Csection yesterday - daren't move. Tips please!

[Rarfy]

Hi

As the title says i had a csection yesterday morning. They've removed catherter this morning so i know i am up and around today but i daren't bloody move.

Anyone have any tips? Is it mind over matter. Ive kept on top of meds so no real pains whilst laid in bed but i did get a shock last night when i stood up to get changed.

Why on earth i thought i would just be up and about i had no idea. Feel a right dick now!

Yeah ive got the adjustable bed in here but keep dropping the remote so cant bloody use. I will tho to get in and out. I struggled to shuffle bum to edge of bed yesterday to get to standing. Im too fat.

I have had 2 csections, just had my 6 week check up after my 2nd! Drink loads of water, take stool softener, peppermint oil for wind etc. Take as many painkillers as you can especially before getting up.
I would have a shower as soon as you, just to feel better. A lot of it is mind over matter but I used to dread getting up as I expected my insides to rush out every time. It was never as bad as I expected.
Make the most of the rest and help. The stitches are more hardy than you think, so don't go too crazy but you can move.
Standing up straight is also a great tip

Are you breastfeeding OP? If so, make sure you get the help you need especially as yo say baby is sleepy due to the GA. I also had a sleepy baby and some of the midwives were a bit dismissive until I found one who took me seriously and helped me to make sure baby was getting enough milk.

on your new arrival, take care of yourself.

Don’t miss any drugs!! They told me on the last day I’d be going home, they gave me medication at 11am and I wasn’t discharged until 7pm, I thought I was dying. Never felt pain like it!! Honestly I was sobbing. They had to give me oramorphe.

Go slowly! But it’s best you get moving, it’s true that more you move the better you heal! I was out and about on day 4. Dont recommend it though!

Congratulations! I have had two csections, the first unplanned, the second planned. I agree with all the advice given here. Hold yourself with a blanket or towel on your abdomen and slowly get up. Beware of moving too fast at first. With my first, my baby was taken to the nursery overnight as he was a bit lethargic so when the catheter was removed I had major motivation to move ASAP as I was desperate to see him. That helped and removed the fear once I realised I wasn't going to split in two. I wish you well. My recovery from both births was surprisingly easy and quick but I was really happy to accept all offered help and sit back whenever possible. I hope you have as easy a time as I did.

Don't use abdominal muscles if you can help it.... use something, even your hands pressed against your tummy if you need to laugh or sneeze...

Very slow movements and small steps...

If you haven't been for a wee yet don't panic when you do.. very very bloody...

Take all drugs offered...

Don't over reach for anything...

I was out less than 24 hours later but found the pain got a bit worse before it got better... I took some co-codamol before my milk came in (day 4).. after the first week everything was much better.

Get everyone you know to bring paracetamol and ibuprofen when they visit (or your dp will need to go the the shop daily)

I also had a long stitch end which was causing pain... once this got snipped on day 10 by the nurse I was laughing as things were so much better.

I managed a run at week 8.

Congratulations and take it very easy.... x

Yes to slow movements and holding your stomach. I had to hold my stomach when I stood up, got out of bed, went to the loo, coughed & sneezed. Basically anything where you are using your stomach muscles.

When getting out of a normal bed then roll over and use the edge of the bed or a table to stand.

My bed is very high so I kept a toddler step next to the bed and used that to help me get out of bed too.

The rule is don't lift anything heavier than your baby, so plan ahead to avoid this when you don't have anyone with you. I kept the pram fully built at the front door as it was too heavy to assemble if I was on my own.

In terms of driving it's dependent on your insurer but mine wouldn't let me drive until after my 6 week check. So I couldn't hoover or drive etc. If that's the case enjoy it!

My hospital had a physio who went over the hints and tips here however it was on the day I was released. I had already hurt myself a little bit trying to lift things.

I found it sore to get in and off the floor to change nappies. So as our changing table was upstairs, I made a makeshift changing table in our dining room. Much easier for me to change DD that way.

I recovered well and didn't have any infections. My tip is take the pain relief even if you don't think you need it!

Good luck and congratulations

This was day 6! I swear I must have had a cosmetic surgeon 😂

As daft as it sounds, the more active you are the better. Gentle planned movements (it will be agony) and start small, like to the toilet and back. You will need to rest after, but the more times you go the easier it gets. It’s always worse when you make the first move, but as the day goes on it gets easier. Rest when tired though, that’s the important bit. Don’t over do it, but you are more capable than you feel.
Congratulations

Can you wrap the buzzer around the bed rail so it doesn't fall? That may make thinks easier for you.

Also yes to using a pillow instead of your hand to cover your stomach as someone suggested.

One other thing is to dress carefully. Wear massive pants and bottoms which go above your scar, ideally soft materials like yoga pants or PJs. Wear tops that come below your scar, this is usually easy if you keep wearing your pregnancy tops. It's very uncomfortable in the beginning to have something tight near your scar, particularly if the waistband sits there.

Ive got lactulose and peppermint tea on the way.

Right my missions is to get up asap. Just had a shift change so hopefully new people will be more eager to help.

I wasnt entirely sure about breast feeding but wanted to give colostrum. Its off to a shit start. Hardly got any. Baby wont latch. Ive had hcas helping me hand express and am literally getting a drop. They were supposed to help in middle of night but i ended up just syringing her formula as i think after the first few efforts they were fed up. I am a bit distressed about her n9t feeding so just wanted her to take anything. She is a 37 weeker and as i say section under GA so dont know if all these things are contributing.

I had a GA as well and it's supposed to be more painful in recovery as

They are a bit rougher and faster getting the baby out
And
You don't have the benefits of a spinal or an epidural after wards for pain relief
Xx

If yycan time a little shuffle around half an hour after you’ve taken your meds so they’ve kicked in, then do; the sooner you can get up and moving the better and it will help with the pain as you won’t be stiff / lose more muscle. In the longer term, keep walking a lot and adjust your buggy handle so it’s quite low to reduce pressure on your stomach muscles.
They don’t let you out until you’ve had a poo so Pick the all bran for breakfast! And take a rolled up towel in to press into your stomach when you need to go (good luck)

You are a brave woman do not give your self a hard time xxx

And I'm not surprised thy are not very helpful
I didn't have a clue about hand expressing or pumping

Can you look it up online now? There are some techniques and I've read the hand is more effective then a pump

Also look up the Hakka to catch breast milk while you feed xx

Use a pillow to hold against your tummy when you sneeze or laugh and when you go to get up out of bed. Really helps (I've had 3 c sections).

You should see a physio today who will show you how to move and not stress your abs.

When you get up, though it feels like you should, DON'T hunch and shuffle. Stand up straight and try to walk normally. V slowly if necessary but normally. Getting up asap is v good for recovery. I was up within 3hrs and discharged after 12 which was pushing it a bit!

Peppermint will help with the wind and they should provide it.

Congratulations!

I’ve had 2 cs. My hospital had a women’s physio who came round and showed me how to get up from lying in bed.

Lie in your back. Gently roll over onto one side. With the arm from the opposite side, reach over and grab the side of the mattress on the side you’ve towards. This should put you in an easier position to swivel out of bed.

Take very baby steps to start with. As above, put a pillow on your tummy if you are going to laugh/cough.

Ask someone to get you some shower gel on a hook, a sports cap water bottle (so you can drink lying down) and some big knickers! Bear in mind too that “under bump” clothes now mean “on the scar”!

Congratulations too!

Oh fortunately they gave me the spinal too for the pain lol. Its a small step but ive got myself sat up on the edge of the bed yeyyy! Progress haha.

I tried expressing like they did. It is a tiny drop we are pickimg up with a syringe but i couldnt even tell u how much. The syringe is minute and i think were getting to the first line if that.

Oh be handy if a physio does come.

Hi congratulations.
Never have a c section but I’m a nurse and care for ladies who have had abdominal surgeries similar to c section.
It’s gojng to hurt but do move about it gets easier and moving helps shift the wind too.
To get out of bed bend your knees up towards your chest, use the back rest on the bed if it’s electric to push your back up into a sitting position, using your legs and your hands unstick your bum from the bed and slide it sideways towards the edge of the bed so your on the edge. The roll onto your side and as you do let your legs go to the floor one at a time and slowly use your arms to push upright, avoid using your abdominal muscles at all if possible. DH could stand behind you and guide you up from the back but best not to have him pull or push you up. Before you stand up just sit for a minute on the edge of the bed so your not too dizzy. Stand up, back as straight as you can get it but if your stomach pulls bend your knees rather than your back, you should be able to stand up straighter each time. A rolled up towel held with a little bit of pressure across your scar when you need to cough or laugh will help. Getting back into bed is the same but in reverse really, sit on the edge, lie on your side then get your legs in one at a time. It will be slightly different at home because your bed won’t raise up but the aim is to not overstretch your scar.
You’ll figure your own way soon enough.
If you need to cough then please cough otherwise you could end up with a chest infection and you don’t want that.
Good luck lovely :)

I second peppermint tea..the ward should have some.

Take every painkiller offered and get out of bed - ask a midwife to be with you when you first get out for reassurance - now the catheter is out they’ll expect you to walk to the bathroom to wee in next six hours anyway - if the painkillers you’re being given aren’t enough then ask for something stronger . Some women after a GA do next more painkillers as a poster up thread said they done have the benefit of a spinal/epidural etc .

Get your partner to stock up on ibuprofen and paracetamol and do not forget to take them.
Ice packs over your scar feel marvellous.
When you stand up you want to stoop over- try to stand up straight (not today- do whatever the hell you can today!)
Keep the scar area clean and dry all the time.
When you need to do a poo, hold a maternity pad over your vagina as you do it (no idea why, but it helps!)
Have a cushion in the car to hold over your scar.

First few days though- it fucking hurts, you’ve had major surgery, do not push yourself too much

Good point from pp about under bump clothes. I kept my maternity clothes but the under bump trousers etc just rubbed on the scar- so just keep an eye out. Get enormous knickers that cover your whole belly 😂

Also if you puff up full of water and swell up like a balloon don’t worry. It doesn’t last too long

Congratulations!

Eat all the veg & fruit.
Drink all the water.
Avoid codine if you can.
I still have mental scars from my first post section poo

Things get better very quickly, but as a first time mum it's super intense having major surgery and dealing with a newborn. Let your DP worry about all the day to day dross while you look after your little girl. Enjoy this special time.

"Silly question but are you only stitched on one side?" No right across plus not just the skin, there's several layers of tissue inc the womb that have had to be cut and therefore stitched back together after.

It can take longer for milk to come in after a section too - but persevere. They don't need much in early days anyway and a little weight loss in bf babies is normal (though shockingly I've found a lot of midwives don't seem to know this!) lots of skin to skin and feed as often as possible.

Mine took about a week to come in properly.