No journey into motherhood is easy, but C-section moms often endure incredibly strenuous labor and recoveries, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
No matter what your birth plan was or how it turned out, don’t let anyone tell you that bringing a life into this world isn’t a big deal. You survived months of growing a baby and had major surgery.
Maybe you were scared, maybe you were relieved, or maybe you didn’t have time to think about how it would impact you. No matter what, you should be proud of yourself.
Since a C-section is major surgery, you might have itching, numbness, open wounds, constipation, mobility restrictions, sexual discomfort, and delayed milk flow. Take it easy on yourself as you heal.
The KB Moms who have had C-sections offer these tips for recovery:
- Make a plan with your partner to help with middle of the night feedings.
- Use a stool softener, eat foods rich in fiber, and drink tons of water.
- Believe the doctors when they say to move around a lot – even if it’s just to the snack pantry!
- Buy new underwear and loose clothing for sleeping that won’t irritate your incision.
- Keep a pillow nearby to hold against your belly when you sneeze, cough, or laugh.
- A nursing pillow is great for breastfeeding, as it keeps the baby’s weight off your incision.
- Practice breastfeeding in the side-lying or clutch/football hold.
- Ask for help from the on-staff lactation consultant.
- Use a c-section scar treatment cream on your incision so it doesn’t itch.
- Give yourself permission to heal emotionally. You can find support on the International Cesarean Awareness Network’s website: ican-online.org.
As moms, we know that what matters most is not how your child arrives in the world, but that you love your baby enough to make sure your beautiful bundle is safe, healthy, and cared for. If you dig deep enough, you’ll find that you need no more assurance of your personal strength and success as a mother than to look at your baby.
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