So You Need a C-Section
When I first found out I needed to have a c-section, I had no idea what to expect. Most of my friends and family had never experienced one so they only knew how to give me advice for a vaginal delivery. While some of the advice is relevant, recovering from a cesarean birth is different in a lot of ways. I had no idea how to recover from a c-section or what I would need to recover from a c-section!
Unfortunately, I just had to experience it to figure it out. When possible, this is not the way I advise you figure things out. Especially since it involves a major surgery and taking care of an entire human when you’re done. Lol
Let’s just say I figured things out and I eventually recovered but it would have gone a lot better had I known what to expect ahead of time and made a few preparations at home beforehand.
Another C-Section?
So when I found out I’d need another c-section during my second pregnancy, I knew I wanted to be better prepared. Especially since I’d have a toddler and a newborn at home to take care of. Add sleep deprivation and major surgery on top of that and yeah… You really don’t want to just wing it.
I’m happy to say I’m about 5 months out from my second c-section and recovery has gone so much better this time! Postpartum in general has gone a lot better for many reasons… but that’s a story for another post.
So after having experienced a c-section where I actually kinda knew what I was getting into, I wanted to pay it forward and pass on some of my favorite tips and products that really aided in my recovery in case you are a momma finding yourself in the shoes I was in 4 years ago.
I know not everyone has the luxury of preparing for a c-section… as many are emergencies. But I hope you find these tips helpful whether you’re planning for a c-section or not. It never hurts to think about all circumstances as birth plans don’t always unfold the way we want them to.
I also just want to add that any way you delivery your baby makes you a warrior momma! Growing and bringing a human into this world is freakin HARD! Pat yourself on the back for how far you’ve come and know that you are strong and capable of finishing this marathon. 🙂
*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my full privacy policy and disclosure here.
Here are my top 10 c-section recovery must-haves!
1. Soft, high-waisted underwear
Some people swear by the hospital underwear or disposable underwear or even women’s diapers… but for me, the most comfortable thing was my oversized, high-waisted, super soft undies from Walmart! They rose high over my incision and provided the stretch and comfort I needed in those early postpartum days. Pro-tip: I also wore them later in pregnancy when my normal underwear no longer fit. Lol I bought mine a few years ago and pulled them out again for this pregnancy since they were only used for a short time, so I couldn’t find the exact link. However, the ones I linked here are very similar to the ones I have and they are very inexpensive!
2. Soft robes and tank gowns
These have been my go-to new momma wardrobe! I bought several during my first pregnancy and used them all again this time around. The tank gowns are super soft and stretchy and easy to pull down the straps when nursing or pumping. The robes are the softest material and so comfy during those first few weeks when you don’t want to wear pants. My favorites are from Pink Blush and Walmart. Here’s one of the robes I loved!
3. Pads with wings
I know the hospital will provide pads but when you get home, you will definitely want some good pads with wings that will stay put. This is something I wasn’t prepared for with my first c-section. I also didn’t love the ones the hospital had so I used them the first few days and then used my own that I brought from home. Once I got home, I was glad to already have a stockpile because the bleeding doesn’t magically end after a few days. Yikes! These are some of the best chlorine free, 100% cotton pads you can find.
4. Belly Binder
You can either buy one of these or ask your hospital or provider for one. One of my amazing nurses actually brought me one before I was discharged. I wore it off and on when I got home and it really helped provide the right amount of pressure I needed while also taking some of the weight off of my upper back… which I realized I was using a lot since my core was so weak. If your hospital doesn’t provide one for you, this one is almost identical to the one I was given.
5. Scar Tape
I wish I’d known about this after my first c-section! You want to wait until your scar is fully healed and definitely ask your physician, but they make silicon scar tape they can be placed over your scar to aid in the healing process. My first scar healed ok without it but when I got the green light from my doctor, I started using these silicon scar patches and I definitely think they’ve made a difference in my healing.
6. Giant Water Cup
I’m sure you’re used to drinking a ton of water during pregnancy, but you will need to keep it up postpartum. First, because you will be losing a ton of fluid from delivery. Second, you will have a catheter with a c-section and the way to get it out fastest is to drink a ton of water and flush your system out until your pee and nice and clear (at least that’s what my nurse told me). Third, if you are breastfeeding or pumping, you will need to stay hydrated. Fourth, you will likely have the night sweats the first few weeks as hormones regulate so you will lose excess water. Fifth… we all need to stay hydrated. So choose a water cup you love and fill that baby up all day every day. I love a good giant straw cup like the one.
7. Electrolytes
Like I said above, staying hydrated is super important for a lot of reasons. But that doesn’t just mean water. Adding electrolytes will help replace lost minerals that are essential for hydration, healing, preventing muscle cramps, and so much more. Trust me, you need them! It’s also speculated that they help with milk production, so don’t be afraid to add these to all that water you’re drinking. These are some of my favorite clean, low sugar electrolyte powder drink mixes but if you prefer something already mixed, these GFit drinks are clean, low in sugar, and delicious as well!
8. A Supportive Husband
This is something I hope and pray everyone has! My hubby is always my rock, but especially during those first several weeks postpartum. He helped me shower, go to the bathroom, change clothes, get baby in an optimal breastfeeding position, changed all the diapers, fed me while I fed baby… it’s endless. Having a spouse who is 100% hands on and ready to share the load, and even take on a little extra while you’re healing from major surgery, is priceless and essential to the healing process.
If you don’t have a supportive souse or maybe your spouse is not able to be present for birth and postpartum due to serving overseas or other circumstances, I’d encourage you to line up a family member or close friend who can be there for you in the early days. It’s so crucial to your health and well-being.
I’ll sure I could continue to add to this list, and probably will, but those are my most essential recovery items after having a c-section. Let me know if you have any questions or if you’d add anything to the list! Good luck, mama! Remember that the first few weeks of physical healing are the hardest and everything after that will get a little easier each day.