Generally, the first few days are the heaviest with the passing of blood clots up to the size of a golf ball. Contact your doctor if youre soaking one pad per hour or passing large clots. Postpartum depression. Sex, exercise I recommend that they start those things slowly and gradually increase activity.. I had an emergency c-section in July after a 36 hour induction that went wrong so my recovery could be different to someone who had a planned c-section. Dr. Higgins suggests having your partner, family members or friends help with tasks like planning and making meals, doing laundry and even helping to care for your baby. So what can you do? This discharge will be red and heavy for the first few days. Cleveland Clinic Compared to a vaginal delivery, if youve had a cesarean delivery (C-section), you need to take extra precautions and give yourself even more time to recover from childbirth. Keep it clean to prevent infections. But if you experience feelings like being depressed or feeling hopeless, talk to your doctor about postpartum depression and what it means. Some women bounce back quickly, others take longer to recover. Obstetrics & Gynecology. An abdominal binder, a wide compression belt that goes around your stomach, can also be used to offer additional support and avoid putting stress on sutures. Mumsnet carries some affiliate marketing links, so if you buy something through our posts, we may get a small share of the sale (more details here). 25th ed. Physical recovery from a C-section puts a lot of stress on the body, says Dr. Higgins. Afterward, you can expect to spend 2-3 days in the hospital with your new little one as you recover. Nixon H, et al. The feeling like my core didn't exist anymore was the last thing to fade - it's feeling fairly strong again now. Keep an eye out for any signs of infection. During that time, it's recommended that you avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. During pregnancy, elevated hormone levels increase the ratio of growing hair to resting or shedding hair. Get up ASAP and stand straight without hunching. Hair loss and skin changes. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. My milk was delayed coming in after my section compared to my normal birth. 2nd ed. Nursing positions: The site of the surgery may make it hard to find a comfortable position to nurse your baby. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Tomorrow is a big day, how exciting! Your guide to breastfeeding. Labor, delivery and postpartum care FAQ006. Here's what to expect: Vaginal discharge. When a person has fully recovered, we view it as their graduation day, says Dr. Higgins. Berens P. Overview of the postpartum period: Physiology, complications, and maternal care. Letting the water run down over the wound should also help with cleaning. 736: Optimizing postpartum care. In: American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. There is a problem with The baby blues typically subside within two weeks. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. Your doctor may recommend a C-section if: While most individuals recover in about six weeks, its important to remember each persons journey is different. It is also normal to have vaginal bleeding after a C-section, though its typically not as heavy as after a vaginal delivery. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of All Rights Reserved. Remember that everybody heals and recovers at different rates so its important to talk to your doctor about how you feel and its OK if you need more time.
