What happens in the hours after a c section?

[bumpabroad]

It’s looking likely I’m going to be having a c section next week (at the latest, I’m aware baby could come earlier!) due to a breech baby, so I was just looking for some wisdom as to what generally happens in the few hours afterwards? I have an appointment with my community midwife later this week so I can ask her, but I’d like to be as prepared as possible as to what actually happens. For example, it rather naively hadn’t occurred to me that if I couldn’t walk/move my legs then I wouldn’t be able to change my own maternity pads and the midwives would have to do it for me. Apparently I’m likely to be sat on a puppy pad type of thing (presumably in a hospital gown or something disposable) and they will just come and change that. This is the sort of thing that I hadn’t even considered beforehand 😳

Also, if you’re able to give an indication of how long it was before you could move about/shower/change into your own nightdress/change your own maternity pads then that would be amazing!

Mine was 30 years ago and even if I could remember what happened it would all be out of date now! I just wanted to say (a) good luck! and (b) do please make sure you look after yourself in the weeks that follow. A C section is major abdominal surgery and it takes time to recover from it. It's not easy to rest when you have a newborn to take care of, but I would advise put the baby first and yourself a very close second. Make sure you get plenty of fluids and try to eat a good range of foods, especially foods with lots of Vitamin C and iron, as that will help you heal and keep your energy up. Rest as much as you can. Ideally you want somebody with you for at least the first few days at home so you can avoid overdoing it, and you have someone to lift things, as you should be lifting nothing heavier than the baby to begin with.

Ah I remember the first shower afterwards (in hospital) - DH not only had to put my knickers round my ankles for me (couldn't bend over) but also had to stick a maternity pad on them. Oh the joys. I have another c-section booked in a few months time.

Oh another thing I remembered.
The injections they give u after, really pinch the skin when you inject yourself that way you won't feel it.

Also ask for stool softeners I had awful constipation due to the iron tablets.
. I loved my section woukd have another in a heart beat

I had my catheter left in for 48 hours & was left sat on a puppy pad for all that time, I was in HDU due to blood loss & hellp syndrome, by the time I got home I was losing skin from the insides of my legs & bum. I Shouldham complained but as a first time mum I didn't know that it wasn't usual.

Thank you so much everyone! This is very helpful.

I’ve found out that I’m on the morning list, which I think is a good thing… we’ll see! My hospital allows partners to stay on the ward overnight, so all being well I will have someone with me to help with the baby/pass me the baby if I am struggling. I am planning on breastfeeding, so hopefully that works out. I haven’t had any luck so far with expressing colostrum, but I think that’s quite a new thing so hopefully it doesn’t mean much that I’ve not been able to do it the few times I’ve tried.

Thank you for the reminders about packing peppermint oil! I had read that on other threads but haven’t actually bought any yet.

I’ve breastfed both of mine successfully after c-sections (first was a nightmare getting it established due to tongue tie, but nothing to do with the section). Didn’t know harvesting colostrum was a thing with my first. Tried with the second and got a very small amount, but it made me feel really sick and dizzy so I stopped and didn’t take any in. I was worried this might mean I’d struggle too, but I had no problem with supply at all so I don’t think it’s any indication. Hope it all goes well

I’ve had 3 dc by c section and breastfed all of them. I’ve never harvested colostrum so try not to worry about that

I’m amazed to read how many women were up and about, showering etc soon after their op. I think it was day 3 when they made me walk to the shower and I collapsed. Baby in special care 1 night, we both stayed in 5 nights. Was v well looked after.

As with others, I wouldn't be too worried if you don't produce any colostrum. Many women don't before birth and successfully breastfeed afterwards. I couldn't produce anything pre-birth, but other than the initial hurdle of mild jaundice, breastfeeding itself has gone well both times.

It’s really handy to know about the colostrum, thank you. I haven’t been able to get anything (although I’ve only tried 2 or 3 times) and I’ve found trying to ‘milk’ myself a fairly unpleasant sensation. I’m hopeful I won’t think it’s unpleasant when it’s the baby breastfeeding, but we’ll see!

I have no idea what harvesting colostrum means - wasn't a thing when I had my daughter - but I had no real trouble establishing breastfeeding after a CS with no expressing involved at any point. I did briefly try using a breast pump in the early days but found it a great faff so never bothered again. (One of the many things that's probably moved on in the intervening period.)

You're just lying on a bed with partner and unaware of what the nurses are doing.

Peppermint tea or capsules not oil lol

I think the capsules are full of peppermint oil 🙂

Tea would be a lot cheaper, but I’ve been put off it after drinking it to try and help with morning sickness!

Ohh course they are oops 😂