You just had a c section (or you’re about to have one) and now you’re wondering what is normal when it comes to recovery?
Maybe you’re feeling a little bummed about your birthing experience. Or you’re worried about recovery for a myriad of reasons. Not the least of which is “how in the world am I going to take care of a baby –possibly older children as well– while I’m recovering from major surgery?”
I get it. I’ve been there, and I’m going to do my best to share some encouraging answers with you.
But first a small disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional. I’m simply a mother who has been through c section recovery twice. My goal here is to share some of my own experience to hopefully ease some of your worries. None of this should be taken as medical advice.
How long is c section recovery?
The short answer is c section recovery is different for every woman. Your doctor will probably tell you about six weeks. I found that to be pretty accurate. After both of my c sections I was back to most of my normal day-to-day activities at the six week mark. With little to no pain.
Having said that, it took me longer to resume other activities like more intense exercise. The most important thing here is to be patient and listen to your body. If it’s telling you to rest then please listen.
How long does that pain last after a cesarean section?
In my experience, the worst of the pain comes within the first seventy-two hours. By the end of the first week, both times, I was almost completely pain free. I was still tender and sore, but not in pain or feeling like I needed pain killers.
How long you experience pain will likely depend on your pain tolerance. Some women never take a pain killer stronger than Advil, some women need more.
Here are two important tips: the more you walk the faster you’ll recover. And I know this sounds backwards because the last thing you want to be doing is moving a lot. But walking helps to strengthen those muscles that feel so tender after a c section.
Be sure to check with your doctor that it’s safe for you to be walking, but if he gives you the green light remember to be moving throughout the day. And that doesn’t mean laps around the neighborhood. Just moving from the bed to the bathroom and back a few times a day will be plenty in those early days of recovery.
The second important tip is to snuggle your baby a lot! I’m sure this won’t be hard to do, but all of those snuggles release lots of oxytocin, which will help you heal.
A final warning about pain: if you have not felt a significant decrease in your pain by the end of week one, you need to call your doctor. This happened to me and I didn’t know it was a red flag, but it was. I ended up back in the hospital with a bad infection. This isn’t to scare you, just know that if you can’t get your pain under control by a certain point it’s worth a call to your doctor.
THE C SECTION RECOVERY TIMELINE
IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOUR C SECTION
Immediately after the c section, let’s say the first 4-6 hours, you’ll probably be feeling pretty good!
The epidural will still be in effect (but wearing off) and by now you will have received pain medication (most likely).
Plus, you’ll be on a high from snuggling your sweet newborn!
24 HOURS AFTER YOUR C SECTION
As the epidural continues to wear off you will become more and more aware of the tenderness in your abdomen.
This is the part where we get super honest with each other: this is going to be painful. And your pain likely hasn’t peaked yet. (more on that later) **again, this is based on my personal experiences**
During the first 24 hours post c section operation you’ll likely be more focused on the precious baby in your arms than anything else.
The rush of oxytocin will help to keep the pain at bay.
And that’s a good thing! You’ll want to make the most of all that oxytocin. Enjoy all those sweet newborn snuggles- you’ve earned it!
It can take close to 24 hours for the epidural to fully wear off (although you will probably be able to get up and walk efore the 24 hour mark).
At some point in the first 24 hours the nurse might come to remove your catheter which I found to be fairly painless.
Your nurse will likely continue to measure you urine ouput for a while by placing a bowl in the toilet to catch & measure your urine.
48 hours after your cesarean delivery
Ok, I’m going to get super real here, the second 24 hours (so 48 hours post c section delivery) were the hardest for me.
And I’ve heard the same for other women.
These hours can be incredibly painful. All of that initial oxytocin has faded, the epidural has completely worn off, you’re been up and walking, and what you’re left with is sleep deprivation and pain.
During both of my c section recoveries the second 24 hours after surgery were the most difficult.
I struggled to stay on top of my pain, and believe me when it comes to pain management you do NOT want to get behind the 8-ball.
If you take the regular dose of pain meds and find you’re still in pain SAY SOMETHING!! There’s usually something the nurses and doctors can do to help you manage your pain.
My best advice is to prepare for this to be the worst part of your c section recovery time. I don’t want to scare you, but you need to be prepared. Knowledge is power, and when you know what to expect you can be proactive in your recovery.
Prepare yourself mentally, ask visitors not to come on this day, communicate with your spouse and medical team.
**this post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission when you purchase through my link at no additional cost to you, you can read more about it here**
ONE WEEK AFTER YOUR C SECTION
As your c section recovery timeline continues into the first week you might realize that you are sore and tender.
But these days most likely won’t be as terrible as you might imagine.
At this point in your recovery you will likely be settled into your own home. And even though you’ll probably miss the bed that adjusts with the touch of a button and the 24/7 room service – there’s nothing better than being in your own home with your newborn baby.
Hopefully you’ll find that being in the comfort of your peaceful home will help you to rest and recover from the c section more quickly.
By the one week mark, many women find that they are able to stand-up straight, walk around the house, hold the baby comfortably, and are (mostly) off prescribed pain medications.
Something that I highly recommend to c section moms is to invest in a good pair of c section recovery underwear. Essentially these are compression underwear meant specifically for women who are recovering from a c section. I’ve linked the pair I bought and loved, they are meant to have a snug fit so you might want to size up.
After my first c section I didn’t wear these because I was skeptical; I thought it was a gimmick, and more about vanity than anything else.
But after my second cesarean delivery I wore the c section underwear regularly and I found they made a HUGE difference in my c section recovery time! The underwear are specially designed to support your weak and tender muscles.
The support will make it easier for you to get up and walk – which is key to your recovery.
TWO WEEKS AFTER YOUR CESAREAN BIRTH
By two weeks out you will likely be feeling back to normal-ish.
At this point after my cesarean delivery (after both surgeries) I had completely weaned off of my prescription pain medications and most of the over the counter pain relievers (except for maybe some Tylenol on days I was on my feet more).
By the two-week mark you might find that you’re able to resume some of your pre-surgery activities. Be sure to listen to your body and check with your doctor if you have any concerns or questions.
ONE MONTH POST C SECTION
After the two week mark, I found that c section recovery just kept getting easier! Hopefully, this is the case for you as well.
You’ll probably find yourself walking and standing more every day. One day you’ll laugh or cough and notice that you don’t need to hold a pillow over your incision. and you’ll start to feel like you’re getting back to normal.
TWO MONTHS AFTER YOUR C SECTION
After you are completely healed (usually around the two month mark) you’ll want to talk with your doctor before resuming any pre- c section activities such as exercise or physical hobbies.
Although you will most likely be healed by the two month mark, continue to listen to your body and adjust your activities accordingly. Do not skip your postpartum check-up and be sure to talk with your doctor about any concerns you might have about your recovery.
ONE YEAR POST C SECTION (PLUS GETTING PREGNANT AFTER A C SECTION)
The number one question I see from c section moms is about pregnancy after a c section.
Except in extremem circumstances, most women will be able to conceive and safely carry a pregnancy after a c section.
It is recommended that women who are recovering from a c section wait at least 18 months before conceiving again. Be sure to discuss plans to conceive with your doctor before your conceive.
Simple Tips to Make C Section Recovery A Tiny Bit Easier
Keep a Pillow Nearby
Your muscles are going to be sore, and you might find that it hurts to laugh or cough. Or sneeze, or really do much of anything that moves your abdomen.
But if you can use a pillow to apply slight pressure on your incision while you cough, sneeze, or laugh it can help manage your pain.
Add Walking to Your Daily Recovery Plan
A little bit of walking goes a long way in your c section recovery. Your doctor and nurses will likely recommend this soon after surgery. It won’t feel great but it does help to loosen your sore and stiff muscles and strengthen your core after surgery. Keep walking — as much as you’re able– once you’re home. Remember, you don’t need to walk miles, a short walk to the mailbox and back will do.
Stay On Top Of Your Pain Management
Be sure to have an honest conversation with your doctor about proper pain management and what is safest for baby if you’re breastfeeding. There are usually great options that will keep your pain at a tolerable level and won’t hurt baby.
Get Plenty of Rest
Resting isn’t the easiest thing to do with a newborn to care for and possibly older children in the house. As much as you can, rest on the couch and nap. Do not overdo it, your body needs time to heal. This is true for any postpartum mother, but particularly for those who have also had a c section.
Breastfeeding After A C Section
Keep plenty of pillows nearby so you can nestle baby close without added pressure on your incision. Be sure to talk to your doctor about how pain medication might impact your milk. Plenty of skin to skin contact with baby will help keep your milk supply flowing and will help your healing. Consider purchasing a Haakaa breast pump that can easily catch spilled milk and slowly help to build a small freezer stash of breastmilk.
remember, I am not a medical professional. I am sharing anecdotal advice based off of my personal experience and the research I have performed. This content should not be taken as medical advice; if you have medical questions please seek the advice of a medical professional.
I have been looking for an article like this for months!!!! My c-section is scheduled for April and I’m kind of terrified. This helps so much. THANK YOU!!
I’m glad it helped!! I can tell you from experience that a scheduled c-section is way easier than an emergency one. And they can be much gentler as well– good luck!