As mothers, we want the best for our little one! Though a C-section would take just about an hour, you’ll need a longer recovery period for C-sections compared to vaginal births. Here are some tips for a faster recovery. 

What Happens After Your Little One is Born? 

After the initial burst of joy, gratitude and relief when your little one is born, your placenta would be delivered and the surgeon would sew up your uterus and abdomen. Amazingly, the whole C-section procedure takes just about 40 to 50 minutes. Once your little one is checked by the medical team, you will be given your precious one for skin-to-skin contact to encourage bonding. This is when you get to hug your precious one close!

Afterwards, you will be wheeled out to a recovery room, to allow time for the anaesthetic to wear off. Your heart rate and blood pressure will also be checked. 

Recovering From Your C-section 

The days following childbirth may be the most challenging. In most cases, you’ll be up and about in 24 hours and out of hospital within 5 days. However, it takes around 6 weeks to fully recover from a C-section, so plan for extra help at home to give you time to rest and concentrate on your little one.

Don’t lift anything heavier than your little one during this time to allow your wound to heal! Avoid rigorous exercise and sex until given the all clear by your healthcare professional – usually at the 6-week check-up. If you are experiencing high levels of pain or fluid leaking from the wound during recovery, contact your doctor as soon as possible to arrange an appointment¹.

Birth Options for Subsequent Birth 

Having a C-section for your first child does not mean you can’t have a vaginal birth in the future. In fact, research has shown that successful probability of vaginal delivery after C-section ranges between 60% and 80%²

Some Tips

• Painkiller might be of help if the wound is sore
• Cook and freeze a few days worth of meals to minimize cooking time
• Wear comfortable loose cloths
• Get plenty of rest and be careful not to place any strain around the wound area. Always check and look out for signs of infections.

References:

1.  https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Caesarean-section/Pages/Recovery.aspx
2. Grobman, William A. "Rates and prediction of successful vaginal birth after cesarean." Seminars in perinatology. Vol. 34. No. 4