How Was Your C-section Recovery?

I had twins and my c-section healed rather quickly! I was up and moving around carefully within the same week, and by the 3rd week I really didn't notice any pain unless I did something that really stretched or strained the incision area. I was very happy with mine, especially since I didn't want one, but had to since I had one babies head and the other babies foot coming at the same time - yowza! Best of luck and congrats!

I was lucky. I was sent home with painkillers and was off of them within 2 days. I was also cooking a meal for 20 a week later. You are not supposed to drive for a least 2 weeks, but other than that, I functioned pretty well. Good Luck to you!!

S. - I am not going to try to talk you out of this, but I do want to tell you that I had the same thing happen with the first. Over 18 months of pain with sex, misery, etc. However, once I had my second, the pain was never back and I have never had a problem again (and I had an episiotomy). I now have 5 kids, never a problem with pain again. I know it is scary, but I did that because I did not want a c-section (my Mom had 4 --- no thanks!). But if you are having one, my Mom was up and around and on her own after eachwell within the 2 weeks. Keep a positive mental attitude, and focus on the healing, not the pain, and you should have a better recovery. Watch for any signs of infection, too, and if you notice even the smallest thing, get right in. Who cares if they think you have overreacted?!? You do not have the time to be laid up with an infection with babies and toddlers at home! Good luck!

It depends on a lot of factors. I've had 3 very much unwanted c-sections 2 of which were ultimately unnecessary.

1st c-section healed well was off pain meds after about a week but still needed help getting around until week 3, continued to have mild but managable pain for 6months.

2nd c-section healed well but was in daily pain requiring medication for 6 months and was in managable pain for a year.

3rd c-section Wound infection that had to be cut apart to get rid of dead tissue, and cleaned and packed with gauze 2-3x's per day for 8wks until it closed up. Pain and discomfort for 2yrs.

There are a lot of other things to consider besides healing time with a c-section. Like you are 4x's more likely to die on the table, than with a natural birth. Your baby is 3-4x's more likely to die during the first 4wks than after a vaginal birth. baby is more likely to be admitted to NICU for breathing problems. You are more likely to lose your uterus. You are more likely to develop fertility problems. Future pregnancies are at risk due to miscarriage, placenta problems (placenta previa is more common after a c-section, as well as Placenta accreta where the placenta grows through the uterine wall) stillbirth rates are higher in pregnancies with a previous c-section. Not to mention the risk of Uterine Rupture (it's rare but it does occur even without labor)

I understand the fear of tearing again. But chances are if you avoid an episiotomy, avoid coached pushing (i.e. only push when you feel the urge to) and allow your perinium to stretch slowly, you probably won't tear again.

I'll have to admit, I did not read all of your responses. But I'd like to add my comments.

I was very worried about having a c-section. My first daughter was born virginally. My second daughter was big (10-6) and my doctor strongly recommended a c-section.

It was so much better than I thought. And I am so happy I did it.

It was planned, which I hear is better than an emergency one.

Just make sure you get up and move around as soon as they let you. Walk the hallways and around your room.

I was lifting my large newborn within a week. I had to!
And my daughter who was 2 1/2 at the time did fine. I told her mommy had an ouchy belly and I showed her the incision (at the time it was taped like a big band-aid).

I am 4 months out and sometimes it hurts a little. I started running and the next day I’m a little sore in my belly. Sometimes it itches a little – like a healing wound would do.

You should be fine after two weeks.

Limited going up and down stairs. And no vacuuming! I hear those are the two worst things you can do.

I did stairs so I could go to bed! But I just went very slow.

Good luck!

Had an unplanned c section for my first one and while I had labored for quite some time, I was actually relieved to have the c section. Recovery went GREAT and I also didn't even bother to fill the prescription for pain killers. Definately get up and moving as soon as possible, though I didn't think it was too bad at all. It did hurt a little to laugh and sneeze. We had an upstairs master bedroom at the time, so I was told one trip up and one trip down was all I was allowed per day. The only things I remember being upset about were the fact that hubby didn't get to cut the baby's cord (I felt like he really kinda missed out) and the fact that I had to remain lying down for 12 hours after in the hospital (I think due to drugs during c section) and since my son was in the special care unit and couldn't leave, I couldn't see him for that time.

I just found out I'm pregnant with baby number 2 and am already blissfully looking forward to having a planned c section this time around. Most often, when you have a c section, you will have one the next time around as well. Some women try to have vaginal births after the c section (VBAC) but generally due to scar tissue from the c section, they end up having a c section anyway. Why wear myself out when I'll just end up with a c section, ya know. I give women who go through vaginal births A LOT of credit, because I think I actually had it WAAAAY easier than them with the c section.

I think my initial recovery took less than a week, with some restrictions after of course. If your hubby is planning to be home for two weeks, you'll be just fine. Take advantage!!!!

Finally, I do remember having some slight tenderness at the incision site for about a year. Now, when I say tenderness, I'm talking about like a tingly (pins and needles foots asleep) feeling. NOT pain. I've talked to other moms who said that the tingly feeling lasted quite some time and comes and goes. But compared to the pain and healing of a vaginal tear.......

My first C-section was worst than the second, I couldnt laugh or sneeze without feeling like my tummy would explode, but thanks goodness that only lasted about a week, im my opinion the worst part of it was at the hospital when they come and press your tummy every few hours or so..I dont know if they do that for vaginal births or not. but that was the worst part for me. You wont be able to lift your little one until they lift your weight restrictions, I' m sorry I cant remember how long. But for both kids I was great a couple weeks after.Good luck!!

I had a C-section and was able to do a lot of things on my own between 1-2 weeks after. I only had to take care of one child tho (newborn) and didn't have another to lift.
It does all depend on you tho. You might be able to do things after the first week (like picking up your 2yr old), it might take you a month to recover.
Just go at the pace that fits you, and have someone nearby until you can do it on your own. Don't push it. You could do some damage if you press yourself too hard too soon.

My recovery was easy. Recovering from a planned c/s was much better than recovering from an emergency c/s. I had a four year old at home when I had a planned c/s and I had lots of help, but didn't really need help after the first week (except for help with laundry and floor care). Total healing will take longer, but I could get in/out of bed and care for my kids right away. Keep in mind: you can't drive for some time (a week or two) after surgery and it's recommended to limit stair use.

If you plan ahead (organize so you won't need to go up&down stairs often, freeze meals, have laundry done and a clean house), two weeks with an able helpmate should be adequate. Best of luck, S.!

I have 3 children. The first 2 were natural the 3rd one was an emerg. c-sec. which I was soooo afraid of! It was absolutely nothing at all! HAH! If I knew it`d been that easy! My scar healed really quick-and I did everything they told me NOT to do! They said no peroxide or triple antibiotic stuff. My thinking was I didn`t want to get an infection! So I did the peroxide 1-2 times a day and triple antib. a couple times that week. At my follow up appt. my O.B. asked me what I`d done-that he couldn`t believe how I healed so quickly!
I got up the next morning from my c-section thinking "UGH! I`m just going to get this over with!" I stood up thinking my guts were going to fall out, and it was FINE! haha The only thing I had a problem with was I couldn`t blow my nose for a couple days haha...No muscle! Other than that, it was fine!

Absolutely. I had almost the identical situation. Except that I had a fissure after they sewed and then I needed surgery with my first, but about the same in healing time. I too had a c-section with my second as a result. I felt that the healing was so much easier in a lot of ways. I was pretty mobile within 3 or 4 days of the hospital. Stairs were tough the 1st week and you need to be careful about lifting for a while but otherwise I think you will be fine. Good luck to you. And remember, it will be WAY better than the healing you had to do last time.

I had a vaginal birth with my first and a c-section with my second because she was early and sunny side up. I thought the surgery was fine, I didn't feel a thing. It was nice to sit down afterwards, because you're not really sore "down there." I was pretty swollen from all the IV fluids they give you afterwards, that was the worst part for me. My incision stung, but motrin, vicatin and ice packs helped in the hospital. Two weeks will be plenty of time to recover. Don't go up and down the stairs for about a week if you can help it, or if you do, don't carry anything. Laughing and coughing hurt for few weeks, but it is bearable. Honestly, I felt that vaginal birth was worse, I couldn't sit down for a week at least and I had pain there for months. My daughter is three months old now and my incision is so small and I feel great. Don't worry, you will be fine!

I had both the 4th degree tare that took forever to recover from. But than my second child came and I only tore a little and I recovered very quickly. My third child was an unexpected c-section and took me forever to recover. I was allergic to the tape they use to sew you up and it ate my skin. I was in terrible pain and swelling for months. If I had to chose I would do the natural birth over the c-section at anytime. I would say get help for at least 2-3 weeks.. Good luck..

I had an emergency c-section with my first (and only) and LOVED it. Some of my friends that had their babies vaginally also had a lot of problems. One bit of advice, take it EASY...don't over do it and you'll be fine. If I had to go up or down stairs I would hold a small pillow on the incision and walked slightly hunched over. Also be sure to keep up on the pain meds. Congrats! Good Luck!

I had a c-section, and recovery was VERY easy. I was walking after 12 hours or so, and sore in the hospital, but when I went home, I had to remind myself to take it easy, because I felt like normal. Your insides do need time to heal, and the trick is to not let the medicine wear off!

However, I did have a different case. I had surgery to remove an ovary when I was 15 weeks pregnant. They used the same incision then for my c-section, so it was similar. the recovery from the surgery was much different. it was harder to move around, and i was more sore, but i was also pregnant, and didn't HAVE to do anything, so that is probably why i didn't. i live in an upstairs condo, and was able to do stairs no problem. stairs were easier than getting out of bed, because it is your abdomen that hurts! if you have a hard time with stairs, i've heard to go down on your bottom, but that seems like it would use more ab muscles...

after a c-section, you won't be able to lift your toddler for a while, and you shouldn't even if you could. you need to take care of yourself, because it takes longer to heal on the inside than the outside incision!

No, I don't that is enough time. It is major abdominal surgery==and the only surgery where it is expected you could care for a newborn and toddler right after!

Needless to say, I found it to be quite a painful recovery and I also had a lot of swelling. Add sleeplessness and exhaustion and breastfeeding to the mix, and you've got trouble. You aren't supposed to lift anything heavier than your newborn either.

So, I would plan on having a helper over during the daytime hours who could play with your toddler and do some housekeeping things for you. You should concentrate on healing from your surgery and taking care of yourself and your new baby.

Hi I am recovering form my first c-section I have 3 kids (7,5,3) #4 was a breech that wouldn't turn. I needed alot of help!! You won't have the vaginal pain like before, that was the only positive I found. Bleeding for me was alot less. You will quickly learn when you have done too much as bleeding will increase. My husband was off for almost 2 weeks and then my mother in law came up. I started to feel better the week she was in. But I had an unexpected high blood pressure issue that landed me in the emergency room and on meds that had side effects aside from the pain pills. So its now 4/1/2 weeks and I am doing everything pretty much, very tired at night, no naps anymore, get them in while you have help. I will say that you should keep in the back of your mind a plan B if something should arise during recovery.
Also I had disolvable sutures and had sterile strips covering the incision until my 10 post op checkup. it gave me confidence that the other kids wouldn't hurt my tummy.
Also if you nurse, the football hold with a Boppy pillow works great, I never used that hold or a Boppy with all the others!
Also if you sleep on you side put a pillow under you tummy to support the stomach so it doesn't crush the incision, if I didn't do that, it hurt a great deal upon waking.
good luck, but I hope to never have another one again.
T. K.

Every one is different. I was up and about the next day. I think it all depends on how fit you are in the first place. I teach preschool and we have a drop off program on Tuesday & Thursday afternoons. Call me for some more info., Jack and Jill Preschool, GPP-###-###-####. Good luck with everything:)

Well, both of my kids were born by unplanned c-sections. The first one, I ended up getting a wound infection, and had to have a home nurse come for 6 weeks to clean and pack the open wound--miserable experience. The second one (failed VBAC), the dr. nicked my bladder (had trouble finding the uterus as there was so much scar tissue from the first c-section and infection), and had to have catheters for 2 weeks post-delivery, and had numerous bladder infections for 6 months--also a miserable experience. So, my experiences with c-sections were not good. Also, the pain just from the surgery was a lot to deal with, and not being able to drive for awhile, no heavy lifting, etc... was a lot to deal with right after having a newborn. I personally would never choose to have surgery unless necessary, but I respect your decision. Best of luck to you.

I had two c sections. I am currently pregnant and plan to have another. Two weeks should be plenty. I would say the first 5 days or so are the toughest. I had full time help after my c sections for only 2 days and after that my mom would stop by and do whatever I couldn't manage. I found that putting a pillow over my insision really helped... especially when you have to sneeze or cough or even have a BM. You will be sore... but if you take it easy you will be fine. I also advise you to get walking and try to stand up straight as soon as possible afterwards... with my first I didn't do that and my recovery time was much longer. The first time hurts like heck but it is better after that. Good luck.

S.-

I had C-section with my first child in 2007. My recover was pretty quick. Just remember to not to overdue yourself for the first week. Remember that lifting is out of the question. I had my hubby home for almost two weeks to help lift our daughter in her carseat and so forth. You will be able to lift your newborn so don't think you won't be able to do that. If there is someone willing to help you out for about three weeks or so you should be go to go. I was fortunate to have my Mom with me the first five days then my mother-in-law came and stayed after hubby went back to work to help out.

I've had two c-sections and after both I was up and on my feet the next day. After say a week I felt okay and only had a couple limitations, but did pretty much everything normally (driving, caring for my newborn and my 2.5 year old, etc.).

Good luck!

I had an ER c-section with my first and my recovery was about 3 mos...yes, 3 mos. I could barely walk for the first 3 weeks. My legs were swollen all the way to my hips...I couldn't bend my legs. It was horribly painful. I would not have been able to care for a toddler. I could barely walk. It was really 3 mos before I could take a full stride.

My second was a scheduled c-section. It was much better. I could "walk" with some discomfort after about a week. My son was 3.5...so I couldn't lift him, but I could care for him. My parents stayed for 2 weeks and helped with everything. You will be in pain...getting in and out of bed and up and down from a sitting position for the first 3-4 weeks can be very painful. YOu will forget, becuase once you are sitting/standing its ok, so you have to remember to move SLOWLY. Don't over do it...take things easy for 8 weeks. My incision STILL hurts from time to time. My kids are 5.5 and 21 mos.

Good luck.

Hi S.,
I have been through two c-sections. In my experience, I definately needed help the first two to three weeks. You are incredibly sore and it is hard to walk or move especially from the lying down to sitting up position. I was on my own after the first three weeks. It would have helped to have someone for another week or two but I did fine on my own. I was just a bit slow getting around. I mostly stayed home because lifting the carseat and other gear was a bit much for me. I have also heard from other moms that they were just a little sore and did just fine. I guess it depends on how your body heals. Hope this helps and best of luck to you.

DeeL.

I was up and moving as soon as they dialed down my meds at the hospital (with soreness of course), and more or less went back to a relaxed version of my normal routine once I got home a day and a half later. It is -really- important to remember to take it easy, absolutely no lifting heavier than your infant. It can be very deceptive how well you'll feel after a day or two, as some other moms pointed out. I ended up overdoing it (not realizing), and tearing my sutures, which led to an infection etc etc etc. That part was awful (And totally my own dang fault). As long as you keep it calm, you should be a-ok within 2-3 weeks and be able to get back to semi normal routine.

Hi S.,

I had a c-section on a saturday, came home on monday night. By tuesday afternoon, I was out running errands with my mom and my new love. The hardest thing was getting out of bed or trying to stand from any seated position, but even that didn't last for long. When my son was two weeks, we flew by ourselves to Texas and I didn't have a problem toting him around along with carry on and a diaper bag. Of course, I didn't do any real heavy lifting until a few weeks after that. But by the time we arrived in texas I was driving again. So, all in all, I would say that I had a speedy recovery and I was terrified of a c-section because of the recovery!

Good luck to you,
M.

Well it's been almost 4 years since my c-section so the timing of how things progressed is a little fuzzy, but I can tell you that they had me on my feet walking the day after my c-section. We set up a pseudo nursery in the family room so that I didn't have to climb stairs, I believe that you are supposed to wait 4 weeks or so before you can climb stairs or drive, but other than that I was up on my feet and I think it took a good week or two to feel somewhat normal. I remember bleeding for a few weeks after, but besides that you need to keep moving to get those muscles used to working. It sounds like your first experience wasn't so good so I think that you'll be much improved with a c-section this time aroud. Good luck to ya!

Hi S.,
I've had 2 C-sections and was out of the bed the next day with some soreness. But as one of the other moms said I had to remind myself to take it easy when I got home because I felt so good. I didn't even fill the prescription fo the pain medication. The only time I felt pain was when I kind of forgot and tried to pick up my 2 year old after I was home. So don't lift your toddler and you'll do fine. Good luck and congrats.
Chris

I have had 2 c-sections. First one because my daughter was breech and second because I had triplets. I had no problem recovering from either. I was up and walking the next day as soon as my cathader was taken out. With the triplets they came home at 9 days old and I was able to take care of them with little problem. The more you get up and move the quicker you will heal. The only thing I ever remember having a problem with was with my first one if you laugh, cough or sneeze you are going to want something to put pressure on your abdomn with because it does hurt for the first week or so. :) Good luck and congratulations.

Hi S.,

This is just some random advice - I never had a c section, just natural birth but one thing my midwife told me was toward the end of pregnancy - the entire last trimester or at least the last month - eat high protein foods, try to get up to 100g of protein - I know that's A LOT but the protein strengthens your tissues/skin so not only is tearing less likely but it also helps with the healing. I found it to be great advice - I felt significantly better after a week after baby but again I did not have a c section but I don't see why this wouldn't be wise in both cases...good luck to you!

Hey S.-

I have 4 children and have had 4 c-sections. I never had help for more than 2 days so 2 weeks will be beyond sufficient.

Make sure that you have good pain killers but none that are going to knock you out of reality.

Get up and walk every day and try to move around. This will help you heal much faster. Do not lift anything heavy and try to make your little one a big helper.

I would recommend getting him his own baby so he is not trying to compete. Making him your little helper will make him feel great. Special time with with Dad will be good also.

If you ever need to talk, give me a call at ###-###-#### or send me an email at ____@____.com.

C-sections are hard and it will take your body around a year to really feel great, but it isn't as bad as people say sometimes.

Hope this helps!
S.

With my son I had an emergency c-section. My whole labor and delivery was horrible. My incision ended up infected and burst open a few days after being home. I only needed my husband for the first 2 weeks. If you want a speedier recovery after the fact listen to the docs. I was up and moving the day after my c-section, it was painful but I forced myself to do it. As long as you take it slow and easy your recovery should go okay.

I had a c-section with my first and would never have another one, and i was able to go v bac with my second. but i had friends who opted for a c section, and their recovery was fine, mine was almost an emergency, after pushing for 2 1/2 hours and nothing. so i think becasue you know you are having a c section things will be better for you, i couldn't walk for days, but my firend was up and dancing 2 weeks later. good luck

I think it depends on your level of pain tolerence, how quickly you heal and the shape you were in when you had the c-section.

I healed quickly and have very little pain with my c-sections.

LOVE THEM! I would NEVEr have a natural birth.

Hi there,
My sister had the same situation; she had a 4th degree tear with her first and I encouraged her to get a c-section with her 2nd. I am a Labor and Delivery nurse and we see moms that have these tears and it is aweful. You would be likely to have another tear (probably not another 4th degree) with this delivery. My sister said the c-section was much easier to recover from than the 4th degree tear. If your hubby is home for 2 weeks then you should be ok. You still won't feel like lifting much and Xander may have to just crawl up in your lap when he wants you to hold him. Hope this helps!! good luck!! Where will you deliver at?

The first couple weeks were a little difficult because i could lift anything really and it was hard with a toddler. This will sound strange but I used a stroller that I was able to lay the baby down flat in and that enabled me to have her with me where I went within the house. I didn't have to carry her around and could keep an eye on her. My toddler was actually a little bit of a help because she could help mommy and liked that. I had c-sections for both on unplanned and one planned and had a great recovery with the first after a month i felt like almost normal but the second took a little longer and was a little sore for about 3 months but no major problems, Good luck with everything and God Bless you and your family with all this.

K.

I started to read other replies but stopped. Here is my experience (obviously yours will be diff). I had 18 staples so sitting up was impossible. After being in the hospital 3 days and 2 nights I finally went home and all I wanted to do was sleep in my own bed. That was stupid! I put my son in his bassinet beside my bed so when he needed to be fed I could get him easily. Problem came when it was time to sit up/get up to get him out of the bassinet. I couldn't and took me a few (what seemed like hours because he was hungry) to get up and out of bed to get to him. After that I slept in the living room in the recliner. Much easier to get up when you can scoot to the edge of the chair in the upright position. As far as pain goes I have a really high pain tollerance. I took NO drugs after the c-section was preformed, was walking the hospital hallway the next morning (my son was born at 4:37 pm), and took care him as needed at home. Don't get me wrong I moved slow and was hunched over and it was uncomfortable to sneeze or cough really hard but pretty much after a week I was good to go. I too am pregnant and know that this will not be the case this time around since I will have a 4 year old to take care of as well. All I can say is try to explaini to him that mommy can't pick them up like normal. Maybe show him your boo boo? You'll be able to figuer it out as you go and if you need help ASK for it. I know that is going to be my biggest problem LOL. Hang in there and do what you feel is right for you.

I had an emergency c-section and was walking (well attempting to) 6 hours later, although in the hospital they wheel you everywhere. I needed my husband for the first two weeks as i couldn't get up out of bed without help, so he took care of the nightime feedings. I was told I could go upstairs and downstairs only once per day for the first 2 weeks and was not to lift more than 10lbs for 4-6 weeks. I was driving after 2 weeks and I also had my Mum come to stay for weeks 3 and 4, so I had someone to help for about 4 weeks. Considering you already have a toddler, I would seriously consider trying to get some extra help for a couple of weeks after your husband returns to work.

Congrats and good luck.

I've had 2 C-sections...one was due to a long labor, the second was my choice. We're even trying for another and that will have to be a C, as well. I didn't have too many issues with mine. It was easier to walk in the hospital and have the baby within a couple of hours. The surgery is uncomfortable, but not painful. One piece of advice, ask for some anti-nausea medication during delivery if you get sick easily. It really helps. The worst part of the C is probably the 1st and 2nd day after. Walking hurts the incision, but going to the bathroom is painless! By the time I got home, I was getting around pretty well. After 1 week, I even got driven to the store to get a new cell phone after dropping mine in the toilet!

Except for the restrictions of no lifting (which you kind of go ahead and do anyway because you have a toddler), walking stairs or driving, it isn't that bad. As long as you stay consistent with your pain meds after surgery, you're tender near the incision, but it's liveable.

The biggest problems I had had nothing to do with the surgery. I wanted to sleep during the day and my toddler didn't!

My husband stayed home about 1 1/2 weeks and that was enough to feel better about getting around. I did have help with people bringing in dinners for us. Your local church could possibly help with that.

Good luck!
A.

I had a scheduled c-section with my first daughter and I think the recovery was just fine. So much so, that I am opting for another scheduled c-section with my 2nd child.
Every once in awhile I hear horror stories, but those are usually from the women who went thru hours and hours of labor & pushing, only to end up with a c-section anyway. I'm starting to think that a scheduled c-section without having to go thru labor is the way to go!
My husband was also home with me for 2 weeks, but I remember I drove myself & our newborn daughter to her 2 week checkup. Just take it easy, and they do give you some pain meds if you have pain.

Hi~

I know your post was a while ago but I just ran across it. I had a C-sec. following abdominal surgery. I had previously had 2 children vaginally. I must say that I recovered much faster with my c-sec. Like you, I would have sutures either way, so I was much happier to have them in my tummy than down below. I felt like my girl parts were more intact and not mutilated like they were for vag. deliveries. I will say, though that I have slight superficial nerve damage from an infection from the surgical incision, so that may have played a part in my lack of pain when it came time for the c-sec. I didn't take pain meds once I was home, and I went up and down the stairs with ease (if my mom wasn't here telling me not to).

I think that it is wrong of some moms to tell you that your rate of death, baby's death, etc. increases...Im sure you have researched this fully. One thing I do agree with, and the doc didn't warn me, is that I had much greater ppd after the c-sec. Now I know that it is normal, but I didn't when I was enduring it. If you are prepared, you can do much better.

All in all, I would agree with your reasoning...if given the choice, I would have another c-sec. (but God-willing my childbearing days were done 3 years ago) :)

I had two scheduled c-sections. The first one the recovery was good and the second was great. The horror stories you've heard are probably from someone who labored first and then had a c-section. If you come to the hospital rested, you will recover much better.

I would say that I felt 100% better by one month or five weeks. But by the time you get out of the hospital, you should be mobile and feeling decent. It's not as if the first few weeks, you will be in terrible pain and unable to move. You'll move fine, but you'll be very aware of the discomfort in your abdomen.

My tested advice on how to have a good recovery:

1. take all your pain meds on time.
2. walk as much as possible in the hospital. The first time you get out of bed is not the best feeling in the world, but after you accomplish that first time, it gets easier. The more walks around the hospital you take, the easier it is to get going. Just don't be sedintary, or you will be sorry.
3. Put the baby to sleep at night in the nursery if possible. I know this is hard when breast feeding, but if by chance you don't plan to breastfeed, put the baby in the nursery and ask for Ambien. Getting some good rest before you go home goes a long way, especially since rest is at a premium with a newborn.
4. Start telling your toddler soon, that you can't pick him up (unless absolutely necessary), so he's not shocked when you bring home the baby and can't lift him, but can lift the baby.

You'll do great!! Best wishes on a easy birth and speedy recovery. If you have more questions, feel free to send me a private email.

I had a c-section in June (2nd one) and felt pretty good after the first week and a half. The first few days are the hardest...just don't over do it. I started doing way too much and I was totally exhausted and sore. You will do great, oh and also keep up on your pain pills even if you are feeling better. I didn't keep up on them the first time around and learned the hard way. Good Luck!

My recovery was about six weeks, but I had developed a hematoma on my uterus that really delayed the healing process. Without that, it proabably would have been closer to three or four. Everyone's different though. I have friends who were up walking around the day of and others that took longer. Just remember not to overdue it. Having your husband there for two weeks will be a lifesaver; take advantage of it! Good luck!

My first C-section was harder to recover from than my second. I'm not sure if that's because I had been through it once or not. With my first, I found that getting up and around was a lot harder. I couldn't sit or stand up without help. It got better after a couple weeks, but the tenderness lasted longer. With my second, I felt like I could move around better, but I had to be a lot more careful with protecting my midsection because my toddler liked to climb up on me and snuggle.
Barring any complications, you should be fine. Just don't push yourself and when your husband goes back to work, don't expect to be "business as usual". Rest, relax, don't feel bad if you can't be active with your toddler right away. And let your husband take over when he gets home for the first couple of weeks. Good luck!

I also had a fourth degree tear with my first-born. I was terrified to go through that again with my second child. When I went into labor with my second I was given the choice to have a c-section and jumped at it. My second birthing experience was fantastic compared with the first. With my first I was in the hospital for three days. With my second I was in the hospital for just over 24 hours. I was doing so well after the c-section that they said I could be discharged early if I wanted. As soon as the epidural wore off they had me out of bed and removed catheter(less than 12 hours later). The key is to keep up on your pain meds. I could drive again after I was off the narcotic, about 2 weeks. I had lifting restrictions for 6 weeks. But after 3 weeks I felt comfortable enough to lift my toddler in and out of the car. I was very careful though and only did it when he insisted (it's just too hard for toddlers to understand that mommy can't carry/lift them). All in all, I was able to enjoy my infant so much more the second time around. Good luck and congrats!