A c section can be nerve wracking if you’ve never had one before and can come with a lot of misconceptions. So as a c section mom myself, I thought it would be fun to share what I consider to be the top c section facts. Some may even surprise you!
1. C sections Are major surgery
There’s no denying that a c section is major surgery and as a result requires a longer hospital stay, more intense recovery and leaves a visible scar.
2. You’ll feel a lot of pressure but no pain.
You won’t feel any pain during the c section thanks to an epidural or spinal block, but you can expect to feel a lot of pressure at times during the surgery. This is totally normal!
3. Your hospital stay is longer.
Usually a mother stays in the hospital for three to four days following a c section versus one to two nights for a vaginal birth. A c section is major surgery with an incision and pain medicine so the nurses and doctor naturally need to check on the mother and her incision frequently.
4. You’ll leave the hospital with medicine.
Most mothers leave the hospital with medicine and it’s important to keep up on it the first few days. Staying on top of the pain will greatly aid c section recovery and is one of the biggest tips I give to new moms.
5. You’ll love your c section scar but it may feel numb.
You might be worried about having a permanent scar from your c section, but you’ll soon realize it’s a constant reminder of the life you brought into the world. It’s pretty incredible.
But one c section fact you might not know is you can experience numbness around the area or on one side or the other. This is totally normal and not a complication. The doctor had to cut through nerves to deliver your baby, which can lead to numbness and even itching as your incision heals.
For some, the numbness is a temporary feeling and for others it’s permanent.
6. Not all c sections are identical.
A section can either be scheduled beforehand for various reasons (breech baby, mother had previous c sections, etc) or be considered an emergency c section if a vaginal delivery is not successful.
7. You’ll see your doctor more postpartum.
It’s typical to see your doctor twice after you’re released from the hospital.
At two weeks postpartum, the doctor will check your incision and see how you’re feeling. At six weeks postpartum, your doctor will also do an internal exam and usually clears you to workout at this appointment.
You may even have some questions for your doctor too. Of course it’s possible you may need more visits if there’s an infection or the doctor feels you’re not fully recovered.
8. You’ll have a weight restriction while you heal.
When you’re released from the hospital, it’s usually recommended you carry no more than your baby. That’s it. Not the baby in the car seat, not the grocery bags and definitely not the laundry basket.
One of the biggest c section tips is to take it easy and accept all the help you can get. It takes a village and the more you rest early on, the quicker your recovery will be.
9. You will still bleed down there.
Another one of the potentially surprising c section facts is that even if you don’t deliver vaginally, you will still need to wear a pad for days to weeks after a c section. This is because the lining of your uterus grows to be very thick during pregnancy and thins back out after delivery and removal of the placenta.
10. You can have a vaginal birth after c section.
It’s possible to have a vaginal birth after a c section (also called a VBAC). You will need to talk to your doctor of course but oftentimes it’s up to the mother if she would like to schedule a second c section or try for a vaginal birth.
11. You can take pictures in the OR.
Most hospitals allow you to take pictures in the OR. Just make sure you communicate with the nurses about it before the surgery begins. I have some very special pictures of my son and our family in the OR that will cherish forever.
One tip is to look at the pictures right after they’re taken (or have your husband look at them). There’s no going back so you want to make sure you’re happy with the product.
12. You can still breastfeed normally.
Having a c section doesn’t prohibit you from nursing. Usually this will happen as soon as you arrive back in the recovery room after surgery.
13. C section births are still special.
As a c section mama myself, I can tell you that having a c section birth was perfect. While it wasn’t the original birth plan I had envisioned for my family, it was the best method to deliver my son in a healthy and low stress environment.
Many times I hear women talk down about c sections but you are no less of a mother for delivering in the operating room. A c section can still be very special and a memory that you will forever cherish.
Were you surprised about any of the c section facts? Let me know in the comments below!
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