Take your stool softener!
- Do not be intimate until your doctor clears you
Warning Signs
- Heavy bright red bleeding that soaks a pad in an hour or less
- Pain, swelling, redness, drainage, or stinky discharge coming from your incision
- If the incision begins to open
- Discharge that has a bad odor coming from your lady bits
- Severe headache
- Blurred vision
- Chills or feverish (temperature over 100.4 degrees)
- Depressing thoughts
- If you feel pain, burning, redness, warmth, or firmness coming from your legs
- Painful breasts (swollen, hot, tight, itchy, sore spots, red streaks/redness)
- Sharp pains targeting your abdomen, breasts, or chest
- Dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling of sadness or mood swings
- Issues emptying your bladder or pain while urinating
- Difficulty having a bowel movement
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