Skip to content15 C-SECTION RECOVERY TIPS TO HELP YOU HEAL FASTER
15 C-SECTION RECOVERY TIPS TO HELP YOU HEAL FASTER 15. Take care of yourself (extra snuggles with the baby)
Lastly, remember that this is just a phase and it will pass, so make sure to enjoy this time with your baby as much as you can. Baby snuggles are the best thing in the world and they don’t last forever. So, savor and enjoy these moments as much as you can!
Related: 6 ways I take care of myself
Related: Tips to help you become a more patient parent
I hope these c-section recovery tips were helpful to you. Whether it’s a c-section or vaginal birth, any form of delivery comes with its own set of physical and emotional challenges. To recover from your postpartum phase quickly it is best to have as much family and friends support around you. Sharing your emotions with your partner or a friend can help you heal faster and can help you be in a better mental place to take care of your baby.
15. Take care of yourself (extra snuggles with the baby)
Lastly, remember that this is just a phase and it will pass, so make sure to enjoy this time with your baby as much as you can. Baby snuggles are the best thing in the world and they don’t last forever. So, savor and enjoy these moments as much as you can!
Related: 6 ways I take care of myself
Related: Tips to help you become a more patient parent
I hope these c-section recovery tips were helpful to you. Whether it’s a c-section or vaginal birth, any form of delivery comes with its own set of physical and emotional challenges. To recover from your postpartum phase quickly it is best to have as much family and friends support around you. Sharing your emotions with your partner or a friend can help you heal faster and can help you be in a better mental place to take care of your baby.
15. Take care of yourself (extra snuggles with the baby)
Lastly, remember that this is just a phase and it will pass, so make sure to enjoy this time with your baby as much as you can. Baby snuggles are the best thing in the world and they don’t last forever. So, savor and enjoy these moments as much as you can!
Related: 6 ways I take care of myself
Related: Tips to help you become a more patient parent
I hope these c-section recovery tips were helpful to you. Whether it’s a c-section or vaginal birth, any form of delivery comes with its own set of physical and emotional challenges. To recover from your postpartum phase quickly it is best to have as much family and friends support around you. Sharing your emotions with your partner or a friend can help you heal faster and can help you be in a better mental place to take care of your baby.
13. Call your provider if you feel pain
While recovering from a c-section, all these tips will help you in the process but at the same time, it is very important to watch out for any concerning signs. Below are a few signs that you should call your doctor for right away if you notice them
- Redness, swelling or puss oozing out from the incision
- Excessive pain in the incision
- High fever of more than 100.4
- Pain in your breast
- You feel too depressed or sad
- Pain or swelling in leg which could be due to blood clots
- Nausea or vomiting
14. Drink plenty of water
Hydration is the most important way of taking care of your body whether you are pregnant, post-delivery or breastfeeding. Drinking enough water helps keep your body fueled, boosts your milk supply and avoids constipation.
15. Take care of yourself (extra snuggles with the baby)
Lastly, remember that this is just a phase and it will pass, so make sure to enjoy this time with your baby as much as you can. Baby snuggles are the best thing in the world and they don’t last forever. So, savor and enjoy these moments as much as you can!
Related: 6 ways I take care of myself
Related: Tips to help you become a more patient parent
I hope these c-section recovery tips were helpful to you. Whether it’s a c-section or vaginal birth, any form of delivery comes with its own set of physical and emotional challenges. To recover from your postpartum phase quickly it is best to have as much family and friends support around you. Sharing your emotions with your partner or a friend can help you heal faster and can help you be in a better mental place to take care of your baby.
11. Keep a nutritious diet
It is important to be at the top of your diet making sure that you are taking in all the nutrients and vitamins that can help you to heal faster. Maintaining a good diet can help produce collagen in your body that in turn can help in repairing tissue cells faster.
Related: Green smoothie – blend of tasty & healthy
Related: Stuffed portobello mushrooms
12. Use an ice pack for itching area
One of the things that you will notice is your desperate urge to itch near the incision area. Don’t do it as it can be painful and there is always a risk of you infecting it or pulling out your stiches. Try using an icepack in that area, to get some relief from the itching.
13. Call your provider if you feel pain
While recovering from a c-section, all these tips will help you in the process but at the same time, it is very important to watch out for any concerning signs. Below are a few signs that you should call your doctor for right away if you notice them
- Redness, swelling or puss oozing out from the incision
- Excessive pain in the incision
- High fever of more than 100.4
- Pain in your breast
- You feel too depressed or sad
- Pain or swelling in leg which could be due to blood clots
- Nausea or vomiting
14. Drink plenty of water
Hydration is the most important way of taking care of your body whether you are pregnant, post-delivery or breastfeeding. Drinking enough water helps keep your body fueled, boosts your milk supply and avoids constipation.
15. Take care of yourself (extra snuggles with the baby)
Lastly, remember that this is just a phase and it will pass, so make sure to enjoy this time with your baby as much as you can. Baby snuggles are the best thing in the world and they don’t last forever. So, savor and enjoy these moments as much as you can!
Related: 6 ways I take care of myself
Related: Tips to help you become a more patient parent
I hope these c-section recovery tips were helpful to you. Whether it’s a c-section or vaginal birth, any form of delivery comes with its own set of physical and emotional challenges. To recover from your postpartum phase quickly it is best to have as much family and friends support around you. Sharing your emotions with your partner or a friend can help you heal faster and can help you be in a better mental place to take care of your baby.
11. Keep a nutritious diet
It is important to be at the top of your diet making sure that you are taking in all the nutrients and vitamins that can help you to heal faster. Maintaining a good diet can help produce collagen in your body that in turn can help in repairing tissue cells faster.
Related: Green smoothie – blend of tasty & healthy
Related: Stuffed portobello mushrooms
12. Use an ice pack for itching area
One of the things that you will notice is your desperate urge to itch near the incision area. Don’t do it as it can be painful and there is always a risk of you infecting it or pulling out your stiches. Try using an icepack in that area, to get some relief from the itching.
13. Call your provider if you feel pain
While recovering from a c-section, all these tips will help you in the process but at the same time, it is very important to watch out for any concerning signs. Below are a few signs that you should call your doctor for right away if you notice them
- Redness, swelling or puss oozing out from the incision
- Excessive pain in the incision
- High fever of more than 100.4
- Pain in your breast
- You feel too depressed or sad
- Pain or swelling in leg which could be due to blood clots
- Nausea or vomiting
14. Drink plenty of water
Hydration is the most important way of taking care of your body whether you are pregnant, post-delivery or breastfeeding. Drinking enough water helps keep your body fueled, boosts your milk supply and avoids constipation.
15. Take care of yourself (extra snuggles with the baby)
Lastly, remember that this is just a phase and it will pass, so make sure to enjoy this time with your baby as much as you can. Baby snuggles are the best thing in the world and they don’t last forever. So, savor and enjoy these moments as much as you can!
Related: 6 ways I take care of myself
Related: Tips to help you become a more patient parent
I hope these c-section recovery tips were helpful to you. Whether it’s a c-section or vaginal birth, any form of delivery comes with its own set of physical and emotional challenges. To recover from your postpartum phase quickly it is best to have as much family and friends support around you. Sharing your emotions with your partner or a friend can help you heal faster and can help you be in a better mental place to take care of your baby.
7. Use a nursing pillow to support your abdomen during breastfeeding
Nursing pillow was very helpful to me in positioning my daughter properly while breastfeeding her. It gave me that extra support to hold the baby comfortably as after having a c-section it is very difficult to sit up.
Related: Top 12 baby products that helped me a lot as a new mom
8. Get emotional support
It is very important to have good mental health so that you can take the best care of your baby. If you are feeling depressed or sad try talking to your partner, friends or even get some professional help if needed. Sharing what’s in your mind and getting rid of that emotional burden can relieve you from a lot of stress and also help avoid serious conditions like postpartum depression.
9. Get as much rest as possible
Getting rest is probably easier said than done. As a new mom, you will mostly find yourself tired, sleep-deprived and exhausted from taking care of your baby all the time. But to recover post the surgery, it is really important to take rest as much as possible as that can help you heal faster. A few ways you can do that is by making use of your hospital stay and sending your baby to the nursery in the hospital while you can rest. Once you are back from the hospital you can either ask a family member to help you out with the baby while you can catch up some sleep, or you can also hire a doula.
Related: 32 newborn hacks every mom should know about
10. Use a heating pad to relieve pain
I found using a heating pad very helpful in relieving the pain. I would use it at the right temperature I was comfortable with and place it over my shirt or binder. This was so helpful!
11. Keep a nutritious diet
It is important to be at the top of your diet making sure that you are taking in all the nutrients and vitamins that can help you to heal faster. Maintaining a good diet can help produce collagen in your body that in turn can help in repairing tissue cells faster.
Related: Green smoothie – blend of tasty & healthy
Related: Stuffed portobello mushrooms
12. Use an ice pack for itching area
One of the things that you will notice is your desperate urge to itch near the incision area. Don’t do it as it can be painful and there is always a risk of you infecting it or pulling out your stiches. Try using an icepack in that area, to get some relief from the itching.
13. Call your provider if you feel pain
While recovering from a c-section, all these tips will help you in the process but at the same time, it is very important to watch out for any concerning signs. Below are a few signs that you should call your doctor for right away if you notice them
- Redness, swelling or puss oozing out from the incision
- Excessive pain in the incision
- High fever of more than 100.4
- Pain in your breast
- You feel too depressed or sad
- Pain or swelling in leg which could be due to blood clots
- Nausea or vomiting
14. Drink plenty of water
Hydration is the most important way of taking care of your body whether you are pregnant, post-delivery or breastfeeding. Drinking enough water helps keep your body fueled, boosts your milk supply and avoids constipation.
15. Take care of yourself (extra snuggles with the baby)
Lastly, remember that this is just a phase and it will pass, so make sure to enjoy this time with your baby as much as you can. Baby snuggles are the best thing in the world and they don’t last forever. So, savor and enjoy these moments as much as you can!
Related: 6 ways I take care of myself
Related: Tips to help you become a more patient parent
I hope these c-section recovery tips were helpful to you. Whether it’s a c-section or vaginal birth, any form of delivery comes with its own set of physical and emotional challenges. To recover from your postpartum phase quickly it is best to have as much family and friends support around you. Sharing your emotions with your partner or a friend can help you heal faster and can help you be in a better mental place to take care of your baby.
7. Use a nursing pillow to support your abdomen during breastfeeding
Nursing pillow was very helpful to me in positioning my daughter properly while breastfeeding her. It gave me that extra support to hold the baby comfortably as after having a c-section it is very difficult to sit up.
Related: Top 12 baby products that helped me a lot as a new mom
8. Get emotional support
It is very important to have good mental health so that you can take the best care of your baby. If you are feeling depressed or sad try talking to your partner, friends or even get some professional help if needed. Sharing what’s in your mind and getting rid of that emotional burden can relieve you from a lot of stress and also help avoid serious conditions like postpartum depression.
9. Get as much rest as possible
Getting rest is probably easier said than done. As a new mom, you will mostly find yourself tired, sleep-deprived and exhausted from taking care of your baby all the time. But to recover post the surgery, it is really important to take rest as much as possible as that can help you heal faster. A few ways you can do that is by making use of your hospital stay and sending your baby to the nursery in the hospital while you can rest. Once you are back from the hospital you can either ask a family member to help you out with the baby while you can catch up some sleep, or you can also hire a doula.
Related: 32 newborn hacks every mom should know about
10. Use a heating pad to relieve pain
I found using a heating pad very helpful in relieving the pain. I would use it at the right temperature I was comfortable with and place it over my shirt or binder. This was so helpful!
11. Keep a nutritious diet
It is important to be at the top of your diet making sure that you are taking in all the nutrients and vitamins that can help you to heal faster. Maintaining a good diet can help produce collagen in your body that in turn can help in repairing tissue cells faster.
Related: Green smoothie – blend of tasty & healthy
Related: Stuffed portobello mushrooms
12. Use an ice pack for itching area
One of the things that you will notice is your desperate urge to itch near the incision area. Don’t do it as it can be painful and there is always a risk of you infecting it or pulling out your stiches. Try using an icepack in that area, to get some relief from the itching.
13. Call your provider if you feel pain
While recovering from a c-section, all these tips will help you in the process but at the same time, it is very important to watch out for any concerning signs. Below are a few signs that you should call your doctor for right away if you notice them
- Redness, swelling or puss oozing out from the incision
- Excessive pain in the incision
- High fever of more than 100.4
- Pain in your breast
- You feel too depressed or sad
- Pain or swelling in leg which could be due to blood clots
- Nausea or vomiting
14. Drink plenty of water
Hydration is the most important way of taking care of your body whether you are pregnant, post-delivery or breastfeeding. Drinking enough water helps keep your body fueled, boosts your milk supply and avoids constipation.
15. Take care of yourself (extra snuggles with the baby)
Lastly, remember that this is just a phase and it will pass, so make sure to enjoy this time with your baby as much as you can. Baby snuggles are the best thing in the world and they don’t last forever. So, savor and enjoy these moments as much as you can!
Related: 6 ways I take care of myself
Related: Tips to help you become a more patient parent
I hope these c-section recovery tips were helpful to you. Whether it’s a c-section or vaginal birth, any form of delivery comes with its own set of physical and emotional challenges. To recover from your postpartum phase quickly it is best to have as much family and friends support around you. Sharing your emotions with your partner or a friend can help you heal faster and can help you be in a better mental place to take care of your baby.
4. Start walking when you get the green light
As soon as you get the green signal from the doctor try to add a small walking session in your routine. Walking will increase circulation which will reduce your risk of blood clots, help with bowel function and increase your ability to heal. After six weeks of complete rest, I had slowly started walking for as little as 15 minutes just outside my home and it did help me to heal quicker.
5. Stock up your home with must-have c-section products
To recover as quickly as possible, it is important to take as much care and rest as possible. One way to feel more rested after the surgery is to use a post-pregnancy product like a belly binder or maternity underwear that can help relieve the pain, make you feel more comfortable and help you recover fast. I have an entire post on the c-section recovery kit with great products that you can use that will help you recover faster.
Related: 24 must have c-section recovery kit essentials
6. Use a stool softener
Pain meds taken after the c-section can lead to constipation which can increase pressure on the incision and cause a lot of pain. To avoid this, ask your doctor for a stool softener that can help with that. Also, eat fiber-rich food and drink a lot of water.
7. Use a nursing pillow to support your abdomen during breastfeeding
Nursing pillow was very helpful to me in positioning my daughter properly while breastfeeding her. It gave me that extra support to hold the baby comfortably as after having a c-section it is very difficult to sit up.
Related: Top 12 baby products that helped me a lot as a new mom
8. Get emotional support
It is very important to have good mental health so that you can take the best care of your baby. If you are feeling depressed or sad try talking to your partner, friends or even get some professional help if needed. Sharing what’s in your mind and getting rid of that emotional burden can relieve you from a lot of stress and also help avoid serious conditions like postpartum depression.
9. Get as much rest as possible
Getting rest is probably easier said than done. As a new mom, you will mostly find yourself tired, sleep-deprived and exhausted from taking care of your baby all the time. But to recover post the surgery, it is really important to take rest as much as possible as that can help you heal faster. A few ways you can do that is by making use of your hospital stay and sending your baby to the nursery in the hospital while you can rest. Once you are back from the hospital you can either ask a family member to help you out with the baby while you can catch up some sleep, or you can also hire a doula.
Related: 32 newborn hacks every mom should know about
10. Use a heating pad to relieve pain
I found using a heating pad very helpful in relieving the pain. I would use it at the right temperature I was comfortable with and place it over my shirt or binder. This was so helpful!
11. Keep a nutritious diet
It is important to be at the top of your diet making sure that you are taking in all the nutrients and vitamins that can help you to heal faster. Maintaining a good diet can help produce collagen in your body that in turn can help in repairing tissue cells faster.
Related: Green smoothie – blend of tasty & healthy
Related: Stuffed portobello mushrooms
12. Use an ice pack for itching area
One of the things that you will notice is your desperate urge to itch near the incision area. Don’t do it as it can be painful and there is always a risk of you infecting it or pulling out your stiches. Try using an icepack in that area, to get some relief from the itching.
13. Call your provider if you feel pain
While recovering from a c-section, all these tips will help you in the process but at the same time, it is very important to watch out for any concerning signs. Below are a few signs that you should call your doctor for right away if you notice them
- Redness, swelling or puss oozing out from the incision
- Excessive pain in the incision
- High fever of more than 100.4
- Pain in your breast
- You feel too depressed or sad
- Pain or swelling in leg which could be due to blood clots
- Nausea or vomiting
14. Drink plenty of water
Hydration is the most important way of taking care of your body whether you are pregnant, post-delivery or breastfeeding. Drinking enough water helps keep your body fueled, boosts your milk supply and avoids constipation.
15. Take care of yourself (extra snuggles with the baby)
Lastly, remember that this is just a phase and it will pass, so make sure to enjoy this time with your baby as much as you can. Baby snuggles are the best thing in the world and they don’t last forever. So, savor and enjoy these moments as much as you can!
Related: 6 ways I take care of myself
Related: Tips to help you become a more patient parent
I hope these c-section recovery tips were helpful to you. Whether it’s a c-section or vaginal birth, any form of delivery comes with its own set of physical and emotional challenges. To recover from your postpartum phase quickly it is best to have as much family and friends support around you. Sharing your emotions with your partner or a friend can help you heal faster and can help you be in a better mental place to take care of your baby.
4. Start walking when you get the green light
As soon as you get the green signal from the doctor try to add a small walking session in your routine. Walking will increase circulation which will reduce your risk of blood clots, help with bowel function and increase your ability to heal. After six weeks of complete rest, I had slowly started walking for as little as 15 minutes just outside my home and it did help me to heal quicker.
5. Stock up your home with must-have c-section products
To recover as quickly as possible, it is important to take as much care and rest as possible. One way to feel more rested after the surgery is to use a post-pregnancy product like a belly binder or maternity underwear that can help relieve the pain, make you feel more comfortable and help you recover fast. I have an entire post on the c-section recovery kit with great products that you can use that will help you recover faster.
Related: 24 must have c-section recovery kit essentials
6. Use a stool softener
Pain meds taken after the c-section can lead to constipation which can increase pressure on the incision and cause a lot of pain. To avoid this, ask your doctor for a stool softener that can help with that. Also, eat fiber-rich food and drink a lot of water.
7. Use a nursing pillow to support your abdomen during breastfeeding
Nursing pillow was very helpful to me in positioning my daughter properly while breastfeeding her. It gave me that extra support to hold the baby comfortably as after having a c-section it is very difficult to sit up.
Related: Top 12 baby products that helped me a lot as a new mom
8. Get emotional support
It is very important to have good mental health so that you can take the best care of your baby. If you are feeling depressed or sad try talking to your partner, friends or even get some professional help if needed. Sharing what’s in your mind and getting rid of that emotional burden can relieve you from a lot of stress and also help avoid serious conditions like postpartum depression.
9. Get as much rest as possible
Getting rest is probably easier said than done. As a new mom, you will mostly find yourself tired, sleep-deprived and exhausted from taking care of your baby all the time. But to recover post the surgery, it is really important to take rest as much as possible as that can help you heal faster. A few ways you can do that is by making use of your hospital stay and sending your baby to the nursery in the hospital while you can rest. Once you are back from the hospital you can either ask a family member to help you out with the baby while you can catch up some sleep, or you can also hire a doula.
Related: 32 newborn hacks every mom should know about
10. Use a heating pad to relieve pain
I found using a heating pad very helpful in relieving the pain. I would use it at the right temperature I was comfortable with and place it over my shirt or binder. This was so helpful!
11. Keep a nutritious diet
It is important to be at the top of your diet making sure that you are taking in all the nutrients and vitamins that can help you to heal faster. Maintaining a good diet can help produce collagen in your body that in turn can help in repairing tissue cells faster.
Related: Green smoothie – blend of tasty & healthy
Related: Stuffed portobello mushrooms
12. Use an ice pack for itching area
One of the things that you will notice is your desperate urge to itch near the incision area. Don’t do it as it can be painful and there is always a risk of you infecting it or pulling out your stiches. Try using an icepack in that area, to get some relief from the itching.
13. Call your provider if you feel pain
While recovering from a c-section, all these tips will help you in the process but at the same time, it is very important to watch out for any concerning signs. Below are a few signs that you should call your doctor for right away if you notice them
- Redness, swelling or puss oozing out from the incision
- Excessive pain in the incision
- High fever of more than 100.4
- Pain in your breast
- You feel too depressed or sad
- Pain or swelling in leg which could be due to blood clots
- Nausea or vomiting
14. Drink plenty of water
Hydration is the most important way of taking care of your body whether you are pregnant, post-delivery or breastfeeding. Drinking enough water helps keep your body fueled, boosts your milk supply and avoids constipation.
15. Take care of yourself (extra snuggles with the baby)
Lastly, remember that this is just a phase and it will pass, so make sure to enjoy this time with your baby as much as you can. Baby snuggles are the best thing in the world and they don’t last forever. So, savor and enjoy these moments as much as you can!
Related: 6 ways I take care of myself
Related: Tips to help you become a more patient parent
I hope these c-section recovery tips were helpful to you. Whether it’s a c-section or vaginal birth, any form of delivery comes with its own set of physical and emotional challenges. To recover from your postpartum phase quickly it is best to have as much family and friends support around you. Sharing your emotions with your partner or a friend can help you heal faster and can help you be in a better mental place to take care of your baby.
Are you currently recovering from a C -section and looking for ways to find relief from the pain? Find these super useful c–section recovery tips and tricks that can help you heal faster!
C-section, whether it is planned or unplanned, can be a painful experience to get through. After a c-section, you will find yourself dependent on others for help as well as encounter a few physical challenges that will only go away with time. I had an unplanned c- section because my daughter was nowhere ready to come out of me. I still remember when I found out that I was going to have a c-section, I was scared as I had no idea what I was going to go through.
To my limited experience, I was worried about the c-section haha.. well that was the easy part, the challenges lay ahead in the recovery phase. Post c-section I found myself bedridden, unable to move and had to reach out to my husband for every little thing that I needed. Also, I was extremely emotional during my recovery phase which was so unlike me and I had no idea what was going on. Luckily, I did pass through that phase really well, recovered quickly, joined back work and I am absolutely enjoying my motherhood now.
In this blog post, I will share with you all the c-section recovery tips that were helpful to me for my fast recovery after my surgery and a few great products and resources that were very helpful in relieving pain.
Pin this post to keep it handy all the time!
Before we go further into the blog post if you are struggling to help your baby sleep through the night, here are a few great resources you can check out. Baby Sleep Made Simple is a baby and toddler sleep program for babies 5-24 months, designed by a baby nurse and lactation consultant. This course is designed to help exhausted parents to get their babies and toddlers to sleep well, so they can get their energy back, feel like themselves again and start enjoying all the little things. Baby Sleep Made Simple is the ultimate resource for tired moms!
How long is the C-Section?
C-section is usually a small procedure that can take anywhere between 15-20 minutes, with a further 45 minutes needed to stitch up the uterus and abdominal incision.
How long does the pain last after a C-Section?
Your wound will continue to feel sore and bruised for a few weeks and you will need to take pain relief for at least 7-10 days after your c-section. In my case, it took me six complete weeks to heal and be able to move around easily.
C–Section recovery tips
C-section recovery will differ from women to women and on many factors like the amount of rest and help you can get. It is very important to not get overwhelmed but take one step at a time as you will mostly be sleep deprived while taking care of a brand-new baby and everything around you might feel extremely exhausting. Here are a few practical and helpful c-section recovery tips from a mom who has gone through one!
Note: All these below mentioned c–section recovery tips are from my own personal experience of recovering after a c-section. But I would still recommend you to talk to your doctor prior to using these tips as I am not a trained medical professional.
1. Get as much help as you can
Once you are back from the hospital with your baby, it’s going to be really tiring as you will find yourself mostly feeding and taking care of the baby and trying to recover from the c-section pain. At that time trying to get done with household work will feel next to impossible. Try and get as much help as you can get, like your family or friends helping you with the meals or hiring a cleaning service for the first few weeks to clean your home. If you do not have family or friends that can help you out, then look for a doula. They are slightly on the expensive side but can help you a lot in taking care of the baby, also help you with cleaning your home, cooking and many other things.
2. Be aware of your limitations
C-section is a major abdominal surgery that will take you some time to recover from. You will find yourself in pain and unable to do many things. At that time, instead of feeling depressed it is best to be aware of your limitations and plan ahead. Some of the limitations that a c-section mom faces are as follows.
- Don’t lift anything heavy – It is very important to avoid lifting anything heavy in the first few weeks as it can put pressure on your incision which can be very painful. Also, if possible, ask your partner to lift the baby and place it in your arm during feeding.
- Avoid stairs – Going up and down the stairs can be really difficult after a fresh abdominal surgery. For the initial few weeks, you will find it difficult to walk and hence try and limit yourself to a single spot where you can rest and take care of your baby.
- Hard to sit up – One of my biggest shock after the c -section was my inability to sit up for a few weeks. I found it impossible to sit up straight and had to ask for support from my husband all the time.
- It can hurt when you sneeze or cough – Post c-section it hurts a lot if you sneeze or cough, so try and be away from infections as much as you can. I had developed a bad cough after my c-section and every time I coughed it was so painful.
- Sex will be painful – The incision takes around 6-8 weeks to heal and the stitches dissolve themselves through the healing process. Although you can start having sex after your incision is healed, it will still be painful for the first few times. For some moms, it can take up to 12-16 months to find relief from pain during sex.
- Cannot drive (at least for 2 weeks) – You will be asked not to drive by your doctor for at least two weeks as you must avoid putting any form of pressure on the incision.
Related: 20 breastfeeding hacks every mom should know about
3. Be on top of your pain killers
After your C-section, your doctor will recommend you, pain killers, with which you will be able to manage your pain. It is very important to be at the top of it as the medicines really help in keeping the pain frequency low. I remember my time when I used to accidentally forget taking my meds and the pain would then suddenly creep up and feel very intense. You will mostly be subscribed Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for the pain. Make sure that you are aware of the intervals that these medicines need to be taken in. If you are going to breastfeed your baby, then you need to be extra cautious as some of these meds can transfer to your breastmilk.
4. Start walking when you get the green light
As soon as you get the green signal from the doctor try to add a small walking session in your routine. Walking will increase circulation which will reduce your risk of blood clots, help with bowel function and increase your ability to heal. After six weeks of complete rest, I had slowly started walking for as little as 15 minutes just outside my home and it did help me to heal quicker.
5. Stock up your home with must-have c-section products
To recover as quickly as possible, it is important to take as much care and rest as possible. One way to feel more rested after the surgery is to use a post-pregnancy product like a belly binder or maternity underwear that can help relieve the pain, make you feel more comfortable and help you recover fast. I have an entire post on the c-section recovery kit with great products that you can use that will help you recover faster.
Related: 24 must have c-section recovery kit essentials
6. Use a stool softener
Pain meds taken after the c-section can lead to constipation which can increase pressure on the incision and cause a lot of pain. To avoid this, ask your doctor for a stool softener that can help with that. Also, eat fiber-rich food and drink a lot of water.
7. Use a nursing pillow to support your abdomen during breastfeeding
Nursing pillow was very helpful to me in positioning my daughter properly while breastfeeding her. It gave me that extra support to hold the baby comfortably as after having a c-section it is very difficult to sit up.
Related: Top 12 baby products that helped me a lot as a new mom
8. Get emotional support
It is very important to have good mental health so that you can take the best care of your baby. If you are feeling depressed or sad try talking to your partner, friends or even get some professional help if needed. Sharing what’s in your mind and getting rid of that emotional burden can relieve you from a lot of stress and also help avoid serious conditions like postpartum depression.
9. Get as much rest as possible
Getting rest is probably easier said than done. As a new mom, you will mostly find yourself tired, sleep-deprived and exhausted from taking care of your baby all the time. But to recover post the surgery, it is really important to take rest as much as possible as that can help you heal faster. A few ways you can do that is by making use of your hospital stay and sending your baby to the nursery in the hospital while you can rest. Once you are back from the hospital you can either ask a family member to help you out with the baby while you can catch up some sleep, or you can also hire a doula.
Related: 32 newborn hacks every mom should know about
10. Use a heating pad to relieve pain
I found using a heating pad very helpful in relieving the pain. I would use it at the right temperature I was comfortable with and place it over my shirt or binder. This was so helpful!
11. Keep a nutritious diet
It is important to be at the top of your diet making sure that you are taking in all the nutrients and vitamins that can help you to heal faster. Maintaining a good diet can help produce collagen in your body that in turn can help in repairing tissue cells faster.
Related: Green smoothie – blend of tasty & healthy
Related: Stuffed portobello mushrooms
12. Use an ice pack for itching area
One of the things that you will notice is your desperate urge to itch near the incision area. Don’t do it as it can be painful and there is always a risk of you infecting it or pulling out your stiches. Try using an icepack in that area, to get some relief from the itching.
13. Call your provider if you feel pain
While recovering from a c-section, all these tips will help you in the process but at the same time, it is very important to watch out for any concerning signs. Below are a few signs that you should call your doctor for right away if you notice them
- Redness, swelling or puss oozing out from the incision
- Excessive pain in the incision
- High fever of more than 100.4
- Pain in your breast
- You feel too depressed or sad
- Pain or swelling in leg which could be due to blood clots
- Nausea or vomiting
14. Drink plenty of water
Hydration is the most important way of taking care of your body whether you are pregnant, post-delivery or breastfeeding. Drinking enough water helps keep your body fueled, boosts your milk supply and avoids constipation.
15. Take care of yourself (extra snuggles with the baby)
Lastly, remember that this is just a phase and it will pass, so make sure to enjoy this time with your baby as much as you can. Baby snuggles are the best thing in the world and they don’t last forever. So, savor and enjoy these moments as much as you can!
Related: 6 ways I take care of myself
Related: Tips to help you become a more patient parent
I hope these c-section recovery tips were helpful to you. Whether it’s a c-section or vaginal birth, any form of delivery comes with its own set of physical and emotional challenges. To recover from your postpartum phase quickly it is best to have as much family and friends support around you. Sharing your emotions with your partner or a friend can help you heal faster and can help you be in a better mental place to take care of your baby.
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Hey Rupal,
It really takes a lot of week to get recover almost 6 weeks and you know I can understand it is very painful moment for a woman.
Several studies suggest that if you are doing gentle exercise like walking can help you to get recover soon.
These are really valuable tips with your experience.
Eventually, thanks for sharing your healthy experience with us.
With best wishes,
Amar Kumar
Rupal congratulations on building a family of your own and having a successful delivery. I myself had a C section for my second child and it is very painful
Hi Rupal, first of all, congratulations on starting a family and successful delivery. I can’t imagine what a c-section (post and during) must feel like. The human body is amazing! Thank you for sharing these useful tips for moms who would really need it after going through a c-section themselves. Take care and all the best to you and your lovely family!
I don’t have children so I know nothing about the C section recovery. I heard it can take time to heal and that it can be quite painful. Thank you for this explaining article, I know now what to expect.
Great tips! I hope to never need a c-section but have so much respect for those who have to go through it.
I’m so happy I never had to have a c-section. My cousin had one with her first child. She worst thing about it was laughing. People made her laugh and she was literally ‘crying laughing’!!!
Candy Rachelle
Keeping Up With Candy
http://www.keepingupwithcandy.com
I had a c-section 30 years ago. Back then the hospital stay was 5 days so I had the help to recover better.
This is so helpful for those who had a c-section. I never did, but I have many friends who had one and they said it could be extremely painful.
I’ve got friends who’ve had C-sections, and they could have used this post. You’ve given some really viable tips on fast recovery.
I have never had a c-section but some of my friends have. This information looks awesome to help those that have. Thank you for a well-written article!
I’ve never had a C section, or a baby but this is so informative. I will be sharing with friends!
Wow, what an interesting read! I have a friend who just went through a c-section, and this article will surely be helpful for her. Thank you for sharing this!
In the last few years, I had abdominal surgery, I could barely walk, I could not drive and it took 6 weeks to recover fully. Thankfully, I had a lot of help but I definitely was not expecting it to be so limiting.
These are great tips that can help a lot of women I’m sure.
I was afraid of having to get a c-section when I was pregnant with my son. Thankfully I didn’t have to go that route. My sister did though. The binders helped her a lot.
A lot of my friends had c-sections and it’s been rough for them! Thanks for the tips!