Getting really depressed after c section

[Givemeabreak45]

I'm really struggling after having my planned c section on Friday...
Everything went really well according to hospital, textbook operation, minimal blood loss etc and I was discharged on Saturday despite struggling to walk.

Since we've got home, I'm not very mobile... Just about managing to get to the loo but little else. Having very bad burning pain from wound area on right side. I've only got paracetamol and a few days' worth of codeine which barely seems to help. I feel otherwise well in myself.

I'm feeling really depressed as am isolated in our bedroom, can't help with my baby girl much, everything a massive effort. I feel like a failure and a terrible mum. And I can't see an end to this. All I keep reading is people who had hardly any pain and were walking into town after a few days and I'm thinking why am I not like that?

Does anyone have any advice as I'm really not coping well?

I’m sorry you’re feeling like this 💗 I can completely relate. I had an unplanned c section 3.5 weeks ago and have had some set backs with my recovery.

I have my bad days when I feel useless but I feel much better now that I’ve accepted great help from my husband and mum and I know the longer I rest now, the sooner I’ll be stronger to get around in the coming weeks. It’s so hard but there is a time limit on this period of time. Hope you feel better soon

I can completely relate. I was offered to go home 24 hours after my emergency CSec but they said if I wasn't comfortable I could stay another night. I chose to stay for the two nights as I was unable to do anything and I didn't want to struggle at home with stairs etc.
It really felt better after about 6/7 days and the old adage is true that the more you love the better you will feel!

@mummyinlove09 thanks for replying. Sorry to hear you're also struggling. Glad things are getting a bit easier. Yes, it's just so hard when you want to be better now... I'm not very patient!

@1940s thanks for replying. Sorry you had a rough time as well. I'm praying things will improve for me around the same time frame

I found that at day 5 it started feeling better but it was more that it started feeling slowly better. I’ve had 2 sections and still don’t understand the people able to walk round the shops a couple of days later. It will get better; keep on top of your pain relief alternating the paracetamol and ibroprufen and if that’s not enough call your GP to have something stronger prescribed

Csections are major surgery. You have had your abdomen cut open, yet the expectation by many is that you carry on as normal AND take care of your little one. It's tough.

Stay on top of your pain relief. Paracetamol, ibuprofen and codeine at regular intervals. Don't try and save the codeine. Use it. If you're still in pain and the prescription is running out call your GP.

Stating mobile really helps you to recover quicker. But it's impossible to be mobile if you're in pain, so make sure you take medication. Take enough that you can get about, but not so much you remove the pain completely - you need to feel a small amount of pain so that you know when you are overdoing it and need to stop.

I was one of those out shopping after 5 days type women. It hurt like hell, but the latter stages of pregnancy were worse for me so I felt better than before the section iyswim.

In case nobody has told you, a maternity pad over your scar on top of your knickers is utter bliss and makes moving around so much more comfortable. Ditto a cushion, anything padded really.

The main thing I think I’d advise, is really try to stop comparing yourself to other mothers. Some bounce back immediately, others have no choice but to do it as they’ve no support, others can’t do it and need support etc. You’ve made a human being and have had major surgery to deliver her - you’re a superhero! I’d be saying differently perhaps if your baby was 4 years old, but 4 days is no time at all, and you need to give yourself a break. You’ll get there, be kind to yourself. And congrats!

I totally understand this ! I had emergency c section 14 weeks ago and they cut my bladder in the process so I then had to wear a catheter for 2 weeks , I couldn’t walk at all it was absolutely horrendous and I couldn’t see any light at the end of the tunnel.
I felt completely isolated even with my family and oartner around who were doing everything for me even taking me to the toilet with the bloody catheter but I still felt depressed , down , low mood and anxious !
I can tell you now hang in there everyday you will improve and I promise you will feel better each day, you will find you can do a little more etc. I never thought I’d be able to lie down in bed to sleep as I had to sleep sitting up but In a few days time you will notice a difference and then it will just get easier and easier. Take your painkillers and rest . Xx

After my caesarean I stayed in hospital for 6 nights, dosed up on morphine. You are trying to be Superwoman! My advice would be to take as many painkillers as is safe, sleep as much as you can, do whatever it needs to feel more comfortable and try to relax. Your body will heal eventually and your new baby will be there to enjoy and care for when you can. Some women are just amazing!