Cesarian birth is an operation and like any operation has a recovery method and  problems.  After you give birth, a nurse will check you and answer any questions you may have. During your stay, the nurses will teach you how to care for yourself and your baby.

Changes in Your body

      A nurse will feel your abdomen to check your uterus while you are in the hospital. If your uterus is soft, your nurse will rub your abdomen to help the uterus become firm.
You will have bleeding from your vagina for 2-4 weeks. During the first few days, the bleeding is like a heavy menstrual period. You may pass small blood clots. The bleeding will decrease and change to pink, dark brown, and then clear. Do not use tampons. Use sanitary pads.
Your breasts will fill with milk in 3-5 days after you give birth and become firm and sore. They may leak at times.  For the first few days, you will secrete a rich fluid called colostrum which is very nourishing for baby’s first few days.
You may have constipation. A stool softener or laxative may be ordered.
Tell your nurse if you have problems urinating.

Activity

      Deep breathe and cough every two hours to prevent breathing problems. Hold a pillow or folded blanket over your incision when you cough to lessen the pain.
Ask the staff for help the first few times you get out of bed. Sit up for a couple of minutes before you start to walk.
If you feel light headed or dizzy while in the bathroom, pull the emergency call light on the bathroom wall for help.
Walk in the hallways 3-4 times a day for 5-10 minutes.

Diet

     You may feel tired and hungry. You will get fluids through an IV (intravenous) in your hand or arm until you are drinking well.  Your diet will be advanced from liquids to a general diet.  The day of surgery, you will be able to have ice chips or clear fluids. As your bowel function returns, you will be given fluids, then solid food.

Pain control

Pain is normal. It is the most intense the first 2-3 days after surgery. Your doctor will order pain medicine for you. Ask for pain medicine when you need it: stay ahead of your pain by taking the medications before the pain gets out of control.
Manage your pain so you can care for yourself, your baby and be active. The medicine may not get rid of the pain but it will make it better.

Incision

   Usually your incision will be across the lower part of your abdomen. If delivering the baby is an emergency, however, the incision may be vertical.  A dressing will be placed over the incision for about 24 hours. Your nurse will check the dressing and change it as needed. After the dressing is taken off, you may shower, upon the doctor’s instruction. Tapes called Steri-strips may be placed over the incision. They will fall off on their own. Your nurse will show you how to care for your incision before you go home. Watch your incision for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pain, warmth and drainage.

Going home from the hospital

      Your nurse will help you prepare to go home with your baby. Information will be given to you on how to care for yourself and your baby.

Your care may include:
•     Limit climbing stairs to 1-2 times each day.
•     Lift nothing heavier than your baby.
•     Get help doing housework for at least 2 weeks.
•     Do not drive a car for at least 2 weeks, or if taking sedatives or narcotic pain medication.
•   Do not have sexual relations until approved by your doctor. Talk to your doctor about birth control. Breastfeeding does not prevent you from becoming pregnant.
Do not go back to work until approved by your doctor.

Call your doctor right away if you have

•     A fever over 101 degrees F or 38 degrees C.
•    Signs of a breast or wound infection such as fever, tenderness, redness, or a hot, hardened area, on one or both breasts.
•     Heavy vaginal bleeding where you soak one sanitary pad per hour for 2 hours or have large blood clots.
•     Foul smelling vaginal discharge—a normal discharge smells like your menstrual period.
•     Problems urinating including trouble starting, burning or pain.
•     No bowel movements for 3 days.
•     A hot, hard spot in your leg or pain in your lower leg.
•     Severe or constant pain.
•     A headache, blurred vision or spots before your eyes that will not go away.
•     Feelings of being very sad or feel you want to hurt yourself or your baby.
Call your doctor the first few days after your get home to schedule a follow up visit in 4-6 weeks. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have any questions or concerns.