C section recovery tips?

[SharpRobin]

Hi everyone
I would be extremely grateful for your tips and advice following a c section procedure. I've heard chewing mint gum and having peppermint tea following the op is good to avoid trapped gas, and to buy large underwear so the elastic doesn't dig into the stitch/scar. Please share what made your experience better/recovery easier and any other information... thank you in advance I really appreciate it 😊

I didn’t need any peppermint. Just move as soon as you can. I had a fast recovery and managed to get moving as soon as the anaesthetic wore off. I was discharged 10hrs after the section. Just keep moving, take the paracetamol regularly (I didn’t feel like I needed it but took it anyway for three days and didn’t have any pain). We went out for a walk and pub lunch a few days after and all felt fine.

I didn’t have bloating/gas issues after mine. Managed to poo ok. Although they prescribed laxatives with stronger painkillers just incase but I avoided the stronger painkillers so maybe that’s why. Taking paracetamol and ibuprofen at the correct times was enough.

Yes to large underwear. Pre-csection I used to wear everything on my hips. Jeans, underwear. So after the emcs my DH had to go out and buy me leggings 2x sizes bigger than I am and large underwear.

I would say go at a slow pace after the csection, especially the days and the few weeks after. I felt back to my normal self by week 2-3 but then I would bend down and get pain, or I thought I would stop taking the paracetamol/ibuprofen and then be really sore a few hours later and start taking them again. I did fully stop taking them after about 4-5 weeks but I just tried to rush it thinking I didn’t have pain anymore.

Overall though I found the csection experience pleasant. The only thing I didn’t like was the removal of the catheter the next morning. Plus them saying I needed to wee within x number of hours.

I also didn’t need peppermint etc.

I did need the painkillers - keep taking those. Both of mine were fairly difficult emcs after long labours which made the recovery probably harder than if it had been elcs. I certainly wasn’t going anywhere after 10 hours!

I found in the first week or so, it was best to do half as much as I thought I could. When I did more, I paid for it later.

Lots of pillows for bed when you get home - you won’t be able to move to/from lying down easily.

However, even with difficult recoveries, I was back to normal within a couple of weeks. So please don’t despair if it feels hard in the first couple of days; it won’t last long.

Once the scar is healed over start scar massage. Look videos up.

As above said get moving as soon as possible. Gets blood flowing to the area which will aid healing, and prevents you getting stiff and sore. Walking around the ward for a start.

Focus on your posture. It can be sore in the beginning to straighten up as it feels like it's pulling at the wound but it'll be worse long run if you don't. Get good support pillows for feeding etc.

Take all of your prescribed meds and don't miss a dose. Continue paracetamol and ibuprofen at home as long as you need to. The only times I got very sore were when I forgot to take them. I personally couldn't remember one thing that wasn't related to the baby so my OH was on meds duty or I would genuinely forget.

Get up and shower each day. Aside from the obvious reducing the chance of infection, it just makes you feel good. Even if it's just to get back into clean PJs and a fresh bed it will do wonders for you. (I also found those 10 mins alone were nice😂)

Eat well. Take any and all offers of cooked meals. Have some in your freezer ready to go. Nourishing your body really does help you to heal. You don't want to be eating rubbish and feeling sluggish. 3 good meals and 2 snacks at the very least. It's very easy to put your own needs last but get prepared and it will be easier.

Get out of the house as soon as you feel ready. The longer you wait the more daunting it feels. It feels so good to do something normal and is great for your mental health. Don't underestimate how good a quick coffee and 5 minute stroll can be.

Silicon scar patches are great for when the wound has healed up to reduce the colour and texture of your scar.

I assume it is a planned c section. This in itself generally makes recovery easier as you won't do labour and it will be calm hopefully.

I'd recommend:

• get up as soon as you can and do little walks, pace yourself
• disposable underwear (Always do big black adult 'nappies') then move onto big knickers and pads
• keep on top of painkillers. Write down what you need when and set alarms.
• once scar heals do scar massage and possibly silicone strips
• might be too late but keeping up exercise in pregnancy where you can so you have good muscle strength
• I did get constipated but don't remember anything in particular massively helping. I just rode it out

I had tricky circumstances around birth/end of pregnancy illness but absolutely loved my c section. It was so positive and recovery was not as bad as I imagined.

Take things at your own pace, for my first when I was 5 days PP I was ready for a 15 minute walk to the shops and back, with my second at 5 days PP I had to lie down after going upstairs.

I completely agree with the keeping moving if you're able. I've had 4 sections and this would be my first tip. The more you lie there the worse you feel. So as soon as you feel able, get up, have a shower and put on a clean pair of pjs. Just don't overdo it. And as soon as you feel ready for a bowel movement, don't be shy because the constipation can set in otherwise and on top of being sore from the surgery, you'll be uncomfortable from being bunged up. Eat and drink normally and take a stool softener if you have to.

My biggest advice is please don't do too much after it. I thought it was a good idea to do a Tesco shop 5 days pp and ended up opening up my wound and getting an infection. Rest is key.

Another good one for me was a good cushion to prop you up when sitting, it's helps you to stand up easier as well. Going from sitting to standing was the worst pain for me.

I'd invest in some lactulose or somthing as well, I was severely constipated for about 2 weeks afterwards,

Best of luck to you ❤️

Just to add to mine as others have said a bit of movement is beneficial just don't go crazy with it!

After your shower use a hairdryer to dry your scar gently but thoroughly.

I was told that lots of peppermint can affect milk supply so I'd go carefully with that. I did find it helpful directly after surgery but was limited to one cup of peppermint tea in the hospital.

I found having a rolled up towel over the wound while holding/feeding my babies helped stop little feet kicking me there.

I found stairs difficult for the first couple of weeks but after the first couple of days had no problems walking round the house. Don't try to do too much though, it's very easy to over do it and you'll spend the next day regretting it.

Move ! And keep moving
I needed a ton of laxatives as the three poos I did after were worse than labour
I was literally panting out giant balls if poo!
no pain killers needed no pain and back to driving after 8 days

Nothing like that. No trapped gas or anything. I tell you your most immediate physical worry is having a bowel movement. You will feel very vulnerable and like you will split your wound open. Midwives seem obsessed with it! The first 24 hours you may feel a bit fuzzy and getting back on your feet a bit wobbly, but you need to get moving. I had drains with one of my sections but it was ok. I had dull pain for a while and I was a bit sore and I don't know why but I was surprised I bled for a few weeks after - I guess I thought I wouldn't having a section. But we were able to resume 'relations' after a couple weeks (don't forget birth control)!
After going home I'd just say air your wound whenever possible, and accept help. But I was out and about three days afterwards, not driving of course, but we had a parade of visitors and went out to lunch (get that first breastfeeding in public out of the way). Walking is great - I got out every day.

Pack colpermin and peppermint tea, snack on dried fruits and avoid junk food. The trapped wind or bloating pain is brutal so do what you can to avoid

I don't know how common this is but I had to have three large wees (into pots to be measured!) before I was discharged from hospital. I would recommend packing some sports drinks and fruit juice - things with easy lids or straws - to help you get hydrated.

Take the painkillers you're offered in hospital even if you don't feel too bad at the time. And buy up paracetamol and ibuprofen in advance because you don't get sent home with any.

Gentle movement, plenty of rest, ask for help. Good luck!

Obvious but don't lift anything heavier than baby or kettle. I picked up my cat and wished I hadn't.

7 weeks post ELCS here...

For the hospital, a nightie, and VERY high wasted underwear, think middle of your belly high, your lower tummy will feel very tender and you won't want anything touching your incision/bandage. Although I stayed commando as you have your catheter in.
Also loose fitted clothing for the journey home.

For the car - take a pillow to put between you and the seatbelt, also one to sit on. (It lessens the impact from the bumps in the road)

Take your painkillers (the oramorph is fantastic) even if you 'think' you don't need it. It's better to be ontop of the pain than let it creep up on you. It also will have zero effect on your caring for your baby or breastfeeding. If you've experienced sickness before from opioid medication, mention it to them and they'll give you some anti sickness in your cannula. Also stay ontop of your pain medication when home, I found it really helpful to keep a log in my phone (on notes) to keep track of when I took what.

• pack your own paracetamol and ibuprofen (you can self administer in hospital aslong as you tell them you are, then you won't have to wait if they're particularly busy on the ward)
Also stock up at home. I had a draw full and went through it very quickly.

Be prepared to have the shakes. It's completely normal and nothing to worry about. It's due to the pain medication and anaesthesia during surgery and will ware off about a hour post surgery. I didn't have it too bad - was more like I was shivering but I know some people get it badly. Just ride it out.

If you get really itchy, ask for an antihistamine. Again, due to the anaesthesia. Not everyone gets it, I didn't but if you do don't suffer in silence.

Ear plugs and a eye mask / the wards are noisy and light (I even had a side room and only got 2 hours sleep)

Pack some drinks (lucozade sport) for electrolytes and to help you wee lots.
Also some nice snacks. You'll deserve a treat.

Also you'll have to do 3x 700ml pee's after the catheter is removed, so the following morning, start drinking lots and lots of fluids.
It'll make it alot easier!

Also you can have someone bring you food in if you're not a fan of hospital food. My sister brought me in a meal deal which I was so thankful for as I hate hospital food and all id eat was toast, and when they brought that round to me I was being faffed about with by a midwife and it was stone cold by the time I got to it.

You can shower with the dressing on. But they do advise not to get it soaking wet. (So stand with your back to the water) and allow it to dry once out the shower. I showered at home because I choose too, I was discharged within 26 hours in at 7am, home by 4pm the following day and wanted to shower in the comfort of my own home and get into my new pjs waiting for me and into my own bed. The plus side of a ELCS is you have time to shower the morning of, and you're not pushing so not a hot sweaty mess!

My dressing was removed 5 days after - I found this made me feel really exposed after, so again, loose clothing and High wasted underwear. DO not put anything on your incision, no soaps, liquids, etc. just let the water run over it in the shower and pat dry with a clean towel when you're out. Or sit and let it air dry for a while.

Although they'll possibly give you laxative to take home with you, buy yourself a suppository, I got one from boots (cheap and cheerful) you do NOT want to be constipated (the pain meds will do this) it's not pleasant with a c section - I used a suppository on day 5 due to constipation and it was a god send.
The constipation was horrific!!

Move little and often when you feel able too. When I say little, I mean to the toilet and back, around the bed. DO take it easy, it'll make your recovery easier and better in the long run. You won't win any awards for walking 5 miles a week post major abdominal surgery. Take your time and enjoy being on the bed enjoying newborn snuggles.

I basically lived upstairs in the bedroom for the first two weeks, husband did anything needed down stairs and I stayed upstairs with baby.

When at home and in bed, have lots of pillows, you will likely be sleeping sat upright for the first week or longer (I did for two weeks) as trying to get up from lying down was too much and laying on my sides felt like it was pulling and was too uncomfortable to fall asleep. It's sounds horrible but you'll be so tired, you'll sleep!

Pack some peppermint tea and rennie 'deflatine' (can be brought on amazon) for the trapped wind. (I thankfully didn't suffer but I had two of the rennie as soon as I was in recovery and two every hour after) Also chewing gum! Helps with trapped wind and helps get the bowel moving again.

Also second the caddy's - I had one beside the bed filled with baby essentials (nappies, wipes, Muslims, nappy bags, sudocream etc etc) aswell as a travel changing mat. And another full of stuff for me, (painkillers, lip solves, moisturiser, hair bands, glasses, snacks) and I had one in the bathroom for me (filled with sanitary towels, femfresh wipes to freshen up inbetween showers due to bleeding, spare underwear etc) so if I needed it, it was all right there for me.

I also highly recommend The frida mom disposable briefs. They're extremely comfortable over your incision and comfy full stop. They're also washable and wash well so you don't actually have to throw them after one use.
And lots of sanitary towels, nice comfy ones. Good luck!!

Thank you so much everyone for the very helpful advice ❤️

You can use a soap on your incision site if you think it's beginning to get infected. I had a bit of an overhang and wound was starting to get sticky. I used the Dettol soap bars to throughly clean, then patted dry and laid there airing it out. That seemed to stop any infection in it's tracks.

I just wanted to add, as I've been reading through some of the other responses. Lots of great advice, but also, do not be disheartened if you're not feeling great 3 days later. I came on here a lot for reassurance and advice prior to my c section 7 weeks ago, and got alot of responses saying they were back to feeling great/minimal pain after 3 days or a week, out and about doing this that and the other. That wasn't my experience and it really shocked me because I almost didn't expect it (naive really as you've just had major abdominal surgery). I'm not discrediting there responses, it's amazing that so many bounce back so quickly... but I was still in quiet a lot of discomfort even a month later, manageable but still very mindful of it and sore. So if you are, don't feel discouraged, it's totally normal. You've had 7 layers cut open and stitched together again, and it's the only major surgery you'll have where your sent home so soon after with minimal pain relief (I was sent home with nothing!) thankfully my sister went to a pharmacist and got me codine/paracetamol (although you can't take codine if breastfeeding) but I remember the first 72 hours post surgery being in significant pain. But it does get easier day by day. But even 7 weeks on, my lower abdomen still feels tender, although I can do everything I could before now. Just take it easy and don't rush your recovery. Hopefully you'll have great support from your partner or family. X

Thank you for sharing this and I'm sorry you had a longer road to recovery ❤️ i hope you feel back to 100% soon and that youre also getting lots of support from your family xxx

@SharpRobin I'm feeling alot better now! Still slight tenderness along my lower abdomen but it doesn't hinder me, my incision healed fantastically with no problems and I've had fantastic support from my husband and family the whole way through. I hope you have a wonderful experience! ❤️

Aah that is lovely to hear...i have heard of incison lines getting very badly infected and even sepsis from c section complications...its a worrying time but youre absolutely right..family support really does make a huge difference 😊 thank you so much ❤️

@SharpRobin although it can be common, aslong as you care for it well and take care of yourself, you massively reduce that risk. Just avoid touching it, don't put any soaps or anything on it, in the shower wash the rest of your body and just allow any soap and water to run over it and after a shower pat it dry with a clean towel or kitchen towel you'll be fine! I'm in a group with 20 other mums who all gave birth in December, I think about 8 of us have had c sections and we've all healed fine with no infection. Also just be careful with your movements post c section to avoid pulling on it or causing an opening xxxx