C-section tips for a first time mom?

Question

Due to my baby’s size and risk of vaginal birth complications, my OB is scheduling me for a c-section within the next week or two. This is my first baby. 
Any tips to prepare me/my body/my husband for the c-section? 
Also, any tips/tricks for the recovery period afterwards? 
*Slightly nervous about the healing period afterwards since I had always planned in my mind on vaginal, but due to certain circumstances it’s too risky for my baby and I to go that route. Thankfully my husband will be home with me for as long as I need him (self employed - works when he wants) so I’ll have a 24/7 support system. 
Thanks in advance!! (Anon because I have friends on here and we aren’t telling anyone that I’m having a scheduled c-section until we are home/settled so we aren’t bombarded with texts/calls, etc)

Answer

Stay on top of your pain meds even if you feel okay. That pain can creep up on you and it’s nothing pretty. Wear your girdle - trust me it helps. Make sure you don’t overdo it and rest. If someone offers you help take it! Best of luck to you!

Answer

I just had a csection 5 days ago. I was actually quite surprised with how not terrible the recovery was. The first time walking is tough and the first few days is painful. Hurts to get up and walk, hurts to laugh and stuff but i was able to do the majority of my normal daily tasks after being discharged. They keep you on very consistent pain meds. Another thing i was surprised about was the vaginal bleeding. A lot more than i thought. I recommend bringing depends and your own overnight pads.

Answer

Honestly just listen to your doctors advice. Don't over do it, take your pain medication when needed. Laying flat on your back at first isn't comfy at all so make sure you have lots of pillows. I had to sleep on the couch the first couple nights because our bed was too high for me to crawl in and out of quickly. Especially quickly if I needed to get baby. Walk!! Walking honestly helps the healing process. Be easy on your body. You might keep a pillow with you to hold against your body anytime you have to cough, sneeze, laugh, get up, etc because it will hurt. Your first poop sucks. Otherwise, keep it clean and make sure you let it dry.

Answer

My first c section was horrible pain wise. My second one that was a cake walk. And my third was actually easy too. My first two times I got my epidural it was cool. I freaked out with my oldest and my second born I was in labor so it was a little tricky to get me to be still so they worked around the contractions. My three one they didn’t do my epidural right because it went up and my legs didn’t get numb like the other times. And because of it I felt when they cut me and they had to put me to sleep and my boyfriend missed it. So evening thought I and my babies all been born at the same hospital. This one I’m going somewhere else because, I didn’t know who did it and it was just horrible getting my c section now being in the room was good.

Answer

Take your meds. I had a emergency c birth for my first and for my second I opted for a planned c birth. I will say the planned one was easier. Went smooth and recovery was easier since I was not pushing like last time. I used the momfrieda c section underwear vs the ones they give at the hospital. ( Only used one pack total)
Make sure to get compression socks and a belly wrap. They have them at the hospital but it was pretty crappy quality. Be prepared to not want to cook. I felt better by week 2 and stopped bleeding by week 4 1/2. Congratulations and remember you still birthed that baby. Doesn't make you any less for having a c birth 😊

Answer

I had a c section almost 7 months ago, my second baby. My first was vaginal and I’m mildly crunchy so a c section was absolutely not even on my mind as a possibility (dumb of me but that’s besides the point lol.) Anyways, when I found out I was going to need a c section I was terrified. My first delivery was so smooth and recovery was a breeze so I couldn’t even imagine what a c section recovery would be like. 
But it was absolutely not at all as bad as I was expecting. Don’t get me wrong - I wouldn’t do it again if I have a choice - but I was expecting to be bedridden for weeks and it was really only bad the first 3ish days. By day 7 it was much easier to walk and move around. By 3 weeks I felt up to walks around the neighborhood and at my 6 week visit I was pretty much back to normal. It’s still a little sore every now and then but nothing crazy. 
As far as tips:
- stay on top of your pain meds. I was prescribed a strong ibuprofen and something more intense I can’t remember but I only needed the ibuprofen. I didn’t touch the other one. 
- move as much as you can in the beginning. Don’t overdo it, but don’t be scared to try to get up and move around a little. 
- let your husband help you as much as he’s willing. TMI (apologies) but mine literally wiped my butt for me when we were in the hospital. Lean on him for support literally and figuratively. 
- you’ll find it’s hard to remember to take care of yourself when you’ve got your new babe but make sure to shower regularly and keep your incision clean. 
- I found that leggings with a high waist and an abdominal binder were the most comfortable to wear. Pulling the leggings up over my incision was a pain but once they’re on it felt much more comfortable and secure being in something a little tighter. 
- apply light pressure to your incision anytime you cough, laugh, etc for a few weeks. Otherwise your insides feel like they’re going to fall out (lol). 
That’s all I can think of right now but if you have any specific questions feel free to ask ❤️ I didn’t know anyone who had a c section personally before I had one so I was a whole mess. I’m more than happy to do what I can to help someone else not feel so stressed.

C-section tips for a first time mom?

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