C-section recovery

[Yahdayah]

Not quite AIBU but I’m after as much advice and as many suggestions as possible.

Second c-section is imminent and I’m so scared of the recovery. Does anyone have any advice, tips or suggestions? I struggled first time round so would like to be more prepared.

Thank you all, I went to the shops on the way to my pre-op and have picked everything up, I really appreciate all the suggestions.

The midwife who did my pre-op was brilliant, she’s put my mind at ease a little and told me this time I must take painkillers whilst I am there aside from paracetamol and ibuprofen. Also not getting up for so long will have hindered my recovery so I will be up tomorrow and hopefully home the day after.

Thank you again for all of your comments.

Just be careful afterwards as you may feel dizzy...... I bumped my side quite lightly on s bannister after feeling a bit giddy and the bruise was/is horrendous so although it’s good to mobilise be aware you may be a little unsteady at first

Have had 2 CS - my top tip is what everyone else has said about getting mobile. I was wriggling my toes during the op second time around and kept my legs mobile the whole time - just meant that when I got up to have my shower the next day I felt fine rather than feeling like an old lady.

at the idea of C section recovery being like laparoscopy recovery though. laparoscopy is keyhole - not at all the same kind of incision or recovery.....

OP what happens in the pre op? Keep meaning to ask my midwife.

@Wow1234 I had my blood pressure taken, they took blood samples (I didn’t ask why) and then she ran through tonight and tomorrow.

I can eat completely normally until 2am and have a tablet to take at 10pm tonight and one at 6am, it’s to reduce stomach acid. Then nothing not even water from 6am. Then we went through what time I need to be there tomorrow and what will happen after the operation.

I also asked about PICO and was told at our hospital it is only used if you are quite overweight.

Honestly, I found recovery to be fine, and I'm a total wuss about stuff. I took regular painkillers on a schedule, and I think because of that I had very little pain, apart from a bit when getting up.

I was going out on little trips from day 4, and back to normal by about 10 days. I made myself take it slower than I wanted (ie I wanted to go to the supermarket on the way home, but decided not to in the end), and I think keeping moving, but also being careful if a good combination.

Big pants, peppermint water and using a stick to help with the first few up and downs to take some of the weight off your abdomen, helped. I also used a rope ladder in bed to sit up for the first week or so, thereby reducing the pressure on my tummy when trying to sit up.

I'm really squeamish and am dreading the thought of feeling anything whatsoever or thinking about what they are doing to my body! Probably won't want to see the baby lifted out but I'm a bit sad about that.

Fab thank you really helpful. Sorry one more question - what is PICO?

Oh, and make a plan for when you get home in case recovery is difficult. A Moses basket so baby is in reach. A shelf with nappies and clean clothes nearby.

Best of luck today OP!!! Congratulations to you and I hope that very soon you have your beautiful little baby in your arms.

I’ve had 4 C Sections and I echo everyone’s advice - take pain relief on a schedule before you even realise you need it, use laxatives and be as mobile as you can as soon as you can. Enjoy those newborn snuggles x

Good luck today OP! Hope all
Goes well, I’m on day 5 after my fifth section and not feeling too bad so hopefully it’ll be a good recovery for you too xxx

Thank you all! Baby arrived on Tuesday morning and we were home within 30 hours. I never thought that would happen but I surprised myself! It’s still very early days and I’m pretty sore but we are home with our beautiful boy and I couldn’t be happier.

Now for any tips on how to get the dressing off?!

Congratulations!

My second c section was much much easier than the first. I had my DD at 9am, went on to the wards and they had me up and walking by midnight. We were home by 3pm the next day. DH was allowed to stay in the hospital second time round so that really helped. I was also back driving after a week.

I've had 2 c sections, my first they gave me good drugs afterwards, they've stopped that now so stock up on decent painkillers.
My pregnancy pillow was brilliant I had one of the long ones, like a giant sausage shape, it meant I could sit up easily and could curve round so I could feed my daughter by resting her in front of me.
Bio oil to help with scarring and I stocked up on healthy snacks so I didn't need to cook too much for first couple of weeks.
The comfiest jeans afterwards were seraphine maternity jeans, they didn't rub on the scar area like Jojo ones
Peppermint tea for trapped wind after surgery.
I felt a lot more at ease with my second, I'm sure you'll be fine.

Just read the rest of the thread, congratulations!!
In terms of getting the dressing off, soak in a bath. I was a real wimp about it and even I found taking it off in the bath really easy.
I hope you get some rest.

Congratulations!