Having a baby is a very incredible time in your life, but what happens if you have to have a c-section? Whether you have (or had) a scheduled procedure or an unexpected c-section, your c-section recovery will be a bit more challenging compared to a vaginal recovery. Here are 17 tips to keep you on a progressive (not regressive) road to a successful and quick c-section recovery.

1.  WALK. Your nurse will assist you out of bed twice before allowing you to walk on your own. Once you have proven yourself stable on your feet, you will be allowed to take short walks on your own. You should try to do this 2-3 times per day to promote the healing process. NOTE: Remember to take your baby with you on these walks and do not leave the baby unattended in the room.

2.  BE GENTLE. Although movement does promotes healing, do not overdo it. Listen to your body. Many people find themselves regressing in recovery because they pushed too hard.

3. STAY HYDRATED. After surgery, your immune system is weakened and is more susceptible to infection. Drinking plenty of water during your c-section recovery period will help minimize that risk and is also important for tissue repair. Keep water nearby.  Containers below offer nice solution to keeping water cold and close.  

4. BENDING WILL BE HARD. Bending will become a challenging task.  During your c-section recovery, daily tasks such showering your lower legs, picking things up off the floor will become a challenge. Keep things you need on a counter/table level and have a grabber handy to get items from the floor area. 

5. YOU WILL NEED PILLOWS.  Incision discomfort may require you to lay in specific unusual positions to provide better relief. Pillows will help – have plenty available.  Pillows double as extra breastfeeding support too.

6. BE PREPARED TO COUGH, LAUGH OR SNEEZE.  Unexpected spontaneous core jerks during your c-section recovery will be scary and likely painful. Have a firm pillow that you can press against your incision for such sudden occasions.  Keep it close.

7. ABDOMINAL BINDERS DO SUPPORT.  Abdominal binders may reduce your abdominal and uterine swelling more quickly. They also support your core and reduce pain.  You will find a binder helpful when attempting any activity during your c-section recovery.

8. SAY YES TO HELP.  Here are some ways your loved ones can help you:  Dropping off groceries, making a meal and/or healthy snacks for you, watching the baby while you sleep or shower, changing a diaper, cleaning/ laundry, taking your other children out for a few hours, driving you around (you won’t be able to drive for a few weeks).  Your friends want to help.  It is good for their self-esteem, so say yes!   

9. STAND UP STRAIGHT. It will be uncomfortable at first, but push yourself a little every day to do this.  The sooner you can stand straight, the better for proper healing. 

10. TAKE YOUR STOOL SOFTENERS. Having a bowel movement will terrify you.  Bowels slow down after surgery and pain medicine can constipate you.  Stool softeners help prevent constipation and reduce straining efforts.  Use your cough pillow too. 

11. AVOID USING STAIRS. Stairs involve more core than you may expect, keep everything you need stationed nearby.  You won’t have good core strength for a while.  So limit carrying baby up and down steps.  If possible, station yourself for the day on the level your baby sleeps.

12. LOOSE CLOTHING IS A MUST.  Pressure against your abdomen will be very uncomfortable. Keep your clothing loose. Consider using maternity clothing or purchase a few articles of non-restrictive pants.

13. KEEP THE MESH UNDERWEAR.  Hospital provided mesh underwear are comfy without pressure against your incision.  They also hold pads in place well.  Have them at home for your c-section recovery.  

14. MINIMIZE YOUR SCARING.  Scarring after a c-section is 50% genetics and 50% caring properly for your scar.  Keep it dry, wash with a gentle soap and pat dry with a towel or gently blow dry (on cool and low) after your shower.  Research shows that using silicon scar sheets daily will improve the appearance of scars.  

15. PRE-FREEZE MEALS.  You won’t have the time or energy to cook.  Ordering take-out all the time is not healthy.  During the last few weeks of pregnancy, begin doubling your dinner portions and save half of those dinners in the freezer for a quick healthy, money-saving alternative to take-out.

16. SLIPPING IS NOT FUN. The slightest little slip on your floor can prove to be shockingly painful.  Invest in no-slip socks.  You will be glad you did.

17. THERE WILL BE SWELLING. C-sections require extra fluid.  This fluid causes swelling in legs, hands and even breasts.  Leg swelling can cause achy painful legs.  This swelling will dissapate over a couple of weeks.  Compression stocking prevent excessive swelling.

Do not consider the opinions expressed here as medical advice. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the user, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. You should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs (even if it’s something you have read on this platform). You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. This platform may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase, at no cost to you, Accel OB Partners receives a small commission which helps us continue to provide helpful articles such as this on our site. Thank you!