c section recovery stories

I’ve now had 2 in the last 1.5 years. First was 15 hours of labor that ended in a CAT 1 emergency C-section, I actually birthed our son both ways and they had to use the Zavanelli maneuver to shove him back up the birth canal. I was pretty much in constant pain for a month afterwards and my husband and I had to live with my mom for that whole month because our apartment wasn’t C-section recovery friendly and I couldn’t do anything on my own. I had PTSD and a constant thousand yard stare for 4 months afterwards, I was not mentally present- that caused my milk supply to tank plus my son had mouth ties and pumping was just too much while also struggling mentally. I didn’t have a bowel movement for 2 weeks and when it happened it was HORRIBLE, like trying to poop out the largest pinecone in existence. Feet and legs were so swollen I went from a 9-9.5 women’s shoe to a size 14 men’s and that lasted for 2-3 weeks. I just had my second one a month ago as an elective. Much quicker-

-Of a recovery. Took about a week for me to start doing stuff without pain meds and feel pretty decent, swelling was pretty much gone after 1.5 weeks . It was a completely opposite experience

I think there’s a big difference between planned and emergency. I had a planned C-section because my LO was breech and my recovery wasn’t bad. No swelling, no real pain most of the time, no issues breastfeeding, and I started feeling better exponentially each day after day 5. I was basically back to my old self for the most part by 14 days PP aside from that I got tired more quickly than usual. My SIL had an emergency c-section after 36 hours of labor and her recovery sounded more like your experience.

I had my first c-section after a 52 hour labor. Second was elective and the initial recovery was easier this time around but then I also have a toddler at home so when I got home, my healing slowed a bit. But both times, it took a good 6 weeks to start feeling better and start to feel somewhat back to my normal self. Give yourself grace mama. You endured a very major abdominal surgery. Rest as much as you can and enjoy all the cuddles with your little one 💜

I also had a very healthy pregnancy and labour but due to not progressing enough and my waters broke early on I ended up having c section - wasn’t exactly an emergency per say as we was discussing with the doctors several hours prior that if I didn’t dilate much more then we would opt for a section as it was unlikely I would dilate enough. I’m currently 12 days PP and I had a pretty good op. Everyone who looks at my scar tells me they done a very good job. The first 5 days were the hardest but ive been up and moving around from the beginning. I had no bowel movement for a few days and swelling for a few days but by day 4-5 I was pretty much back to normal xxx

I had a planned c-section 4 weeks ago. The operation itself was way better than I thought, I was able to get up and walk to the shower 8 hours later. The first week to 10 days at home I was taking back to back paracetamol and ibuprofen. I was in pain if I was late taking my meds and couldn't easily lift baby from a seated position or get out of bed/off the sofa without help, but it wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. By 10 days I felt mostly fine and was no longer taking painkillers but still taking things easy. At 2 weeks I was going for short walks and now at 4 weeks I feel fine and am back driving. I know everyone is different but for me it really wasn't too bad. It was painful but I found staying on top of the meds key, set an alarm so you don't miss them. It goes so fast as well that the worst days don't last for long.

I just had a scheduled c section 3 weeks ago. I live on the 3rd floor with no elevator!!. When I got discharged and came home I listened to some advice and went up the stairs backwards and was fine going up the stairs I stayed up there for about a week and a half. I stayed up on my meds so pain was minimal. I moved around a lik every day to help with the stiffness. I took the stool softeners and so glad I did. Yes, stomach contracts while breastfeeding, so there was that. Finally came down the stairs and driving after 2 weeks. Still no bending I'm walking around pretty good was cleared to wear my faja to help my stomach go down. Keeping my incision clean and dry. Oh and I sleep propped up in my bed or sometimes my couch it's easier to get up that way