WHAT PEOPLE DON'T TELL YOU AFTER A C-SECTION (Q&A EDITION)
IS A C- SECTION PAINFUL? YOU WILL BE IN A LOT OF PAIN AFTER A C-SECTION
Most mothers tell first time moms that you don't feel any pain DURING the surgery and leave out the excruciating pain after the surgery. The hardest part of a c-section is when you take your first step to get your strength back.
WHAT DOES THE PAIN FEEL LIKE? THE PAIN FEELS LIKE YOU GOT HIT BY A TRUCK
However each day gets better and better, so just know that you will get through the pain.
DO YOU BLEED AFTER A C-SECTION? YES, YOU WILL HAVE YOUR PERIOD RIGHT AFTER C-SECTION
After a c-section, you will bleed and need pads because your body is returning to it's natural state. It is unfortunate to be in pain and have to use the bathroom often to clean yourself, but after a few days the bleeding will stop and luckily you will enjoy the luxury of not having your period for a few months.
ARE YOU REALLY CONSTIPATED AFTER A C-SECTION? YES, IT IS VERY HARD TO PASS GAS OR EMPTY YOUR BOWELS RIGHT AFTER A C-SECTION
You use your abs for almost everything, especially when pooping. Because the pain is severe at first, it will be hard to poop. But once the pain gets better and better, you will be able to poop eventually. The nurse will give you stool softeners that may or may not work for you (Laxative helped me). However the nurse will require you to pass gas before leaving the hospital.
Hopefully, you will be able to release.
DO YOUR LEGS AND FEET SWELL AFTER A C-ECTION? YES
Elevate your feet! All the extra fluid in your body will go straight down to your legs and feet which will cause it to swell. You will urinate often to help get rid of all the extra fluid.
IS IT HARDER TO ATTEND TO THE BABY COMPARED TO A VAGINAL BIRTH? YES, IT'S HARDER BECAUSE THE HEALING PROCESS TAKES LONGER
Make sure you have all the extra help you can get when arriving home with your baby. You need as much rest as possible to heal properly.
WHAT PAIN MEDICATIONS DO THE DOCTOR PROVIDE? OXYCODONE AND IBIPROPHIN
DO THE PILLS HELP WITH THE PAIN? YES
However make sure you ask your doctor about the dose because they can be addicting.
SHOULD I TAKE THE PILLS IF I CHOOSE TO BREASTFEED? IT'S RECOMMENDED TO NOT TAKE THE PAIN MEDICATION IF BREASTFEEDING
The decision is up to you, but I would not take the pills because anything you put inside your body may affect the breastmilk that is entering your child's body.
WHAT IS ANOTHER GREAT OPTION TO HELP WITH THE PAIN? THE ABDOMINAL BINDER
It keeps your abs firm and in place which helps you move around more freely.
IS IT BETTER TO WEAR GRANNY PANTIES DURING THE HEALING PROCESS? YES
Granny pantie will rise over your incision which will not irritate the incision.
HOW LONG IS THE HEALING PROCESS? 6 WEEKS AND MORE.
By 6 weeks, you will feel better and the pain will be gone however, your uterus still needs to heal properly so be aware of that. Listen to your body.
IT IS PAINFUL WHEN REMOVING THE STITCHES OR STAPLES WEEKS AFTER THE SURGERY? YES
CAN THE DOCTORS GLUE THE INSICION BACK TOGETHER? YES, DEPENDING ON THE MOTHER.
I was glued because I wasn't bleeding severely and the doctors didn't cut me big. I was so relieved because once your glued back together, the doctors do not need to touch the incision again.
WILL I GET ANOTHER VAGINAL EXAMINATION AFTER THE SURGERY? YES
If you have sexual intercourse less than 6 weeks after a c-section your cervix will be checked.
DO YOU LOSE WEIGHT QUICKLY? IT DEPENDS ON THE MOM. SOME LOSE WEIGHT QUICKLY AND SOME DON'T.
Breastfeeding helps shed a lot of the extra weight because your burning a lot of calories producing milk and your losing a lot of fluid as your baby drinks the milk.
CAN YOU HAVE A VAGIONAL BIRTH AFTER A C-SECTION? YES, DEPENDING ON THE REASON BEHIND YOUR FIRST C-SECTION.
