We know how scary having a child can be, especially if you are scheduled for a c-section. If you are someone who has never been in an operating room, the idea will probably freak you out and many things would start to come to mind:
- What if something goes wrong? – well, that could be the case in a natural delivery as well
- I will have an eternal scar – It grows on you and will soon be microscopic
- I won’t be able to lift my baby – That is not true, you can do so from day 1
- I won’t be able to walk after the operation – You can do it!
- Etc…
Well, we are here to assure you that it is not as bad as you think it is.
During surgery
In the OR, it will be a bit cold, so make sure you take some socks with you to keep you warm. The procedure is not a lengthy one and in no time, you will have your baby in your arms. Getting the baby out takes 5 to 7 minutes, and the rest of the procedure is a bit lengthier. But all in all, it will be around half an hour. Overall, you won’t be feeling anything, as the anesthesiologist would’ve worked miracles on you.
Post-Surgery
Recovery from a c-section is longer than that of a natural delivery, however, you will be able to walk the next day once the anesthesia wears off. In fact, the more you are active and are walking around the faster your recovery would be. With the prescribed pain relievers, you will be able to breastfeed normally, to hold your baby, and take a shower (depending on your doctor – some would recommend you don’t expose your incision to water). You will be asked to try and release gas whenever you can, as this this part of the recovery process.
Always make sure you do not lift anything that is heavier than your baby!
When you are discharged from the hospital after 3 days, you will be advised to use your prescribed medication when there is any pain. In many cases, the pain would have vanished by then and you would be back to your daily routine (minus the lifting, sneezing and exercising). If you need to sneeze you can always place a pillow on your abdomen to support it and reduce the discomfort. You will be as good as new in 4 to 6 weeks.
Please do not forget to use the belly band, for a better shape and faster recovery. Out of experience, it works!