5 Things You Didn't Know About Recovering From a C-Section

As mamas, we are always questioned and criticized about motherhood and the choices we make for your kids, it's inevitable. Even our birth stories are judged and questioned. If you've had a cesarean, your labor/delivery is not considered the Natural way. Why is that? Who made that rule up to determine what is natural and what is not about brining another life into this world?

It's not fair.

We carry our babies with fear of what is to come. How labor will go, how contractions will feel, how much pain we can handle, and if it will result in a surgery. Why do we have the rest of the world telling us that one way is natural and another way is not. Birth is birth, and every birth story is beautiful in it's own way. That could mean with or without epidural, with or without a Midwife, at home or in the hospital, vaginal or cesarean.

Since I was 22 week pregnant, the chances of me having a c section were pretty high. My mini was in Frank Breach position, which means she was sitting on her butt the entire time, never turned head down, and we knew if she didn't turn, it would result in a cesarean to bring her out. I was always petrified of the idea. Some of my friends, including my sister, have had the same outcome and I knew what it entailed, or so I thought.

I guess there is nothing to really prepare you for this major surgery, but here are a few things to be expected.

1. Don't Expect to Pee Without Any Help

This harsh truth came to me about 4 days post birth. I was feeling pretty good and decided to take off my wrap that was holding my belly together. I needed to pee, went and sat down on the toilet and did what I needed to do. Everything was great, it wasn't so bad. I prepared my legs on the floor to try and lift myself off of the toilet and I couldn't. I did not have the strength to pull myself up. I couldn't move. I felt as if my butt was glued to that toiled and I was stuck. My husband heard me struggling and rushed in to help me. HE COULDN'T LIFE ME UP. Every move I made I felt like my scar was ripping apart and I was going to pass out. A good 20 minuted into attempting, crying out of pain and at some point laughing at the situation, he finally lifted me in a bent position. It took me another 5 minutes to straighten myself out and stand. Let's just say, I didn't take that belt off for another 3 weeks and always asked for help with sitting/getting up.

2. Your Hair will be Greasy All Week

You want to take a bath, wash your hair, right? I don't think so. It will be one the things to look forward to the least. You have to understand, your abdominal muscles, your uterus, you tissue, skin, layers and layers have been cut open and then stitched back together. Lifting your arms above your shoulders will be the most unpleasant experience (other than peeing). For a whole two weeks straight, my husband was in the shower with me, helping me bathe, wash my hair. (How sweet is he?) I could easily wash my self, but my hands wouldn't go above my shoulders. If I tried to lift them, It felt as if I was dragging my cut up with me. It was impossible.

3. There Will be No Good Night's of Sleep

Say Goodbye to sleeping flat on your back, on your side, and especially on your belly. How do you sleep then, right? YOU DON'T. At least not until you start healing. I had a pillow behind me at all times, slept at an upright positions and didn't even attempt sleeping on my side or belly. The weight of the stomach (which still looks like you have a baby inside) shift and tears your into pieces. Getting INTO bed and adjusting myself was a good 10 minute process every night. I used to climb in on all fours, adjust myself on my butt, lean back and close my eyes. Some days crying while doing so. Bathroom trips? Yeah, those waited until I couldn't hold it in anymore.

4. Lock Away your Sexy Lingerie

The only thing you will be wearing in a giant pad (because you bleed for a good 5-6 weeks), and the largest panties that are big enough to go above your scar. I bought so many "cute" postpartum underwear that didn't get touched. You definitely don't want any edges rubbing on your scar and irritating it, you want something that goes above your scar and tight enough to hold the movement of the belly.

5. Your Pain Meds will be your Best Friend

DO NOT SKIP THEM. I tried that brave approach and wanted to test myself to see how much I can handle. It didn't last long. I took my pills on the dot that they were due, in pain or not at the moment. I made sure I switched from Ibuprofen to Hydrocodone every 4-6 hours and didn't skip one. At least not the first 2 weeks. Once I started healing and the pain subsided, I skipped Hydrocodone and only took Ibuprofen when needed.

Here is another thing I'd like to share; If you have had a c section and don't plan on nursing, please reconsider. Breastfeeding helps your uterus contract and shrink back to the normal size. It allows the healing process to begin faster. Prepare yourself; Every mom wants a vaginal birth, we all want to experience what our bodies were made to do. So even if you expecting a labor and successful vaginal delivery, also expect and prepare yourself for a c section. The more you know, the more prepared you will be.

With Love,

a mama + her mini