C-section

[wingingitmills]

I had an emergency one about a day ago. Are there any tips and tricks anyone has to make the process easier? Anything for recovery too?

Accept every single offer of help. If people are visiting and say "is there anything I can do" even something as simple as making you a will help

Get up and about asap. Stand up straight when you walk. Listen to the physio and protect your core when sneezing or coughing.

@ShowOfHands protect your core how? I've had a bit of a cough and I'm scared I might have damaged myself a little...

Have you seen a physio?

Its extremely unlikely you'll damage yourself coughing but it will hurt more if you don't cough in the way the physio shows you. Same as rolling over, sitting up, moving to standing etc. Usually you predominantly use your core to do these things but you need to engage your limbs differently to take off the pressure.

Move about but listen your body and take things slowly. Be careful that when you take painkillers it can make you feel like you can do more than you’re ready for.
My physio said hold a rolled up towel to your scar when coughing and going to the toilet at first as it can help you feel supported. I had lactulose too which helped with my first “movement”.
Also peppermint tea for the wind a section can cause.

@wingingitmills pushing a soft cushion against your stomach when you couch or sneeze (or laugh!) really helps.

I never got offered to see a physio. Just kept mobile where possible and gradually build it up testing lots. I was very lucky and was able to be out doing gentle walks with buggy and dog within 10days or so and back on my horse in 8 weeks but the first weeks do feel like everything you are doing is about to split you in half! I slept propped up for quite a while as easier to get out if bed and roll onto side to get out of bed rather than try to sit up.

Good luck and congratulations on baby! Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery x

Ask for more painkillers. Do not try and power through on paracetamol. It's a major op, you're going to feel better in 3-4 weeks though.

Keep going with the pain killers, but bare in mind that some can cause constipation. I took paracetamol and diclofenac both time, neither are an issue for the baby via your milk. Drinking plenty of water helps avoid constipation. Take it as easy as possible, you will be up and about again soon. I hope your recovery is swift and you can enjoy your new baby.

Our local trust won't discharge you until you see a physio.

Peppermint capsules in hot water are great for trapped wind but you need to only drink it sparingly if breastfeeding. Every 4hrs as a maximum.

You might not need more than paracetamol. I didn't take any painkillers at all. Just listen to your body.

Getting up and about really is the best advice. After an operation like a cs, taking it as easy as possible hinders recovery and can increase the risk of complications. You mustn't push yourself but getting up, standing tall and moving around is recommended from the moment you are able.

I kept a pad against the scar for a few days, just for extra protection.

Don't try to use your tummy muscles to sit up - if you need to move, roll over onto your side and sit up that way.

Get your partner to bring you the baby - don't try to muddle on through too much.

Big pants!

I ended up v constipated - don't know whether it was due to c section or bf - fibogel tastes foul, but is magic. Or eat a lot of prunes.

Take care of yourself - it is a major op, they've given you a tiny person to take care of, so as pp said, accept every offer of help. It's all quite bewildering, but you'll be fine.

I’m three weeks post emcs. I agree with holding a towel to your tummy to cough or poop... once your bowels recover... this can take a few days.
I swore by windeze gel capsules over peppermint tea.
Accept all offers I’d help, I managed on paracetamol and ibuprofen for 5 days then didn’t feel I needed them anymore, but still wasn’t physically up to much. I still can’t quite reach the back of the washing machine without a niggling pain.

Harem trousers in a huge size on next day delivery (£9 all in!) from eBay were my saviour as my oh so comfy over the bump maternity trousers felt like torture!

Accept help. Relax as much as you can. Do
What you feel comfortable doing. Dont try and force anything. If you feel bored then your body is telling you to move it a bit more. Rest rest rest. Well done you.

If you're coughing, a small cushion or rolled up towel over the scar really helps.