A c-section birth is considered a major abdominal surgery, but it doesn’t mean you will be laid up in bed for weeks, days, or even more than a few hours. Knowing what to expect- the good, the bad, the ouchy, will allow you to fill your mental toolbox, so to speak, so that you may enter your birth experience with confidence and understanding of what to expect and what is considered “normal” following a cesarean delivery.
Did you know your doula can go into the operating room with you and your partner if your obstetrician and the anesthesiologist give the okay?
We have found a successful strategy is to have a discussion prenatally with the medical team. The goal during surgery is to keep the expectant patient’s blood pressure and breathing regulated which can increase the success of the surgery. Having a comforting presence in the operating room, such as the familiar face and the constant presence of a labor doula can be very emotionally supportive both for you and for your partner.
After delivery, your baby may be immediately placed on to your chest for skin to skin bonding. This is important for your baby. It helps the baby’s body temperature regulation, sense of security, and it’s beneficial for your hormone levels.
What people often forget to mention is the intense quaking your body begins to experience. You may feel cold, shivers or nausea due to intense hormone surges. If you have not been warned about this side effect of anesthesia and the birth process, this autonomous reaction can be VERY alarming. This is NORMAL.
After the baby is born and you have had a few minutes to visit, they will send your partner and baby either into a recovery room or back to your labor room to wait for your return. During the period that repairs are being made, your doula can stay in the operating room with you. You never have to be without a familiar support person. If you are told only one support person is permitted in the operating room, you can ask that your doula be allowed to enter when your partner leaves with the baby.
Immediate Recovery from a Cesarean
Upon entering the recovery portion of your procedure, you may feel groggy. Your range of motion will be very limited. You just underwent major abdominal surgery, so ask for help lifting and positioning the baby as well as yourself.
There are several pain relieving medications that are safe for you and safe for a breastfeeding baby. Should you want them- do NOT hesitate to ask. It’s often helpful to stay ahead of the pain as it allows you to continue to move and work towards recovery without intense pain which can be physically and emotionally draining.
You may feel overwhelmed or confused with the sequence of events. Your nurse is there to explain- don’t be afraid to ask. She would likely be happy to have an excuse to engage with you rather than chart, so ask away. Asking for more information fills your toolbox.
The Importance of Movement
You will likely be encouraged to get up within a few hours after delivery. It is very important that you’re with someone who can physically support you for the first few times you stand up. Your abdomen may feel empty or hollow. Halfway to standing, it might feel like you ran out of body; like a rubber band that can stretch no further. As if there is no more skin to stretch you to an upright position. Take it slow. THIS IS NORMAL.
As soon as the nurses give you clearance, begin slowly getting up, walking to the bathroom, taking short strolls in the hall, and varying your seated positions. Don’t think you are gearing up for a marathon, you will just need to get into an upright, forward moving position multiple times per day as directed by your medical team. This action helps blood flow, it helps to oxygenate your body, reduces the risk of blood clots, allows the extra fluids to move out of your body and further encourages your body to continue healing from surgery. It takes time. It is to be expected that your abdominal muscles will be sore for several weeks post-operation.
Milk Production
People who deliver via c-section tend to experience the arrival of their milk a few days later than those who deliver vaginally. Offering the breast frequently, hand expression and/or hand pumping can help encourage your milk supply to come in sooner. By day 4 postpartum your breasts will feel different and you may feel symptoms similar to that of the flu. All of these new sensations may hit all at once. It is highly recommended to have a support person(s) to help with meals, chores, and especially to bring your baby to you for frequent feedings. Do not expect or attempt to get up for every feeding, diaper change, and household chore. A postpartum doula is particularly helpful during the postpartum stage after a cesarean birth.
Knowing what to expect is all part of your birth toolbox. The more you can fill your toolbox, the better prepared you will feel. As you feel prepared, your confidence will remain steady, and your overall outlook on this experience can remain positive.
By: Laura Martin
