Most of us don’t plan on having C-sections, but about a third of birthing parents end up delivering their babies via C-section. Being a C-section parent isn’t something anyone should be ashamed of. We can’t always control how our births go, and it’s really true that in the end, the most important thing is a healthy parent and baby.
That being said, it doesn’t make sense to minimize the impact that C-section deliveries can have on our bodies. C-sections are major abdominal surgery, and can make recovery time last longer and be more intense. But knowledge is power, and knowing what to expect when it comes to C-section births makes the recovery period that much smoother. Here are some things you can expect during your recovery from a C-section birth.
1. You Will Have Postoperative Pain
It’s important to remember that a C-section is major abdominal surgery. As such, you will have some postoperative pain following your delivery. This pain can range from mild to severe, and will likely be managed with pain medication prescribed by your doctor. Be sure to take your pain medication as directed in order to ensure that you remain as comfortable as possible during your recovery.
2. You Will Have Stitches
In addition to postoperative pain, you will also have stitches following your surgery. These stitches are necessary in order to close up the incision made during your C-section delivery. Depending on the size of your incision, you may have either dissolvable or non-dissolvable stitches. Dissolvable stitches will eventually dissolve on their own, while non-dissolvable stitches will need to be removed by a medical professional at a later date. Either way, it’s important to keep your stitches clean and dry in order to avoid infection.
3. You May Feel Nauseous
Due to the anesthesia used during surgery, many people feel nauseous after their C-sections. If you do feel nauseous, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat small meals throughout the day in order to avoid dehydration and maintain your strength.
4. You Will Need Help
Recovering from a C-section takes time—usually around 6 weeks—and you will likely need help during this time period. Whether you have family or friends who can pitch in, or you need to hire outside help for things like childcare or cleaning, be sure to plan ahead so that you can focus on healing without worrying about everything else that needs to get done.
A cesarean section is major abdominal surgery that requires time to recover from properly. By knowing what to expect during your recovery period, you can better prepare yourself (and your family) for the weeks ahead. From postoperative pain and stitches to feeling nauseous and needing help, there are a number of things that are common following a cesarean birth. But with proper preparation and care, you will be back on your feet in no time!
