8 Things To Expect After A C-Section.
Post C-Section Survival
If you have read my birth story post you will know that what I planned to be a natural birth took a turn for worst. Eva’s heart rate dropped dramatically and I was rushed off to surgery to have an emergency C-Section. So, here is my 8 things to expect after a c-section and how to survive them.
Obviously, the true implications of having a c-section were not revealed until the days ahead, when I was not so incredibly drugged up.
WARNING....TMI ahead.
1. Peeing
You will have had a catheter put in (when you are either knocked out, like I was, or still completely numb) which seems kind of yucky but it is actually amazing. I was a little terrified of moving so not even having to think about getting up to go to go for a wee was great. If you are worried about them taking it out, don't. It really isn't as bad as it seems. Also, once they have taken it out make sure you do pee within the next few hours. They will ask if you have to make sure it is all working as it should. You do not want them to have to put the catheter back in!
2. Get up and get moving
You will be strongly encouraged to get up and walk around the next day (carefully & cautiously). They want you to move around as it will help with the healing process. I know it is scary but you will be OK. Just take it slow. My nurse made me get up and have a shower. She had to help me get undressed and dressed again which in everyday life may be weird but, seeing as my dignity was left somewhere far far away I couldn't care less and you will be the same. Plus, they have done this a million times before and really don't care either.
3. Shower
A shower is a slow process but for me, taking the time to have a shower when baby was sleeping or Josh was cuddling her, made me feel so much better. Just feeling clean was so refreshing and gave me a little extra energy which I desperately needed (I have never been so exhausted in my entire life!) . As much as having Josh around and people coming to visit was lovely, having a shower was also a few minutes to be alone which was nice. You need to take a sec just to clear your head.
4. Bleeding
You will still bleed, quite a lot. WHAT?! I know right, just when you thought there was an upside. You didn’t even push this baby out of your hoohaa and you still have to deal with the granny panties and the pads that resemble diapers. Like my midwife explained to me, no matter how you gave birth you have still given birth. Everything has been removed. This basically leaves a giant wound in your abdomen which needs to heal so, without going in to too much detail that is what is happening and bleeding is just an inevitable part of the process.
5. Pooping
Laxatives are your friend! The 20 different kinds of pain meds that you are on are not doing your bowels any favours and trust me, pushing is not something that you’ll want to be doing let alone be dealing with constipation. Enough said. Moving on.
6. Fear of bursting open
I was promised that it was not possible for my abdomen to burst open from coughing, laughing or going to the bathroom but it sure did feel like it! Keep a pillow nearby and hold it firmly to your abdomen when you need to cough or laugh. It will help with the pressure.
7. Pain
Keep on top of your pain meds. You might think you are feeling OK and decided that you don’t need them. DO NOT be fooled. You DO need them. You will regret it if you stop taking them. It is easier to keep on top of the pain than to try and get it under control again once you have stopped. Keep a little pad and pen beside you (or keep note on your phone) the times you take each medication. You will be so tired, groggy from what you are taking and just focused on your new precious bundle that you won’t remember when or what you took last.
8. Let the people help
You will feel useless but that’s OK. You have been pregnant for nine months, if you are anything like me you have been in labour for the good part of 24 hours, and have just had major surgery. If that isn't enough to deserve people running around after you I don't know what is! Your family and friends will want to help and you need to let them. Yes, you are a new mum and your job just grew exponentially but right now you need to put yourself first and take the time to rest and heal.
Personally, my recovery didn’t take that long but everyone is different. Listen to your body. Rest. Most of all, enjoy being catered to while you can as it is all going to change very soon! Ha.
Hope this helps.
Nastasia
xx
What was your experience of having a c-section? Let me know.