Keep an eye out for any signs of infection. You can try gentle exercises a few days after the C-section: Try not to do too much housework or other activities for the first couple of weeks. During the C-section recovery process, discomfort and fatigue are common. A few days after birth, your breasts might become full, firm and tender (engorgement) once they begin making milk. I'm 15 weeks post c section now, and until your post I had completely forgotten about the twinging, pulling and backache. It can last up to four to six weeks postpartum, says Dr. Higgins. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. What breastfeeding positions might work best for you? Those muscles are pretty weak because of the incision, says Dr. Higgins. Its recommended that you get up and walk around, says Dr. Higgins. In some cases, you might have the checkup earlier so that your health care provider can examine your C-section incision. It is pretty major abdominal surgery. You notice vision changes or have difficulty seeing. 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. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Financial Assistance Documents Minnesota, Available Solutions for Postpartum from Mayo Clinic Store, Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, Postpartum care: After a vaginal delivery, Pregnancy and breastfeeding when you have psoriasis, Sex after pregnancy: Set your own timeline. Having a baby is a major milestone in life. You get a very bad headache that does not go away. Your body will make milk about as quickly as after a vaginal delivery. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on To manage pain at home, Dr. Higgins recommends taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen on a regular schedule. Between feedings, place cold washcloths on your breasts. Afterward, you can expect to spend 2-3 days in the hospital with your new little one as you recover. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. The puerperium. Once you return home, its important to take it easy and avoid lifting, twisting or any movements that can put pressure on the incision. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. All rights reserved. I'm 15 weeks post c section now, and until your post I had completely forgotten about the twinging, pulling and backache. These contractions which often resemble menstrual cramps help prevent excessive bleeding by compressing the blood vessels in the uterus. In the meantime, take good care of yourself. This content does not have an English version. Ob/Gyn Erin Higgins, MD, explains what your recovery will look like and what to expect. Afterpains are common during breastfeeding, due to the release of oxytocin. Accessed Jan. 31, 2020. 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. Dont have sex or participate in rigorous exercise either. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2018; doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002633. Make sure you keep your incision clean and dry. Your first postpartum visit should happen during the second week. Physical recovery from a C-section puts a lot of stress on the body, says Dr. Higgins. My DS was normal weight, although born in week 38 so perhaps this helped too. Once you get home, check the site of your surgery regularly for signs of infection. You can do a few other things to speed your recovery: Eat fiber-rich foods and smaller, more frequent meals. Contact your health care provider if your incision is red, swollen or leaking discharge. You might feel contractions, sometimes called afterpains, during the first few days after the C-section. You can start nursing almost right away. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Mediterranean, Low-Fat Diets Are Best for Heart Problems, Least Amount of Exercise You Need to Stay Healthy, Nerve 'Pulse' Therapy May Help Ease Sciatica, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, What to Expect if You Have a Cesarean Delivery, C-Sections: Recovery, Risks, Benefits, Pain, and More, Ovulation Tool: Find Your Most Fertile Days. A C-section is major surgery. The backache eased when I did gentle walking, so might be worth giving that a go if you haven't already. Take meds if you need them, plenty of water and listen to the physio. 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. 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 to normal. include protected health information. Keep it clean to prevent infections. A heating pad set on low or a warm washcloth can help with pain around your belly. This can help ease gas pains, help you have a bowel movement, and prevent blood clots. Review/update the Catheter out within 2 or 3hrs and up and about v quickly, caring for the babies easily. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. C-section recovery | Recovering after a caesarean | Mumsnet In: Williams Obstetrics. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Presidential Task Force on Redefining the Postpartum Visit and the Committee on Obstetric Practice. http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/breastfeeding-guide. She'd had them herself. Then it will taper, become increasingly watery and change from pinkish brown to yellowish white. Your baby may be sleepy, but that should pass and they should be eager to nurse. But if you experience feelings like being depressed or feeling hopeless, talk to your doctor about postpartum depression and what it means. Some women bounce back quickly, others take longer to recover. 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. Symptoms include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Mood changes. How much discomfort will you experience? I couldn't lie down apart from propped up on my back for a few weeks. Seek pain relief. Having a newborn and recovering from surgery doesnt leave a lot of time for self-care. National Institute of Health: What is a Cesarean Delivery?, Mayo Clinic: C-section What You Can Expect, C-section Recovery: What to Expect., American Academy of Pediatrics: Breastfeeding After Cesarean Delivery., Kaiser Permanente: Recovery After a Cesarean Birth., University of Rochester Medical Center Obstetrics Division: Pain Management., Johns Hopkins Medicine: Cesarean Section., American Psychological Association: What is postpartum depression & anxiety?, My Health, Alberta Canada: Cesarean Section: What to Expect at Home., MedLine Plus: Going Home After a C-Section., National Health Service: Recovery, Cesarean Section..