C section recovery tips please!!??

[chipsandcurrysaucemonster]

I had a c section early hours Wednesday morning. If it helps for context it was after a 4 day labour with almost all other interventions tried first so my body was exhausted from lots of contractions, missed meals and very little sleep. Fortunately c section went well and scar is fine. However I'm just feeling so physically sore and not confident moving about! My lower back feels almost numb from choosing to sleep in a semi upright position. Any other c section mums with tips - can I lay on my side, what helped you manoeuvre, get comfortable, positions for breastfeeding?! How many days before you felt better?

[bastardkitty]

You had a really tough time and a CS after a long labour is much different to a planned CS. It's really really important to rest and especially not to lift things. If you do too much now it could be a few months until you feel better, but if you can take it easy now (hard, I know) you will be a bit more functional in 3-4 weeks. Good luck and congratulations.

[WishITookLifeSeriously]

I had a very similar experience with my ds. The best thing I ever got was a v shaped pillow. It just made me feel safe especially when feeding him. Take it slow and steady and let people help you. I think around a week I felt better around the house. Wishing you all the best.

[Chocolatecoffeeaddict]

I've had four c sections and recovery was harder with each one. Rest as much as you can but when you feel up to it try and get out and about for walks and doing stuff round the house. I found being active made recovery faster, as long as you don't overdo it.
Make sure the scar area is kept clean. I started washing with Dettol soap and letting it air dry after I thought it smelt a bit infected and it sorted it out.
Also, try pressing a pillow into your abdomen when rising from sitting to standing.

[leighdinglady]

Stay on top of your meds. I was in agony until o wrote down a schedule for taking them. It's easier to fend pain off than try to cure it once it's set in.

[LeonoraFlorence]

Ensure you take the meds regularly before the pain comes on. Lots and lots of pillows piled up for your back. Eat, drink and let others do as much as possible while you cuddle your little one. I also took arnica to speed up the recovery with each section I had.

[barleyreed]

Mothercare c-section pants are a lifesaver! They made me feel safe moving around and although pricey at £25 for two pairs I wore them for ages as they helped flatten my Mum tum :)

[chipsandcurrysaucemonster]

Thank you all so much - feeling a bit vulnerable and appreciating the responses so so much

[SugarandVinegar]

If you can get some loose slippery fabric satin or silky nighties -
it will make moving and turning over in bed so much less painful
as the fabric slides with you instead of holding you to the bedsheets.
Same goes after any lower torso operation.
Congratulations op.

[Dustywillow]

Had my 2nd section 5 months ago. My tips would be take the painkillers offered and on time! Even if you have to set an alarm.

Lots of pillow for in bed to make you comfy I could lie on my side for weeks. So had to lie slightly raised up on my back and put pillows under me knees.

Get your partner to bring baby to you instead of you getting up

Good support underwear

Get moving so little walks around the room and build it up.

I also used my partner to help me get up and out of the bed etc so didn’t have to put any pressure on my tummy.

Just go with how you feel and don’t push yourself
Wishing you a speedy recovery

[StinkySaurus]

If you need more pain killers phone up your gp and ask. You shouldn’t have to be in an excessive amount of pain.

Also I had awful constipation. I wish I was given something for it, last for amost 2 weeks. So if you are struggling with that please ask for something to help sooner rather than later. It was awful!

[EastDulwichWife]

Very similar experience here. Set alarms on your phone for meds and don’t skip them even if you think you’re feeling okay. I was surprised by how quickly I felt better.