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 want to share with you the ONE thing that made the biggest difference in my c section recovery.
My C Section stories
My first c section was an emergency cesarean delivery. We hadn’t expected to end up in that situation, and I was sorely underprepared.
read more about my c section stories here
My recovery after c section was long and difficult. It included being re-hospitalized due to an infection, and many months of sore and tender stomach muscles.
When I was told I would need a second c section (due to a placenta previa) I was bound and determined to have a better recovery after c section.
I began to research anything I could do to help myself have a faster, better recovery after c section.
THE ONE THING THAT COMPLETELY CHANGED MY recovery after c section
Full disclosure – I actually did quite a few things differently during my second recovery after c section.
I invested in c section underwear and a belly binder, which helped support my sore abdominal muscles.
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I rested more and ate better. And I didn’t try to push myself through my c section recovery just to prove that I could “do it all”
But the ONE major difference that I believe had the biggest impact was this:
as soon as I was able I got up and started walking.
And by “as soon as” I’m talking less than 6 hours after my cesarean delivery I was up walking around the hospital. Pushing my baby in his little hospital bassinet. Up and down the hospital hallways.
I wore the very sexy non-slip socks and the hospital robe and I did it. And it hurt like hell.
But I did it. And then I did it again and again and again.
And I kept walking as much as I could stand.
Of all the things I did to heal faster after my second c section, walking by far had the biggest impact on the speed of my recovery.
Let’s address some FAQ’s about walking after a c section:
Why should I be walking after my c section?
Ok this is the big question- why?
The short answer is: to aid in your recovery.
Walking in the early hours and days of your c section recovery will – among other benefits – help with gas pains, help to prevent constipation, and can prevent blood clots.
I didn’t understand the importance of walking after my first c section so I avoided walking at all costs. Because walking wasn’t exactly super comfortable.
But that was a big mistake! It took me much longer to “bounce” back than it should have.
I know it hurts, but walking does get easier. So with the help of your medical provider, start walking as soon as you can after you c section!
(And let’s clarify right now that by “walking” I don’t mean laps around the hospital, I mean maybe a 20ft walk to the water fountain and back).
When can I start walking after a c section?
It makes sense that you’re wanting to know when you can start walking. The best answer I can give you is:
as soon as possible.
Truthfully this is going to be different for every woman and for every c section mom. Some women might feel ready to take their first stroll mere hours after surgery.
Some new mommies might find waiting until the next day is best. You will need to listen to your body and talk with your medical care team in order to make the decision.
Start walking as soon as you can and keep walking as much as you can- without overdoing it. It’s not going to feel great, but it will help you in your recovery!
How do I get up and start walking?
Here’s my best tips on how to get up and start walking during your recovery after c section:
Just do it.
That’s it. I tried to think of a bunch of tips for you but the honest truth is that you just have to do it.
Yes, it’s going to hurt. But avoiding it will only hurt you and harm your c section recovery.
Talk to your nurses and doctors about what they recommend, but I suggest getting up and walking as soon as you can.
And challenge yourself to walk as often as possible.
If I could go back and change ONE thing about my first c section recovery this would be it! I would start walking much sooner, and continue to walk as much as I could!