Tips for after a c section ?? This will be my first. What to do and not do and what to pack and have prepared?
Very large underwear, a pillow, and very loose clothing. Everyone is different but not to scare you but for me I was in excruciating pain. So the looser the better was for me
As soon as you can feel your legs again start taking small walks. Abdominal surgeries heal better if you kind of keep moving. And keep an extra pillow handy to hold across your belly and incision area for if you cough or sneeze. Definitely buy some granny panties and get some thick pads for home care afterwards.
I just had my second c section 6 months ago, and I was up and walking around soon as I could fell my legs again, I was in little to no pain. And I do not have a high pain tolerance, but everyone is different…I did put a step stool by my bed, and wore high wasted underwear…
For me,I wore bicycle shorts home, with the incision i felt like my insides were falling out, and the snug fitting shorts helped with this feeling
Take as many of the mesh undies home as you can lol large pads too. I brought chapstick and charger, snacks I wanted, slippers and if your breast feeding get a boppy pillow.
Loose cloth. Maybe a abdominal binder. Keep incision clean and dry. Walking is very important. Gas will build up causing more pain than the incision. Walking is how you get rid of the gas. Don’t lift more than 10 pounds for six weeks. If you notice redness after a week or draining around incision call your Doctor. Stay hydrated and a healthy diet.
I have had 4 and this is my thing I would say the most important to be! DO NOT LAY FLAT afterwards, when you get home! It is uncomfortable trying to get up from a flat position quick enough to get to baby to feed or whatever they need! You will think you’re find bc getting down to lay in bed is ok, but when you have to use those muscles to get up…it will slap you in the face or stab you in the gut real fast!
Question why you are having a scheduled cesarean section in the first place
Belly band or binder, wedge shape pillow for when your in bed, so much easier to keep getting up.( I have had 3 c-sections.) If you can stock up ahead of timeon everything and have freezer meals, if ypu have a 2 story house, have stuff setup downstairs as well… as ypu shouldn’t be going up and down stairs a bunch.
Do’s: get a small pillow for your belly hold there when having to cough sneeze or laugh. That works very well carry that around with u dresses worked best for me loss clothes for sure. Clean and change dressing between belly and private parts dont want to get an infection. I did the pain is 10 time worse. And becareful with ripping a stich too so baby the standing up and laying down a little so that don’t happen. Walking helps alot as soon as they tell u your able to walk do so that helps with getting everything moving back in place and able to use the bathroom right. Get a heating pad that works will for the back and belly cramps. And most of all enjoy that baby congratulations mama you got this it will be all worth it once you see that little face.
I’ve had two c sections and the belly band they use to keep the monitors on your belly…take that home and use for support, it did wonders for me. Also, ice the area frequently. Keep moving, you will be sore but ultimately you will recover faster
Before you go in for Csetion practice rolling from your back to your side and push yourself up using your elbow&arms while also lowering your legs down and yes you have too be on the edge of the bed. Remember to use your upper strength (Arms) to lift yourself from sitting positions. And what helped me avoid infection in the incision was Vitacilina its a Mexican ointment I would put it on before showers then pat dry it helped avoid water entering the incision. AND above all!.. no guests w/out a casserole or meal you’ll need all the help you can get so don’t be afraid to ask family and friends.
I’ve had 4 c-sections. Plan for your recovery. You will need help, it is painful to walk the first week. You can’t lift anything heavier than your baby for 6. You wont be able to do laundry or dishes and it will be hard to even cook. You’ll need help around the house.
Very loose clothes or even a dress so the pressure on the incision site doesn’t hurt and get up and move as soon as you can, it will hurt like hell but move and keep moving it helped me recover so much faster both times
Ask friends and family to set up a meal train for the first couple of weeks. Get lots of really loose fitting jogging pants or PJ bottoms. Ask for rectal anti inflammation medication immediately after delivery and first couple of days… trust me , you will thank me later. Made a huge difference. Make sure you have lots of help for at least the first week or two. It will be super painful to do absolutely anything.
Loose cloths and I was swollen so I had to wear slides home.
The belly band is a must. I had to ask for one after someone told me about but it was sooooo worth it
Walk as soon as you can feel your legs. Hold a pillow to your incision when you laugh, cough or sneeze. Pads. Always use pads until your period after your birth bleeding stops. Wait the full 6-8 weeks until after you see your doctor for intimacy.
I’ve had 3 one of which was twins. I bought depends for at home after surgery and brought loose fit clothes extra pillows. And take all they will give you at the hospital. I was up walking as soon as I could feel my legs. I didn’t take but one dose of pain meds after surgery and didn’t get it filled for at home either but I have a very high pain tolerance and had little to no pain after.