4 Recovery Tips After Having a C-Section

I remember sitting in the hospital bed frustrated with my body because it wasn’t progressing like it was supposed to. My baby’s heart rate kept dropping with the Pitocin drip. Finally, my doctor makes the call that an emergency C-Section would be needed. I was so scared and honestly dint know what to expect.

Fast forward to the beautiful moment that I heard my baby’s first cry and the nurse telling me he was healthy! No matter how your Baby gets here, nothing can compare to having a healthy babe. Recovering from a C-section was a new territory for me. Recovering from a C-section is a roller coaster emotionally and physically. I had heard horror stories and I didn’t want that to be me. Here are four things that helped me have an easier C-section recovery:

1. WALK EVERY SINGLE DAY: The first time you get out of bed after having a C-Section is the most painful part of recovery. Getting out to walk that first time feels like you ran a marathon. But each day you walk it gets easier. The day after I came home from the hospital I went to the grocery store with my Mom. I only could walk for a little bit before I needed to sit down, but boy did a little bit of walking go a long way! Each day I would walk a little bit farther, and the more I walked the less pain I had. It doesn’t matter if it’s just walking to the bathroom or walking to your car, a little each day helps!
2. WEAR YOUR BELLY BAND: When I got into my recovery room I noticed I had a white belly brace. I don’t even remember them putting this on me. The Belly brace was a game changer! I probably wore this for 6 weeks. It helped give me support in my back and my stomach as my body adjusted to my new Mom Bod.
3. GET OUT OF THE HOUSE: I remember the day after I came home from the hospital I went grocery shopping with my mom. I probably looked a mess, but I needed to get out with people. I remember this sweet older lady stopped me in the aisle to see my baby. She said, “Wow he’s so tiny! How old is he?” He was only five days old. She complimented me on being brave and getting out of the house. Then my mom blurted out, “And she had an emergency C-section!” The lady then replied with the sweetest response. “Oh my gosh I should bow down to you, that is amazing! You are super woman!” All of my crazy hormones caused me to just start bawling. This lady made me feel like a million bucks that day. Moral of the story, get out of the house a little each day if you can. Its healing for your body and soul.
4. STRETCHY PANTS: I remember not being prepared for a C-section. But once I had it I quickly learned that the key is stretchy, oversized bottoms for the first week or two. You want to wear something very loose and soft that won’t irritate where your incision is. Leggings also are great. Next time I will be way more prepared! Target drawstring pajama shorts for the win! ( I like the Giullian O’ Mally brand )

These are a few things I learned from having a C-section. Everyone’s experience is different, and I would love to hear what things helped you recover! Remember, no matter how you deliver your baby you are a Rockstar! Woman are pretty amazing the things they go though to get a baby to this earth!

-Hayley

{Hayley is a beautiful southern mama with the cutest little boy. She is amazing at decor and loves turning her home into a place everyone wants to be. She is a professional wedding and event planner, sunshine seeker, and believes life should be celebrated, not just endured. You can find her over @hayleycmarsh on Instagram.}