The picture of a perfect childbirth, for almost all women, does not include a surgical delivery. But close to 23% of all pregnancies end with a C-section, like mine did. Recovering from such a delivery is different, and longer, that a normal vaginal delivery. Here are some tips that helped me, and will hopefully help you. Even if you're 3 months pregnant or just successfully delivered your infant nature's way, read this. You might not expect it to happen to you with this child, or the next, or the next. It always helps to be prepared.
Be prepared. Just by reading this, you are preparing yourself. Don't skip over the chapters on C-sections in your pregnancy books. Keep the lines of communication open with your doctor. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Don't despair. The first feeling a new mother may feel after a surgical delivery might be depression or a sense of failure. Always look on the bright side: You delivered a healthy baby. All that baby cares about is being well, loved, and intact. Keep your chin up.
Walk. As soon as the doctor will allow it, walk, walk, walk. Usually after 24 hours they will let you cruise about on your own, and I strongly recommend doing it as often as you physically can. Surgery takes a lot out of you, so it may seem like too much to ask, but the more often you do it, the better you will feel. Walking also can make your incision hurt, but again, the more often you do it, the better it will feel. Remaining in bed will not only compromise your breathing, but it won't allow your body to heal correctly. I walked at least two or three times a day when I was in the hospital, and I gained self-confidence as well as my strength back.
Accept help. Don't let your pride get in the way of accepting much needed help at home. New mothers are exhausted, and those who experienced a C-section have more physical constraints that those who did not. Allow yourself to eat, sleep, exercise, and take care of the baby. Let others help you with the housework, other children, or cooking dinner.
Accept medication. Many mothers hope for a drug-free delivery. Obviously, those who have surgery do not have that option. After your birth, there will not only be the post-delivery contractions all mothers experience, but some serious surgical pain as well. I didn't accept any medication the night after Dagan was born, and I couldn't sleep or get comfortable. The next night, I accepted some and zonked out for 5 hours of much needed sleep. After I was discharged, I recieved a prescription for generic Tylenol-3 (with codeine) and I filled it and took it. I only needed it for about 4 or 5 days, and by that time my breast milk had come in and I didn't have to worry about passing it on to the baby.
Remember your baby. As much as you need to take care of yourself, you need to remember to hold and nurse your baby as often as you can. He or she needs that physical affirmation of your love, and nothing makes a surgial incision feel more distant than holding your newborn baby.
I hope these tips will help someone get through those first few post-operation/post-delivery weeks. These times are sleepy and foggy, but wholly unforgettable. Good luck.
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