After caesarean

 

How will I feel emotionally after my caesarean?

 

How you will feel depends on your individual case. A lot will depend on the circumstances of your baby's birth, and what kind of experience you were expecting.

You may just be glad the birth is over and grateful that you and your baby are well. You may feel elated and delighted, if everything went to plan. Or you may be upset and perhaps disappointed that you didn't give birth to your baby vaginally, if that is what you were hoping for.

After your baby is born, you should have the chance to talk through what happened. Before you leave hospital your midwife, hospital doctors and perhaps your obstetrician, may be able to talk with you about your baby's birth. If you don't get to speak to them before going home, arrange an appointment via the head of midwifery or lead obstetrician at the hospital. Meeting up with them afterwards will also give you the chance talk about how your caesarean may affect your future pregnancies. 

How will I feel physically after my caesarean?

 

A caesarean is major surgery. Even so, it may still come as a surprise how much it hurts afterwards. You may feel you can't do anything on your own. Just to make small movements, such as shifting up the bed, you'll probably need something or someone to hold onto. It will hurt to cough or laugh.  Supporting your wound with your hands or by holding a pillow over your stomach will help.

To help your recovery and ease your discomfort:

• Eat and drink as soon as you feel hungry or thirsty. Drink plenty and eat fibre-rich foods to help prevent constipation.
• Wear loose clothes and cotton underwear. Try wearing knickers that are a size bigger, buy some high-waisted underwear.
• Your wound dressing will be taken off the day after your caesarean. Midwives and doctors will regularly check your wound and your temperature to look for signs of an infection. Keep an eye on your wound for signs of infection, such as extra soreness, redness or discharge.
• Wash and dry your wound every day. It's fine to have a shower or bath and to use soap on the wound, as long as you rinse it off. Don't rub the wound while you are washing. Gently pat it dry with a clean towel. 
  
  

How long will it be before I can get out of bed?

 

At first you'll probably feel as though you'll never walk again. So it may come as a surprise when your midwife encourages you to get out of bed and move around. Even if it's the last thing you feel like doing, it's worth making the effort. Try to get up as soon as you can after your baby's been born, and definitely within 24 hours.

The sooner you get going, the better it is for your circulation and general recovery. Being mobile also means you can have your bladder catheter removed, although it's usually left it in for at least 12 hours after your last epidural top-up. Once you've got up for the first time, the next time will be easier.

You'll be encouraged to do ankle exercises while you're in bed to improve circulation to your legs. After childbirth and surgery - and remember you've been through both - there's a chance you could develop a blood clot. This could be serious if it lodges in a vein in your leg or your lung. Doing exercises will reduce the chance of this happening.

Will I be able to breastfeed?

 

Yes, you're just as likely to breastfeed your baby successfully as if you've had a vaginal birth.

Try to have someone else around when you're feeding your baby. They can help you to get comfortable before you start, and then hand your baby to you. Some hospital beds have cots that clip onto the bed that make it easier for you to reach your baby for feeds. Lying on your side may be easier than sitting up.

If you're taking other medication you'll need to check with your midwife and doctor that they're safe to take. You will be given alternatives if they are not.

What will the scar look like?

 

In most caesareans, the cut is made along your bikini line. At first your scar will look very red, but as the weeks and months go by it will gradually fade and be covered by your pubic hair. While your scar heals it may be sensitive and itchy, particularly when the hair re-grows.

You may notice some numbness on or around your scar. This usually gets better a few months after the operation but it can carry on for longer.

A year after your operation, the scar will probably have faded to a faint line. It will always be a slightly different colour to your normal skin tone but may eventually be almost invisible. 

When can I go home and how will I feel once I'm home?

 

You'll probably stay in hospital for four or five days, though in some private hospitals you may be offered a stay in a local hospital with some medical supervision if you and your baby are well after a few days.

When you're home, you shouldn't lift anything heavy. Movements that involve stretching upwards will be difficult for you for some time. If you have people who can help you, let them! You may find some movements painful for up to six months after the surgery.

You might not feel well enough to drive for up to six weeks after your caesarean, as turning and twisting may be awkward and having to do an emergency stop could be very painful. You should not start a more strenuous exercise programme until eight to 10 weeks after your caesarean.