Options can range from medication, therapy or even support groups for new parents. You get a very bad headache that does not go away. Here are some things you would need to let your doctor know: Youll probably see your doctor about 6 weeks after delivery. Policy. Having a baby is a major milestone in life. You can put a pillow over your stomach to ease the babys weight, or try these: Its important to get out of bed and walk around within 24 hours after surgery. Most women are awake for the C-section, and you should be able to hold your baby right away. 03/02/2022 07:18, Ahhh I had GD too, and an early section as well - don't be surprised if she comes out smaller, their estimations can be a bit off. You notice vision changes or have difficulty seeing. It takes about six weeks to recover from a C-section, but each person's timeline will be different. How much discomfort will you experience? Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. The feeling like my core didn't exist anymore was the last thing to fade - it's feeling fairly strong again now. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. What breastfeeding positions might work best for you? Postpartum depression. Afterpains are common during breastfeeding, due to the release of oxytocin. Dr. Higgins suggests having your partner, family members or friends help with tasks like planning and making meals, doing laundry and even helping to care for your baby. An abdominal binder, a wide compression belt that goes around your stomach, can also be used to offer additional support and avoid putting stress on sutures. Berens P. Overview of the postpartum period: Physiology, complications, and maternal care. Review/update the If you experience severe mood swings, loss of appetite, overwhelming fatigue and lack of joy in life shortly after childbirth, you might have postpartum depression. You may feel sick to your stomach, groggy, or itchy from the drugs used to numb you during the surgery. Dont have sex or participate in rigorous exercise either. Once you get home, check the site of your surgery regularly for signs of infection. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2017. https://www.ebscohost.com/ebooks. Labor, delivery and postpartum care FAQ006. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. This might include checking your abdomen, vagina, cervix and uterus to make sure you're healing well. During that time, it's recommended that you avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. The hardest part of my recovery from my normal birth was due to problems from the anaesthetic from when they repaired the tear. Some women bounce back quickly, others take longer to recover. Rest when possible. Childbirth triggers a jumble of powerful emotions. When a person has fully recovered, we view it as their graduation day, says Dr. Higgins. 2nd ed. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. Ask your doctor what they recommend. Heres what you need to know: Medications: You probably got pain-numbing medicine, such as an epidural, during your C-section, but it isnt likely to affect the baby much. If your breasts including the dark circles of skin around the nipples are engorged, latching might be difficult for your baby. This is all in addition to bonding with your newborn, which can include attempting to breastfeed. McGraw-Hill Education; 2018. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Seek pain relief. Between feedings, place cold washcloths on your breasts. Berghella V. Cesarean delivery: Postoperative issues. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Afterward, you can expect to spend 2-3 days in the hospital with your new little one as you recover. Obstetrics & Gynecology. Most people will spend two to four days in the hospital after a C-section. Mumsnet carries some affiliate marketing links, so if you buy something through our posts, we may get a small share of the sale (more details here). From abdominal pain to mood changes, here's what to expect during C-section recovery. So what can you do? Contact your health care provider if your incision is red, swollen or leaking discharge. Youll be taken to a recovery room, where nurses will check your blood pressure, heartbeat, and breathing and keep an eye on you. Here's what to expect: Vaginal discharge. 20/02/2023 11:55. But if you experience feelings like being depressed or feeling hopeless, talk to your doctor about postpartum depression and what it means. If the cut is closed with stitches, staples or glue, you should be able to remove the bandage and take showers, but check with your doctor first. It is also normal to have vaginal bleeding after a C-section, though its typically not as heavy as after a vaginal delivery. Understand how to take care of yourself and your baby during C-section recovery. http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/breastfeeding-guide. Tips To Help You Recover From Heart Surgery, Everything You Need To Know About Mommy Makeovers, Heres How Baby Botox Is Different From (and Similar To) Its Older Sibling, Everything You Need To Know About Creating a Birth Plan, What You Should Know About Postpartum Sex, 3 Exercises to Relieve Frozen or Stiff Shoulders, Artificial Sweetener Erythritols Major Health Risks, Best Ingredients and Products for Your Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. Keep it clean to prevent infections. It takes about six weeks to recover from a C-section, but each persons timeline will be different. Thats when the baby comes out through a cut in the mothers belly and uterus rather than going through the birth canal and coming out through the vagina. This content does not have an Arabic version. Even with the tear, recovery was much, much easier after the normal birth than than the c section. Then it will taper, become increasingly watery and change from pinkish brown to yellowish white. A few days after birth, your breasts might become full, firm and tender (engorgement) once they begin making milk. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of To ease breast discomfort, apply warm washcloths or take a warm shower before breastfeeding or expressing, which might make milk removal easier. After delivery, you'll begin to shed the superficial mucous membrane that lined your uterus during pregnancy. Mumsnet carries some affiliate marketing links, so if you buy something through our posts, we may get a small share of the sale (more details here). Don't pump your breasts or express the milk, which will cause your breasts to produce more milk. In: American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. Physical recovery from a C-section puts a lot of stress on the body, says Dr. Higgins. When youre washing, use mild soap and water and clean it lightly (dont scrub, particularly if your incision is closed with steristrips or glue). https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Postpartum-Depression. Your health care provider might recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever. Learn what to expect from a womens health expert. Make sure you keep your incision clean and dry. McGraw-Hill Education; 2019. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. You may be given a pump so you can change the amount of pain medication thats going through a thin tube into your veins. Accessed Jan. 31, 2020. During this time, the hospital staff will help with pain management, ensure youre eating and drinking enough and help you move around. All Rights Reserved. The baby blues typically subside within two weeks. Labor, delivery, and postpartum care FAQ091. While it can be exciting, it can also take a toll on your body. Anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Realistically, a normal birth with DC2 would likely not have gone well so a c section was safer all round, but I wouldn't have chosen to have one if she hadn't been breech. Generally, the first few days are the heaviest with the passing of blood clots up to the size of a golf ball. Contact your doctor if youre soaking one pad per hour or passing large clots. You have a cough, shortness or breath or pain in your chest, which could be a sign of a blood clot. After C-Section Surgery Most women are awake for the C-section, and you should be able to hold your baby right away. A C-section is major surgery. These contractions which often resemble menstrual cramps help prevent excessive bleeding by compressing the blood vessels in the uterus. Nursing positions: The site of the surgery may make it hard to find a comfortable position to nurse your baby. Giving birth is pretty exhausting at the best of times (and that's before they send you home with a completely dependent nocturnal animal to . Your provider also will talk about your sleep habits and issues related to fatigue, and do a physical exam. The backache eased when I did gentle walking, so might be worth giving that a go if you haven't already. In the days after surgery, you can expect: Your doctor will send you home with detailed instructions -- for instance, how long to keep your cut bandaged, how often to change bandages. 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I'm 15 weeks post c section now, and until your post I had completely forgotten about the twinging, pulling and backache. I got out of bed the following day and went home on day 3. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Ob/Gyn Erin Higgins, MD, explains what your recovery will look like and what to expect. I had a catheter in for the rest of that day and all night so was bed bound. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. You might feel contractions, sometimes called afterpains, during the first few days after the C-section. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. During the C-section recovery process, discomfort and fatigue are common. Stretch marks won't disappear after delivery, but eventually they'll fade from red to silver. You notice swelling in your hands, arms, or feet. DeCherney AH, et al., eds. Breastfeeding the newborn. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Take meds if you need them, plenty of water and listen to the physio. Share your feelings, and ask your partner, loved ones or friends for help. Your body will make milk about as quickly as after a vaginal delivery. Try over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage incision pain. While you're recovering from your C-section, remember that you're also recovering from pregnancy. At this point, you should have your final postpartum appointment with your doctor. There is a problem with 25th ed. If those feelings start disrupting your life and cause problems bonding with your baby, your doctor can offer some treatment options, says Dr. Higgins. information submitted for this request. Heres what to expect. You have a lot of vaginal bleeding, it smells bad or has unusually large clots. It can last up to four to six weeks postpartum, says Dr. Higgins. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If your pain has decreased and the incision is properly healing, you may be given the green light to resume normal daily life. It is pretty major abdominal surgery. To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account. If you're not breastfeeding, wear a supportive bra, such as a sports bra. The result is often an extra-lush head of hair but now it's payback time. Postpartum depression. Catheter out within 2 or 3hrs and up and about v quickly, caring for the babies easily. Pain can mess with the hormone that helps you make milk. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. Your guide to breastfeeding. In: Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Obstetrics & Gynecology. An incision typically a horizontal cut made in your lower abdomen can take weeks to heal. The average time taken to recover from a caesarean is six to eight weeks, but it's a bit of a "how long is a piece of string" question. 4-6 weeks before doing heavy exercises that involve your belly or lifting anything larger than your infant, 3 weeks (once you have a healed incision) to take a bath or go swimming, Your incision is red, swollen, hot to the touch, or leaking discharge. I've been exercising for about 5 weeks now (on week 4 of couch to 5k) and for the last couple of weeks I've been completely back . Theyll check your vagina, cervix, and uterus as well as your weight and blood pressure.