What to Expect After C-Section? (2024)

I don't know how I got it in my head that because I didn't have a vagin*l birth, things would be a lot less...messy. They weren't. I don't know if you are aware that they make maxi pads the size of surfboards, but they do. And if you have a C-section, you'll be wearing them. Bleeding after a C-section is totally normal and is a sign that all is healing as it should be. Whatshouldn'tbleed is your incision. It takes about four to six weeks for your wound to fully heal, and during that time, it's going to be tender. Make sure to keep your incision clean and dry.

If you are concerned about scarring, talk to your doctor about when you can start using topical aids to help reduce the appearance of your scar. My favorite is theRestorative Scar Treatmentfrom Nemah. This stuff is amazing! Nemah's science-backed scar cream is loaded with powerful actives like Antarcticine ®, Actisoothe ®, and Lipomoist ™ to strengthen the skin barrier, and help heal and fade scar tissue.

Thanks to IV fluids from surgery and post-pregnancy hormones, swelling is another thing you can expect after a C-section. Don't worry; it's totally normal, and you'll be looking less puffy in a week or so.

You're going to be sidelined for several weeks. That means no lifting anything heavier than your baby, no pushing or pulling, and no deep bending until your incision heals. Leave the vacuuming, dishes, and dog walking to someone else for at least two weeks. This doesn't mean you have to lay in bed all day. In fact, you shouldn't. Walking around the house or short leisurely strolls in the neighborhood help prevent blood clots and aid in faster recovery. Just don't overdo it. When it comes to pain, stay ahead of it! There's no special mom merit badge for the least amount of pain meds taken post-C-section. As you start moving around more, you will no doubt start feeling a little like your old self, but pump the brakes, sister. Proceed with caution and take it slow when easing off your pain medication. Not only do you have a newborn, but you've also just undergone MAJOR surgery. If you stay ahead of your pain, it's easy to manage. If you try to quit cold turkey, it can be a hard and PAINFUL additional recovery.

You’re going to need some solid support when you get back home. Your partner, a parent, a night nurse, or a friend should be with you in these first few weeks while healing. Make sure to arrange care for yourself and your baby.

After our first baby, a friend of mine, who has two small boys of her own, came to visit. I was on a postpartum hormone roller coaster, struggling to find any shred of my "old self." She sat with me as I nursed our daughter for what felt like the 47th time that day. With a swollen belly and milk-soaked boobs, I looked at my friend and tearfully asked, "Will I ever be my old self again?"

"No," she replied. "You'll be better." Whether you have a c-section or vagin*l birth, having a baby is hard and postpartum depression is real. Talk to your partner, friends, or a doctor to help you work through your emotions and get help where you need it.

There is noeasyway to have a baby. If you end up having a caesarean birth, recovery may be one of the most difficult parts. While you heal and brave the challenging obstacles of the fourth trimester, remember that each phase is temporary, and it will pass. Savor the moments of the newborn phase and give yourself credit! You did the work for you and your baby, no matter how hard it was and is, you are shaping your unique story as a mother. There will be mistakes, compromises, and big changes, but you will adapt. Your body will heal, and your baby will thrive. Welcome to motherhood, you got this!