Recovering From A Cesarean Section

Counting both elective and emergency procedures, around one third of births in the US are now by C-section. Although this is now a relatively low risk procedure, there is evidence that it can affect subsequent fertility. This – and the need to avoid pointless discomfort – makes it vital that mothers who have had a c-section do all they can to recover in the best way.

In the hospital

You’ll usually stay in the hospital for around three to five days after the birth. At first you’ll be given pain killers to help relieve residual pain from the surgery but these will be cut back as soon as possible. If you’ve had general anesthesia then the midwife will also be taking steps to help you recover from that.

You will usually be encouraged to resume walking again at least by the day after surgery if not earlier. Apart from psychological benefits this helps the circulation (especially cutting the risk of blood clots), and also helps get the digestive system moving again. Again, use of a binder helps confidence in walking.

Using A Postpartum Girdle

One way to speed up recovery in terms of getting moving again is to wear a c-section abdominal binder or a postpartum girdle. This gives you more confidence even whilst still laying in bed, especially when breast-feeding so you can lay on your side if you find that more comfortable, and in dealing with any pressure on the incision. Using a binder from the start also helps reduce scar tissue. Don’t necessarily rely on the hospital to provide a suitable binder – you may be better off buying one yourself.

Recovery At Home

When you get home you still need to think of the recovery period as weeks rather than days. You may need painkiller still for a while. Dependence on painkiller is also reduced by binding because it cuts down swelling and soreness.

Still aim to keep moving as much as you feel comfortable with, but do not do heavy housework, or lift anything heavy, for at least two months.

What About The Scar?

You’ll need to keep a careful eye on the scar. Although it will be sore, it should progressively heal. If you find that instead it starts to get redder, or there is discharge, or you get feverish, or pain is noticeably worse, get medical advice at once.

After about six weeks the scar will have shrunk significantly; it will get narrower and match your skin color better. You can help the scar healing significantly by massaging the scar on a daily basis, just for a few minutes each time. Hold the bottom of the scar and massage it gently but firmly. This helps the tissue to heal and come together in its natural pattern, rather than being lumpy and rough.

Psychologically, you may be affected by the C-section. Quite a few women who have had c-sections say they feel that the birth process was somehow incomplete or unsatisfactory because it was not ‘normal’. If this feeling persists you should seek out a sympathetic listener, whether that’s a medical practitioner, a counsellor or just a friend who’s been through it too. You may also have psychological effects relating to sexual activity. Although it’s usually safe to resume sex about six weeks after a c-section, you will need to be careful about pressure on the incision; and you may simply not feel like it. This is something you can discuss at your post natal check up. Each woman regains libido at her own pace. If you have any concerns about this speak to your medical practitioner.