C-Section Recovery: The Honest Truth
Hi Momma Bear!
I’m assuming if you’re here reading this, you are probably recovering, or going to be recovering from a c-section. I wanted to take the time to be honest and open about my experience so far, in hopes that it will HELP prepare (or bring comfort) to you.
As most of you know, I had a scheduled c-section at 36 weeks. My first two deliveries were vaginal, so I was extremely nervous to deliver Luke. The actual c-section was a breeze. It was quick, and I don’t feel like it was anything to be afraid of.
Recovery is where the journey really began for me. I’m almost a week postpartum so while everything is fresh, and new, I wanted to share the honest truth about c-sections.
- Plan to have a lot of help. My girlfriends warned me that I’d need help, but nothing could prepare me for how helpless I would feel. I couldn’t do anything by myself. (And I still can’t!) Getting up, walking, using the restroom, showering…seriously. The pain was so bad for me that I couldn’t even squat to sit on the toilet. I even had one time where I peed on myself. I feel so embarrassed to write this but it’s the truth…and I just want to be real with you all. At one point I was just sobbing as Tanner held me because the slightest movement was giving me excruciating pain. And again this is how it’s been for me, it’s by no means everyone’s recovery story. So bottom line: Plan for help, and accept the help even when it’s embarrassing and awkward. It’s only a season. (That’s what I tell myself every day.) Oh and thank God for loving husbands. I don’t know what I ever did to deserve Tanner!
- Don’t miss your medication. When you go home you’ll be prescribed medicine to take around the clock. Take it! Now is not the time to be a hero. The pain will be horrible if you forget to take your medicine.
- Walking will be difficult at first. Moving around is going to be very painful and hard at first. I was pretty much hunched over, scooting my feet where they needed to go in the beginning. It was hard, but now I’m five days in and it’s gotten much easier and less painful.
- Water retention is no joke. I had no idea that I’d be so swollen after my c-section! And not just my feet. It was my legs and face too! It’s expected to be gone completely by week two so I’m looking forward to that.
- Avoid laughing, coughing, or sneezing. My sweet Haven said something so funny when I got home from the hospital and I couldn’t help but laugh. There are no words to describe how much that hurt! It was the sharpest stabbing pain I’ve ever felt. So if you realize you are going to laugh, sneeze, or cough, place a pillow where your incision is to help soften the blow.
- Be careful how you move. Try your best to not strain your stomach muscles. Use your arm and leg strength to move around. And try not to twist at all. Oh and move slowly.
- You can’t lift anything heavier than your baby. This is one of the hardest parts for me because I am a mom of three. Not being able to snuggle my two toddlers whenever I want is so hard. I’ve cried on several occasions because they miss me, and I miss them terribly! Tanner brings my one year old to me throughout the day and he holds him while I kiss and hug him. My three year old comes and sits with me throughout the day because she understands what’s going on a bit more. So we just tell her that mommy has a boo boo and she can’t touch or climb on me right now. We snuggle side by side and I usually talk to her, tell her stories or read to her. I do everything I can to spend time with the kids in a way that keeps me safe and them feeling extra loved still. (Eek it’s so hard though!!)
- Gas pain can be worse than labor pain. During your c-section you (obviously) get cut open which causes air to get trapped inside you. This causes gas pain. And let me tell you…it is very painful. I was not expecting it to feel the way it did. Walking helps allow the gas to pass, as well as laying on your side. But don’t force yourself to move if it’s too painful. Listen to your body.
- Don’t compare your recovery to someone else’s. This is YOUR recovery. Maybe it’ll be quick and easy, and maybe it’ll be long and difficult. Don’t beat yourself up about it. I already have had to take a step back and give myself grace. I thought I’d be one of the few that just bounced back and it’s been the total opposite. C-sections are a major surgery. You’ve got to expect the healing to take time.
- It will get better. Every day you should see some improvement. When I first got home I thought I’d never experience a break through moment but I’m doing SO much better today than yesterday. So even when it seems like it will not get better, I promise you it will! Hang in there momma bear.
- Wear a binder or support girdle. This is my BFF right now. When I first thought about pressure anywhere near my incision, it just seemed insane and painful! But wow it is not. In fact it gives me instant relief and support. I’m in much more pain when I don’t have it on. I’m using the one they gave me at the hospital, but this one from bellefit is going to be coming in he mail this week and I’ve heard it’s incredible. I’ll review it and let you know my thoughts.
- Take it slow. You really have to listen to your body. I tried to walk a lot two days postpartum and that’s what I blame for my excruciating pain before I went to bed that night. You’ll hear how much walking helps speed up recovery, and that is true. But it’s done in accordance to how YOUR body is doing. So don’t be like me and try to overdue it. Your body will be quick to tell you that you’re crazy.
- Have the right clothing. A lot of you mommas gave me great recommendations of what to wear postpartum! So far I’m just in nursing nightgowns. (THIS one is my favorite) It’s easy not just when you have to feed the baby, but when I’m having to use the restroom I don’t have to worry about pulling leggings or pajama pants down. (Oh the joys of recovery!) Every little movement makes a difference so the less I have to strain myself the better. Also load up on the high waisted underwear and buy yourself the largest pads you possibly can. You’ll need them.
- Keep the visitors to a minimum. I know that when a new baby comes, everyone wants to meet him/her. But be ok with politely saying no. I can be such a people pleaser…but I’ve had to learn to say, “not right now.” You’re recovering from a surgery! Give yourself the proper amount of time to heal and FEEL ready for company. It’s ok!
- Pray. Ask for prayer. Pray some more. All I know is that prayer is what is keeping me sane. I’m pretty certain I’ve been on the verge of a nervous breakdown with all this pain. Tanner prays with me, and my parents are constantly praying for even the tiny details of my recovery. I literally asked for prayer that getting up and walking to use the restroom wouldn’t hurt so bad. I’m just honest with everyone because there’s no reason to try and hide what I’m going through. It’s rough. It’s hard. And let’s be real…I need the prayers!!
- Be patient. Do I even have the right to encourage you to do this when I’m struggling so badly right now?! The recovery time is 6 weeks. Odds are, you and I won’t be the miraculous one that defys all odds. So be patient with this healing process. In the moments where it feels unbearable, and I feel like I can not possibly endure another moment, I think about my son and I thank God. He was worth it. He’s worth this recovery.
- Be proud of yourself. Maybe you feel helpless right now, and are struggling to see past the moment you are in. But choose to be proud of yourself. You brought a human into this world, and are selflessly enduring this pain while lovingly tending to your beautiful baby. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like one amazing momma bear, and one incredible woman. That’s YOU. So hang in there. It’ll get better. And soon enough you and I will be on the other side of this.
Here are a few verses that have helped me in the moments where I didn’t know how I could possibly do this another day:
“I lift my eyes up to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.”
-Psalm 121:1-2
“You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.”
-Isaiah 26:3
“Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
-Isaiah 41:10
Lastly, here are the items I have so far that have
been worth every penny in this recovery process!!
I’m praying you have an easy recovery and that this helped you in some way! You got this momma bear!
Xo, Tay
Vini
Hello Beautiful Tanner,
I am delivering my baby on May 23rd and am 31 weeks right now. Please pray for me. Your article was helpful. ? I went through a myomectomy in August and it was a similar surgery to a c-section and I was not aware of the after effect, everything you described in this article is soo very true and how I felt. God is so good to help us along the way, of course, healing is a process and it takes time. It is good to see that you are feeling better. Praying for a speedy recovery and health to your bones! Congratulations on baby #3! We are so thrilled and excited about our baby girl. Also, thanks for the verses! ?
Blessings to you!
Zahra
Well described ?
Hope u get well very soon
Brenda
Your honesty will be an encouragement for many momma’s out there who find their way to this blog for many years to come. Praying for a quick recovery and God’s continued peace no matter the circumstances. Thank you for being a shining light in this world.
Nicole
Good luck on your recovery! I’ve had two natural births and then my 3rd was an emergency csection. The weird part was that for me the csection recovery was a breeze! So much easier than the natural birth recoveries I had. I never needed pain killers once I came home. I was doing everything myself. I didn’t realize how blessed I must have been! I know my story is not the norm. I’m pregnant with my 4th now and really debating a vbac or a repeat csection. Hoping you feel better soon! Your son is beautiful!