Some Helpful Tips For Recovering From A Caesarean Section
I never pictured myself having a caesarean section. When I envisioned my labor and delivery, I thought only of panting and blowing through contractions and pushing my precious daughter into the world. The thought of having a C-section would pass through my thoughts on occasion, but never stayed long enough to sway me into researching the subject. After a long and difficult labor, the thoughts of panting and pushing were the farthest thing from my mind. I had stayed in pain for such a length of time that when my doctor uttered the words C-section, I saw no other alternative. I wanted my daughter out, and I wanted her out QUICK.
My C-section took a matter of minutes, and in a moment of utter joy, my daughter came into the world with a loud wail. Feelings of relief, happiness, fear, and delight washed over me. My daughter had finally entered the world after nine (ten) long months. Finally, the baby I had so diligently prepared for had arrived.
What I did NOT prepare for however is what left me with an overwhelming amount of pain and moments of sheer panic. In all of my overzealous researching of pregnancy, labor and birth, I had not once researched C-sections. When I was being prepped for surgery, I did not realize that the days that would follow my surgery would leave me reeling.
First and foremost, whether you are planning for a C-section or not, do your research. Knowing what "could" be in store for you will help you tremendously. The actual C-section is the easiest part, it is the recovery that is the toughest. A C-section is a major surgery, and like any other major operation, the recovery period can be difficult and can take some time.
-Take It Slow- Don't expect to jump right out of the hospital bed the very next day after your operation. Those first few steps are going to be painful and will require assistance. Take baby steps and do not, above all, rush yourself.
-Take Your Pain Medications- Even if you are breast-feeding, your doctors and nurses will still urge you to take your medications. The actual amount of medications that will reach your breast milk and your baby are minimal. You will need those medications to help you during those first few weeks in order to walk, sleep, etc.
-Let Others Help You- Swallow your pride and let your spouse, family or friends help you with chores and caring for the baby. Even a simple task like climbing into bed will zap you of your
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