Elective C section!

What worked for me was lots of rest (where possible) for the first couple of weeks. Then slowly I started walking around the house then progressing further outside etc. If possible bathe baby at your height in one of those little tubs. And I kept avoiding using my core to get me up until there was no day to day pain anymore

I found lots of small walks helped me. I was in more pain sitting / laying in bed x

Lots of rest but small walks, get people to bring baby to you, involve your 4 year old like ask him to bring nappies during changes so he feels a part of it. Good luck

I was legit not be able to sit myself up in bed. This was a real problem for me. I saw a hack somewhere about tucking a sheet, bunched up like a rope, at the foot of the bed. That way if no one is around, you can pull on it to help give you leverage to sit up.

Thank you everyone, these are all so helpful!

Just rest as much as possible! Try not to do any lifting, get someone to pass baby to you and only do small walks if you feel you need a walk. I barely did anything the first couple of weeks, my partner did the housework, passed the baby to me etc and by week 3-4 I was out and about. Also don’t use products etc on the scar, just leave it alone. In the shower, don’t use shower gel on it, I just let the water run down over it, I didn’t touch it at all and then pat dry with a clean towel. I wore my maternity underwear while it was healing because it was big enough to go above the scar and didn’t rub against it, my scar healed fairly quickly just leaving it alone. Your body will heal itself without products added to it. I’ve just started using the mam silicone patches for the scar and the naydaya scar cream but waited until my scar was completely healed x

Have you ever had any kind of surgery ? I had my appendix removed in 2018 in a laparoscopy. My best friend had a laparoscopy 3 months before getting pregnant to remove adherence of organs (she had endometriosis) and she had to get a C-section because the baby was too big. She said the laparoscopy was worst and more painful than the C-section. 3 days later another friend had a C-section because her baby was pelvic. She said it was too painful but she was managing it. So for me basically if you had another surgery it will handle it in a better way. Good luck!

Stay on top if your medications, even if you don't feel like you need them! They not only help you feel better but help recovery. Set timers or alarms to stay on top of them, it's better to stay ahead of the pain. And take them the whole recommended time! I was prescribed naproxen and acetaminophen, pharmacy only filled the naproxen as acetaminophen is over the counter, but I took note of how long the prescription was for and took the meds that whole time. By the end I didn't feel like I needed them but I took them anyway as once you feel the pain it takes longer for the meds to work than if you'd taken them on time. Lots of rest when you can, and I also found a stepstool helpful for getting in bed (I have a particularly tall bed but it still may help you)

@Victoria I’ve never had any abdominal surgery but have had others! Most recent was 2019 and I was back up and about within two days x

@Kai thank you! I think because I am breast feeding I may only be able to take paracetamol and ibuprofen. But that’s a great tip about the step stool, I also have a tall bed and really struggled post vaginal birth to get in and out easily!

@Shannan whatever they prescribe you, take it. I also breastfeed and they will prescribe whats safe.

Im an occupational therapist & c section mum. I’d say - * bring things to a good height / you don’t want anything in bottom drawers (as bending was difficult for me) * will you be able to shower? I don’t have a walk in shower you see. * set an alarm and take the meds even when not In pain. * avoid lifting heavy items. * have enough cushions / pillows (may help to be raised a little for transfers)

Stay on top of your meds! I made the mistake of leaving too long between doses on my first day home, just lost track of time, and waiting for them to kick in was HARD 🥲. I'd also create a WhatsApp group with just you and your partner, or even just have something in your notes app where you can help track your meds timings (keeping an eye on max doses in 24 hour periods). I found that a bit stressful until I started properly tracking them.