FAQ: My C-Section Recovery

I’ll be the first to admit that I underestimated the recovery of a c-section. When my doctor told me that baby was breech, everything went fuzzy for a moment. My mind was going a mile a minute and I struggled to process the news. Sure I knew that a c-section was always a possibility, but considering Vienna was head down a couple days before… I thought that I was in the clear. Nope. 

To be perfectly honest, I didn’t know much about c-sections before having Vienna. She was head down during most of my pregnancy and I didn’t want to scare myself for no reason. Looking back on it, it was probably better that I didn’t read about the surgery or watch videos on YouTube. Bryan snapped a few photos of Vienna being born and still attached to me, and I couldn’t even look at those photos until a few days after we came home. I’m not really a squirmy person, but I couldn’t process the fact that I was literally cut open. It’s still strange to me. 

I received a lot of questions on Instagram about recovering after a c-section, so I thought it would nice to answer them all in one place. Please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or send me an email if you want more info. I’d love to chat! 

Q: What are the first few days after a c-section like?

A: The first 24 hours were rough both emotionally and physically. First off, my hormones were all over the place making me super emotional. One minute I was happy, the next I was in tears. I was constantly questioning myself. Could I handle this whole motherhood thing? Was I being the best mom I could be? Should I have taken more breastfeeding classes while I was pregnant? Mom guilt is real, my friends. Physically I was a mess too, which makes sense because c-sections are major surgeries. I was in so much pain that I couldn’t get out of bed to comfort Vienna or to change her diaper. Bryan had to get her out of the bassinet for me every time she was hungry. At first I opted not to take percocets, and just take Motrin. I had an irrational fear that I’d feel groggy and “off.” When I was hysterically crying in pain every time I moved even a little bit in bed, Bryan and the nurses highly recommended that I start taking the percocets. On day two, the nurses forced me to get up and walk around. It wasn’t easy, but I did it anyway because it helps with recovery. Unrelated tip: if you have to cough, hold a blanket or pillow tight on your incision. I didn’t do this and ended up being in even worse pain for a few hours. I didn’t think the pain of the c-section would ever go away, but it did obviously. I felt better little by little each day. By day 8 or 9, I was able to stop taking pain medication all together.  

Q: Did you use a belly band?

A: I didn’t, but many people do and have great results. A nurse gave me one to try, but I couldn’t figure out the best way to wear it. Every time I put it on, it ended up pressing into my incision so I stopped wearing it. I planned to use it when I got home, but I kind of forgot about it. When you’re running on little sleep and are trying to simply make it through the day, the last thing on your mind is getting your stomach back in shape. If you’re interested in trying one out, these two have great reviews on Amazon: 3 in 1 Postpartum Support Wrap, Goege Waist Trimmer. 

Q: Was your c-section planned?

A: Unfortunately, no my c-section wasn’t planned. Vienna was head down 48 hours before my water broke, but when we went to the hospital on delivery day I was told that she flipped! I actually thought that the doctor was joking. {Looking back on it… clearly that’s not something someone would joke about}. I didn’t have time to be scared or ask too many questions because we were in the operating room within two hours. We didn’t even let our families know we were at the hospital at first because we weren’t sure we would get admitted. I wrote a whole post about Vienna’s birth story, so go check it out.

Q: How long did it take for your incision to heal/When did you feel like yourself again?

A: My incision took approximately 3-4 weeks to heal. I still have a little bit of swelling right above and below the cut, but it’s normal. My doctor said it could take some time to flatten out completely. Since I’m breastfeeding, I don’t necessarily feel 100% back to my normal self just yet… but I’m ok with that. 

Q: When did you start working out?

A: I went for short walks as soon as we came home from the hospital. It felt nice to get some fresh air and Vienna really loves being in her stroller. I began doing more cardio and weight training 5 weeks postpartum. After only doing prenatal yoga for month, I was itching to lift weights again. I gained 35 pounds during pregnancy and lost 25 within the first 3 weeks after giving birth. I’ve got 10 more to go, but I’m doing it the healthy way since I’m breastfeeding and need to keep my calories up. I’m eating lots of lean protein and green smoothies, but am also giving myself the opportunity to have sweets if I want.

Q: What types of workouts are you doing?

A: I’m doing Kayla Itsines’ Bikini Body Guide {BBG}. It’s a 12 week program with 28 minute circuit workouts. I use the PDF of the program which costs $53, but you can also follow along on the Sweat app which is a $20/month subscription. I’m on week 3 and am really loving it so far. It’s great for anyone, but especially busy moms! No matter what’s going on in the day, I can usually find 28 minutes to workout. The plan is very efficient! 

Q: What are your goals for working out?

A: Well, call me vain but I have to be honest. Of course I’d like the number on the scale to go down, but more importantly I’d like to tone up in time for summer. At first I felt really guilty feeling that way, but after chatting with some of my friends who are also parents, I realized that it’s completely normal. Basically, you’ve got to do whatever is needed to make yourself feel good. Take care of yourself. 

Q: Are you going to have c-sections for future children or will you try for a VBAC?

A: I’m going to schedule c-sections for future children. Some people have had successful VBACS {vaginal birth after cesarian}, but the risks freak me out. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, if you’ve had a previous c-section, the risk of uterine rupture in a vaginal delivery is approximately 1% or 1 in 500. It’s a personal choice, so do whatever works for you!

// I hope this post helped answer any questions you had about recovering after a c-section. Email me if you want to chat further about it!