C-Section Recovery
March 8, 2006 by kate baggott
Filed under Health
Dr. Sarah, a friend of mine whose expert commentary makes writing this blog an extra pleasure, gave birth to a beautiful little boy last week. After three hours of pushing, she had an emergency Cesarian Section. I’ve been planning an article on recovering from a c-section for a long time. I am writing it today for Sarah and her baby to welcome her to the world of motherhood.
A lot has been written about celebrities who have elective c-sections at 37 weeks to save their bellies from the worst of the stretching. Many people in the medical profession believe this has sparked a trend. Trend followers need to know this: the mothers I have talked to who have had both a natural delivery and a c-section say that no one would actually choose a c-section if they knew what recovery was actually going to entail.
Experienced mothers repeat two pieces of advice as the most important aspects of their own recovery:
1. Get moving as soon as possible after the delivery. It will hurt, but the sooner you get walking, the better you’ll feel.
2. Lift nothing heavier than your baby.
If you know a woman recovering from a c-section and are wondering how to help, the answer seems simple to me: do her laundry! She shouldn’t be carrying the laundry basket around.
Resources from around the web offer the following extra tips.
Babycenter cautions women recovering from c-sections to manage their expectations about pain:
- Don’t expect to toss your pain medication as soon as you get home. You may need prescription pain killers for up to a week after surgery, gradually transitioning to over-the-counter pain relievers. (If you’re breastfeeding, don’t take aspirin or drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid.)
At Pregnancy Weekly, the advice is to give your abdominal muscles all the extra help you can:
- Because your abdomen will be tender from your incision, the stomach muscles will be of very little use to you for the first few weeks following your operation. Try using several pillows to support your body when resting. Holding the baby may also be difficult. Resting your baby on a pillow on your tummy can help reduce the pressure on your incision.
Self-care is always an issue for new mothers, but their are additional responsibilities, like checking and caring for your incision that are specific to c-section deliveries. The site C-Section Recovery is dedicated to all the pleasure and problems a mother in this situation may have.
And remember, new motherhood is all about energy management. Enjoy your baby and take care of yourself. Everything else can wait, or be taken care of by someone else. If you don’t know how to delegate, this is the time to learn!
Congratulations to Dr. Sarah and all the other c-section mothers out there. Delivery might not have been all you expected, but I hope that motherhood will be everything you always wanted it to be and more. All the best for a speedy recovery.
Congrats Sarah on the new boy!!
I’m so excited for Sarah! Congratulations!!!!!
Hope you recover speedily in time for the really fun stuff. hehehe *evil glint in eye*
Thanks Kate!
Here is another long winded comment, but if it helps others to know more and inspires them to learn more going in , than good.
Now of course I had thought very hard about the elective C section. I discussed it at great length with my OB, who was against doing them purely out of choice reasons , even for someone who really could evaluate all the risks. After our discussions, we each convinced the other of our own point of view. I agreed to try vaginally , and he agreed to do an elective C section if I wanted!
So, now that I have gone through , really almost both processes( head almost half way out with hard pushing, and vacuum suction more than once but was stuck!), and knowing that if I could choose to just have the recovery from one or the other instead of both joys that would be my first choice. Of course easy to say in retrospect.
The nice thing about a C section is you know pretty much what you are getting, the vaginal thing can go any which way – more natural yes but forgive me putting it this way, mother nature can be a whore or a madonna , right?
So. Bottom line is that with a C section you have sense of control of what you will have to recover from , how long etc, you get to skip the hemorrhoids, perineal and vaginal edema,tears and abrasions, that can last over a week or two, laxity of the pelvic floor muscles which do NOT always go back, risk for future rectal prolapse, urinary incontinence.
I have a beautiful small incision – about 5 cm hidden low, healing well at one week( but no driving for 2 weeks, care to move around, the lifting restrictions you mentioned and I wear a supportive binder to help the pain) . But I am almost off pain pills now at one week, mostly taking motrin, and that is it.
With a vaginal, besides the perineal area, for me the scariest thing was that you can’t control if you will be able to actually safely deliver or not. If you can great, but the first time it is like rolling the dice to some extent, and probably age is and was for me a a big factor.
So this is what happened to me and what I thought my chances were going into it.
In my case, every single stat said I should have an easy delivery – perfect pregnancy, 35 pound weight gain, I am tall, healthy and in good shape with no medical problems except age 35. ( I did an hour of brisk walking on the treadmill the DAY before I delivered…. without difficulty and exercised throughout), not small boned, they thought the baby was small( he wasn’t), I have three sisters and a mother who delivered vaginally 13 children between all of them – not ONE C section required, and some of those at advanced age- one sister at 40 with her first – my mom at 40 with me, her last.
It goes on and on and these were the things that convinced and ‘reassured’ me, the control freak that a vaginal delivery would be worth a try. And you know what – everything went super well the whole time – at first, everyone joking at how well I was pushing and taking bets on when he would be born – ie in the next hour. I wasn’t so sure – and I was right, but there it is!
In the end we now have our most beautiful baby boy, healthy and well at hoem with us. Next time we won’t even try vaginal – our OB wouldn’t even think of it without inducing much earlier and ultrasounds and EVEN then it would be very risky.
So there is another topic – inductions!
Thanks again Kate!
Wow, and congratulations Sarah.
To me, my perspective lies strongly with the baby during the process of labor and birth – as well as during the prenatal gestation.
We know now that babies are aware, sentient, and what happens during their earliest moments imprints and influences their beliefs about self, relationships and the world.
From a baby’s perspective, C-sections can be quite frightening, painful and often interrupts that first 90 minutes where the brain is primed and ready to bond and attach…
Many C-section babies have patterns that include a resistence to settling, moulding to another body for comfort, being close, being lifted, bathed…also, if there was a long labour preceding the surgury there may well be issues with hair pulling later, crying, anxiety and a sense of “I can’t do this” or “I am not important” or “I am going to die” which can imprint and become beliefs that influence decisions and interactions throughout life.
Many of my clients, both adult and infant, have shown positive shifts in behaviour and attitude after doing some work around what happened at birth, not just the actions but the thoughts and feelings of those present as well.
I am scheduled to have a c-section on july 9th, and although I have had on before I am very nervous. My last c-section was 12 years ago. I am very concerned about the spinal block. I didnt have one the first time, I was put out completely so I have no idea about the needle in the back. I am very anxcious, nevous, scared and every other emotion I could have. Do any of you post cesarian women have any advice or comforting info for me? Thank You!!!!
In waiting
Sue
Hi Sue- The spinal block is another work for epidural. With a c-section, they will just keep the drug moving in as long as they need you numb rather than using it as pain relief.
If you can, find out who is on call to administer it the day you give birth and find out his or her reputation from the other women who have given birth in your community.
It would also help to learn as much about the epidural as you can before you have it. One of the things you can do, is ask the doctor to tell you as soon as s/he has finished stitching you up. Then, start trying to wiggle your toes. The sooner you can start feeling something, the better off you’ll be. Remember, get moving as soon as you can.
In the final analysis, I think you’ll find the spinal block is a lot less risky than a general anesthetic!
Have a great birth and don’t forget to throw a package of chewing gum into your birthing bag.
Thank You so very much. Your words were very encouraging and helped relieve some stress that I have been having due to my nerves about the block. I appreciate you taking time to drop a few lines to ease a “ready-to-go” mom. THANK YOU AGAIN!!
Sue,
Wow, what an exciting time!
In addition to the helpful comments above, I have a suggestion to help reduce the birth trauma/stress for your baby.
Begin now talking to your baby about what is to come, and why. Explain about what the spinal will be like (baby will go numb too – basically, what you feel from the waist down is what baby will feel) and reassure him/her that when this numbness is felt, all is well, he/she is safe.
Explain why you are having a C-section to Baby, that your abdomen will be opened and he/she will be lifted out…to expect helpful hands, and to be ready for that. There will be medical people talking, and bright lights and surgical masks…explain why.
Babies can understand what we say…we’re finding out more and more that we do remember our birth (www.birthpsychology.com and the book “babies remember birth” by Dr.David Chamberlain) and it helps IMMENSELY to orient them and include them in their experience.
Lots of reassurance, and if your husband or you can talk to baby during the C-section, so he/she knows he/she isn’t alone that’d be great too.
Good luck, and congratulations!!!
Thank You for that. I never even thought about telling him what the steps to the soon-to-be-event will have in store. It’s very interesting to find out that babies now know what we say. I will remember that. I am also going to try and find the reading material you have listed above on the subject. I really appreciate your time. I am slowly beginning the countdown. 12 days until the big day. Quite nervous but everyones comments are making it easier and more comfortable for me. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!
Great!
Another good read is “The Secret Life Of Your Unborn Baby” and “Tomorrow’s Baby” by Dr. Thomas Verny.
Also, you’re doing a wonderful job getting support and advice to reduce your fears and anxieties since Baby feels your emotions as well and often doesn’t understand. When you are anxious, because he is not aware of being separate from you, he very well may imprint “I am anxious” as a template for how to relate to life.
This is not usually a problem b/c normal life includes ups and downs…learning to soothe and calm down after an upset is healthy. It’s chronic anxiety that can cause distress.
However, the birth experience is so intense what happens during it can and does have life long imprints for all of us (both positive and negative).
You are in a great position to ease your baby’s transition and prevent a lot of distress.
Many of my clients have been seen very big changes in sleep problems, feeding issues and general fussiness and crying from working with and resolving trauma during birth.
GOOD LUCK!!!
Sue,
Please stop buy as soon as you can to let us know how the birth went. I will be thinking of your and your baby on the 12th.
Remember, the C-Section is a remarkable thing that has saved many lives. It takes a lot more effort to recover and work past the initial pain, but the effort is worth it.
And tell your partner I said that he has to do all the laundry for six weeks after the birth. You should not be carrying the basket to or from the washing machine.
Thank you to all that has commented back to me. I really appreciate the support and words of wisdom, not to mention the words of incouragement. I will let you all know what happens when the 9th of July rolls around. By the way, my partner is well informed of all his soon-to-be duties, although he is not looking to much forward to it, he is prepared to take care of things around the house. I guess that is also a little un-nerving, to know that he will be in charge of house cleaning LOL! I will keep my new found support group updated. Thanks again.
OK so I have another question. I dont mean to be gross but, I have some concern. How do I know if I am leaking amniotic fluid or if it’s just plain ole discharge? I just read some articles online about the subject but couldnt find any that gave an explanation of what it would look like. I did see that if it looked greenish that I should contact my doctor, what does the “greenish” look mean? I am concerned because I have had greenish like fluid in my undies. Does anyone know? Please help! I have 6 days to go before the c-section and I dont want any complications before hand.
Sue,
Gross is appropriate in this context. My answer is much grosser.
Amniotic fluid is called fruit water in German and French because it is kind of sweet-smelling. It is very, very watery and not like discharge at all. It might feel more like urine leaking because you’ll feel wet, but it won’t be acidic or be hot like urine.
Did you have a feeling like you peed yourself a bit or like a bubble popped down there? If so, it could be fluid.
If you can’t go to your doctor just for reassurance because of insurance reasons, go to the pharmacy and ask for some litmus paper test strips. Tell the pharmacist why you want them. Be sure to speak to the pharmacist and not a dispensary assistant.
Here is the gross part: Rub the strip against the inside wall of your vagina. A quick dip will do. If the strip stays yellow, it’s nothing. If it turns blue, it’s amniotic fluid and you should get yourself to the doctor.
The greenish worry is that there might be fetal distress and the baby has released merconium. If that happened, it wouldn’t be a faint green, but a green-black mossy or tar-like stain in your underwear that is very, very sticky to the touch.
If your discharge is getting kind of snotty in color and texture, then you’re starting to lose your mucous plug which is pretty normal and can even happen three weeks before birth.
You’re getting close and are obviously nervous, but your body is still preparing to do a lot weirder. Drink a glass or milk or juice, try to relax and feel the baby squirm around in there. As long as s/he is moving, things are probably just fine.
I really appreciate that info, it has really eased my mind and I will go get those test strips just to be sure. The baby is moving around just as always…ALOT! I really do appreciate you getting back to me on this and other subjects as fast as you do. I have felt like a bubble has popped so I will just test myself and ease my worry-some mind. Thank You very much!!! I wish I wouldve had this 12 years ago with my first child. You are a great help!
Well everyone July 9th has come and went and needless to say I havent had much time to get back to you all. Now the baby is 3 months old and I have a little bit of time to get back to everyone. Doc actually changed the delivery day to the 9th of July so we had a baby boy that day at 9:30 am. He is perfectly perfect. Everything went so well. I am not sure now, why I was so scared. Baby Sylas (that is what we named him) was 7lbs 8oz and 19 3/4 in long. He is now almost 16 lbs and approx. 26 in long. YEA big boy. We chose to breastfeed and it is workly beautifully. I think I have the greatest man ever because he helps out with the baby as much as possible. The older children are also great big helps. Well thank you to everyone that wished me luck and had us in their thoughts when delivery came around. Feel free to leave me advice on up and coming events as far as growing baby goes along. Keep in touch! Thanks again! SUE
Congratulations Sue. I’ve been thinking about you and I am happy to know that you and Sylas had a wonderful birth experience.
PS- Just passing through here and reading some of the comments.
*****FYI – with an epidural, the baby does not go ‘numb’ like your lower body. ******
Unlike systemic pain meds, the whole point of the epidural is that it is limited to your spinal cord. There is something called the blood brain barrier that keeps things fairly separate between the spinal cord and brain and the body, let alone the placenta. That is the whole point of epidurals and spinals, you need less medication for a much more controlled effect.
Congratulations Sue! I’m so happy for you, and your family!
Sarah,
Perhaps medically this is true. Epidurals DO have an effect. I have seen many babies working on healing/resolving their birth trauma and at the point in the story when the epidural was administered the baby stops moving and starts crying, she may be moving through a simulation of a birth canal and her legs will go flaccid, some become unfocused…also there is research that shows effects of epidurals on the newborn.
“The epidural-exposed infants showed a lower rate of habituation and required more trials to habituate. Newborns who did not have the epidural exposure preferred the novel stimulus, which is the characteristically normal, curious, and perceptive response. The epidural babies did not react to the novel item when it was presented. While any evidence of cognitive impairment from anesthetics is an ominous sign, this research informs us only about the newborn period close to birth.” found at http://www.birthpsychology.com/lifebefore/wombsafe3.html
I saw a video clearly showing a higher percentage of babies who did NOT have an epidural nurse more quickly, able to move to the breast on their own, find and latch on without assistance and hold a gaze immidiatley after birth, whereas the babies who did have an epidural took longer to latch on, had more difficulty, were less focused and more sleepy.
The long term psychological effects of inhibited bonding/attachment, not “feeling mom with them” during birth, i.e., feeling “alone” and helpless themselves are unknown by mainstream obstetrics and by the general population.
We become used to what “normal” is by how many babies come into the world under stress. Seeing babies who have resolved birth trauma we see a different “normal” that is more connected, happier, easier to soothe, get to sleep, nurse, learn. How they move through life is quite a bit different that what is normally seen and considered “normal” behavior for a baby.
And the effects I see last an entire lifetime, until healed…they may not be detrimental to the everyday life, but again, we adapt and get used to living from a state that began in a certain stress level.
Epidurals have an effect on babies. It can be mitigated with the understanding they a baby is aware and present and cares about what’s going on, and it can be resolved after birth as well, and repatterned. Physically, they seem safe. Psychologically they can be detrimental.
Another site to look through is http://gentlebirth.org/archives/brtrauma.html#Fevers
I can’t remember the name of the video that I saw, but I the links posted above refer to sources of research findings. I’ll try to track down that vid and post a link to it when I do.
Dylan- Why do you think most people believe “prenatal psychology” is a bit out there? Obviously, you are talking about issues going far beyond the mothers stress hormones affecting the baby’s development, a correlation that has been noted.
Has the epidural phenomenon ever been studied in a clinical, objective way or is most of the thinking based on anecdotal or experiential evidence?
There is a fine line between intending to be supportive and informative and causing more women to worry about issues over which they have no control.
Yes, I totally understand where you’re coming from. I hesitated saying anything…it is NOT my objective to cause more worry/stress to moms who are adjusting to life with a new infant…but it isn’t true that we “have no control” about the long-term effects. Being aware of how your baby may be affected, including him/her in decisions made that will involve him/her, and learning to allow for the expression of distress with your empathy, learning to really hear the story your baby has to share with you can mitigate if not eliminate some of these effects.
My intention is to help parents connect as deeply as possible. Sometimes interventions during birth cause enough stress for the baby that it manifests in behavior issues that inhibit joyful parenting (sleep problems, eating issues, crying for more than 30 min a day…).
Most of the evidence is based on work with babies. Research is being done. The links provide some information, the APPPAH website has a journal with studies in it. I don’t know of studies off the top of my head…here are some links for more information though.
http://www.wondrousbeginnings.com
http://www.myrnamartin.com
http://www.earlyparenting.com
http://www.beba.org/ And this one is where a lot of the research is being done.
Again, my intent is not to cause more stress, but for those that feel that something is missing, some element of bonding that did not occur, there is a way to help create that, and hopefully that will bring comfort.
I sincerely apologize if any readers feel uncomfortable with this information.
Dylan-
I am sorry but the sources you reference are pretty weak, not to mention the subjective interpretations of pauses in movement on a video. Science is just not about that.
Your statements come across as fear mongering and sensationalist. Of course everyone is entitled to their opinion, but purporting these kinds of statements as ‘proven’ is a long stretch.
I certainly don’t mean for my information to come across that way. My personal experience tells me what I understand is true, and I have helped many babies and mother, and adults have far more connection, joy and lasting healing in their lives.
If it’s not something that resonates, then by all means discard the information!
Hey Yall!!! I just had a healthy baby girl three weeks ago. I had a c section that was soooo last minute…. well lets say unplanned. Let me tell you how it happened. I hadnt slept all night with menstrual like cramps and the next morning I had my 40 weeks and 1 day doctors appt.When I went at 1030am I was 3 cm, went to the hospital, got my epidural around 200 and was 8 cm. So next thing I know Im in the operating room for a csection and had a healthy baby girl at 536 pm. They say that I moved to 9cm and wasnt progressing any further. I cried when they told me because nobody wanna have a csection and I sure wasnt planned for it cause my pregnancy went so well and healthy that it wasnt even expected. When you think about the end of everything youll do anything to have that bundle of joy in front of you. And let me tell you Ive had the best pregnancy, the best labor and the best csection I think a woman can ever have. I was walking as soon as they took the catheter (excuse me
) out. And I think thats the best thing you can do is get up and move around walk down the hall DONT JUST LAY THERE! However have people do what you CANT do for you, youll appreciate it! The only part I didnt like was the coughing. Sometimes you cant catch yourself in time but when you cough it hurts like hell. But when I look at the other stuff the coughing wasnt that bad.
Now its been four weeks and my incision looks great….my boyfriend is like “oooohhh baby” cause its not what some think as far as the aftermath. I weighed in 155 before and 208 after, now I weigh in at 186 and bets to believe me when I get the yes to exercise I plan to lose more.
I think its ALL different for everybody you make your recovery what you want it to be. If you wanna be moving furniture then do as you please (but please dont!) but just know that you wish you hadnt later. Any questions feel free to email me.