Tell me about your c section recovery

[Unicorntearsaremagic]

I am eight days post planned c section.
I’m up and about in the house not twisting or lifting but pottering about doing bits of light cooking/light housework, doing some childcare tasks for toddler and newborn.

Feel fine with this and was told it’s better to stay mobile.
After a while I do get a pulling pain and feel like I need to sit down. No major pain however.

How was your recovery and at what point did you feel as though you could go out for a walk?
Then exercise etc?

Any recommendations for speedy healing? I’m desperate to be up and about properly, but obviously know lifting car seats etc will be a no for a while.

I went for my first walk when he was 2 weeks old and it was a big mistake. I decided to do the school run but it’s a 3 mile round trip so it was just too far at the time and I really hindered my recovery, the pain returned. I didn’t attempt again until he was 5 weeks old and felt much better.

Now 14 weeks postpartum and feel nothing whatsoever. The area is still numb but I’ve been told that will last for a long time (possibly even forever...)

I’m 4 weeks post section - my second. I feel good but like you OP if I do too much I get a horrible pulling that hurts. I had to go to a work dinner at 2w post partum and it was a big mistake - was too much and my bleeding got heavier again.

I feel like I’m slower to recover than last time but am just taking it easy and hoping that over time it’ll feel easier.

I’ve had 2. Up and mobile within 12 hours of both, and doing some light household duties, but must have overdone it with first one- I remember lifting DS onto the loo 10 days post section, forgetting I shouldn’t be. Went for 2 mile walks at 3 weeks. The wound opened and took months to heal/stop getting infected. This time I took it much easier, still walked about the house but didn’t do much beyond newborn care. After a short walk at 3 weeks I was pretty sore, but by 5 weeks felt great!

Everyone is different. I was up and about and back to normal within a week (I went away for the weekend with DD at 2 weeks) . The only time I felt any pain is when I sat up too quickly when I woke up in a start and forgot about the op in the first week. Just because I healed quickly though it doesn’t mean that you will too. Let your body tell you what you can manage.

Was in hospital for a month with complications. You're doing well.

15 days post op and other than tiredness when I overdo it I’m ok. Having a tiny bit of discharge on one side but I’ve popped some cotton wool in the “pouch” to soak it up and stop any bacteria spreading in the area (seeing as it’s a perfect bacteria breeding zone). I was off pain killers by day 4 and pretty painless by day 8. Occasional twinge if I twist as I get out of bed but other than that I’m doing well.

I left hospital on day 2 and went for short walks from day 4. Week 4 I started driving again. I didn't really exercise other than walking. I'd say my recovery was very good. No complications. 1st child, easy for me in that I didn't have any others to lift, carry, care for etc.

I stopped the anti blood clot injections early, because they numbed my whole leg and I had to sit still for 2 hours! I felt I was mobile enough to not be at risk of a blood clot.

I appreciate this is not the norm but I think it's useful to know about a range of experiences.

C section at 12 midday and lefthospital next day at 5pm. Found getting out of bed/off the sofa incredibly difficult for first week and needed help. I Went for my first walk along the beach when baby was 1 week old and pushed pram but this was light and with the wind. Was hoovering and cleaning by end of first week but more down to no choice. If I had another, I wouldn’t do this at all. I think it delayed feeling normal. I Went for my first ‘hard’ run at 8 weeks pp and felt amazing. I’d say it took 8 weeks to fully feel back to normal and 7 to drive without pain. But I did get 2 infections between week 1 and 4 which hindered me slightly (should have took it easier but we will know it’s hard when taking care of a baby/house). But in general I was doing everything I had previously done by week 2.

Recommendations would be; get up moving. Don’t overdo it too much and listen to your body. You’ll know when you need to sit. If you start bleeding more, you’ve probably overdone it. Also if it can be avoided don’t do the food shop. I tried this and was pushing a trolley and had to abandon it to sit in the supermarket cafe. Everyone really is different.

I’d also delay all visitors unless they’re coming to tidy or cook!
Enjoy your little one xx

Thanks everyone.
Hollow victory that sounds really tough a month in hospital! I guess it’s just different for each individual.

I’m just itching to get up and do things but I know that I shouldn’t as it’s going to be bad for my recovery longer term.

Upside was i was a stone lighter than my pre pregnancy weight when I left! 🤣