C-Section Recovery Tips

For many women, the thought of having a caesarean section (more commonly known as a c-section) can be overwhelming and scary. Compared to a vaginal delivery, c-sections have the reputation of more difficult and longer complications, but this is not always the case. Being well informed can help to make your experience more positive, so we have put together a list of our top tips to help you with your c-section recovery! Trust us - these tips come from our first-hand experiences!

· If you know in advance you are going to be having a c-section, wash and blow dry your hair the day before or morning of (or treat yourself to a trip to the hairdresser) – washing your hair can be a little difficult for a few days after your c-section. Pack dry shampoo in case you need to freshen up your hair during your stay.

· Take yours or your partners phone with you – there is usually someone in theatre who is more than happy to take photos for you (phones are much easier to use than cameras). You'll want to capture as many of those special moments as you can - like the moment this little on entered the world (and obviously found it a bit too bright!!!) or your first moment as a family!

· Your baby may possibly go up to your hospital room with your partner while you are in recovery. Make sure you talk about certain topics prior so you and your partner are on the same page – will your baby receive the newborn needles, such as vitamin k? Will your partner do skin to skin with the baby while you are still in recovery? Will they send a message to your family letting them know that the baby is here and that you are ok, or will you do that when you get back to your room? Whilst you may not be thinking of these things ahead of time, it’s good to have a chat with your partner and get on the same page.

· Take the painkillers offered to you – this will make it easier to get up out of bed and start moving around (see the point below).

· Start moving around your room, and then out into the hallway, when you feel up to it. The more you can start moving, and the more upright you can stand, the better you will feel. After a day or two, walking up and down the hallway a few times a day is a great progression. You can start by pushing your baby in their bassinet (you know the hospital ones that everyone has!) and leaning on that if you need a little extra support.

· The painkillers can have an effect on your tummy, so take any laxatives the nurses may offer you as well. When you do try and pass a bowel motion, rest your feet on a footstool to bring your knees closer to your chest.

· When you need to cough or sneeze, press a pillow or folded towel across your incision to help provide support.

· Pack high waisted undies (think big, black granny undies) so that nothing sits on your incision. You can pop a maternity pad on the inside of your undies along the line of your scar (sticky side to undies) to provide extra padding and protection for your wound.

· Consider a support garment for after your c-section, like the SRC Recovery Shorts or Leggings. They help to hold your incision tight, and provide abdominal support whilst you are recovering.

· Depending on your obstetrician’s orders, you may have a dressing across your incision, or you may just have steri-strips. It’s very important to keep your wound dry, especially after a shower. Consider packing a small hairdryer that you can use on a cool setting to dry the wound, its much more comfortable than patting dry the area, which can be very tender.

· You will usually be bed bound for around 12 hours post c-section. So if you have a particular outfit in mind for your little one to wear for their announcement photo, consider popping it in a labelled zip-lock bag in the front pocket of your hospital bag where your partner can easily grab it.

Our physiotherapists have had both emergency and planned c-sections, so if you have any questions (whether you have a c-section planned or you're just curious!), please don't hesitate to ask.