https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:48:44 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/csection-recovery-tips#post-2908961 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 12:50:51 +0000 graceandjoy 2908961@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JennyLayneAZ: Yeah I don’t know how I’m gonna climb up my high bed! Might just camp out on the couch, tho no bathrooms on that floor... </p> <p>Man, I know I need to get up to walk, it’s just so painful 😣 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/csection-recovery-tips#post-2908955 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 10:50:52 +0000 LadyDi 2908955@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know everyone is different but oxy didn’t really make me drowsy. You could also take it before bed to make sleep more comfortable. And, congratulations!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/csection-recovery-tips#post-2908953 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 10:47:34 +0000 JennyLayneAZ 2908953@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another vote for "take your pain meds". I thought I'd be fine with just the Ibuprofen. I figured out real quick that I was not LOL Also, once I got home I found it easier to sleep in the recliner for the first week or so, so if that is an option for you, I'd try that.</p> <p>Also, get up and walk as much as you can handle. The more active you are, the quicker recovery will be.</p> <p>Good luck momma!!! :goodluck: :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/csection-recovery-tips#post-2908942 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 09:13:35 +0000 JennyPenny 2908942@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ALV91711: @graceandjoy: I found my c-section recovery easier than vaginal as well, but I feel like the real difference comes once you get home. The pain going the bathroom was for sure a big difference, but I remember finding sitting in any position pretty uncomfortable after my vaginal delivery but with a binder on I didn't have much pain most of the time with the c-section. Or it could be I had better meds... *shrug* </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/csection-recovery-tips#post-2908937 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 08:52:37 +0000 graceandjoy 2908937@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ALV91711: @petitenoisette: The coughing nearly killed me the first time it happened 😂😳😱</p> <p>I’m still at the hospital so def on top of meds; it’s painful but kinda afraid to up to oxy bc I don’t want to get so drowsy. </p> <p>Can’t figure out whether vaginal or csection is easier recovery... I feel like my vagina recoveries have been easier. Tho it has been refreshing to not need a thousand products every time I use the bathroom haha. </p> <p>I’m def gonna put on the binder; I put it away thinking it would hurt not help. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/csection-recovery-tips#post-2908918 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 22:07:31 +0000 ALV91711 2908918@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I found csection recovery better than my vaginal recovery. </p> <p>High waisted comfy pants, keep up on meds and just ask for help. I set up a change station basket with snacks for me on the main floor so I’d have everything within reach. </p> <p>Hold your stomach when you cough or sneeze. I sneezed and cried because I wasn’t expecting it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/csection-recovery-tips#post-2908916 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 21:34:25 +0000 LadyDi 2908916@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I second what everyone else has said. Stay on top of got pain meds! I thought I would fine with just ibuprofen but felt much worse once I got home and ended up taking oxy and it really helped. Stool softeners are your friend. Use a binder. Make sure you have stretchy pants that will go up over your incision, as opposed to the maternity pants that go under your belly. Ask for lots of help. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/csection-recovery-tips#post-2908913 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 20:56:48 +0000 Grace 2908913@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Walk as soon as you can (same day). Even if it’s tiny baby steps and takes you 10 min to get down the hall at the hospital. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/csection-recovery-tips#post-2908912 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 20:52:22 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2908912@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi!</p> <p>I’ve had two. With both I still had one in a crib. I changed the crib into a toddler bed and put the rail side to the wall. I slid the crib in and out so they could get in and out of it themselves during napnwhen my husband wasn’t home to help. </p> <p>Stay on top of meds. Smooth move tea when you get constipated from them. </p> <p>Stand up straight. Walk around but don’t over do it. Pushing a stroller is harder then you’d think so don’t so that right away. </p> <p>Take all the help you can get! I didn’t find my recoveries too bad! Congrats! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/csection-recovery-tips#post-2908902 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 19:59:28 +0000 petitenoisette 2908902@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hold a pillow over your stomach when you cough, in the car, even when you have a BM, basically whenever you need to use your ab muscles for the first week or so. </p> <p>Assuming you’ll need a catheter, your body sort of forgets how to pee once it’s out. Just something that surprised me! I read somewhere to pretend like or actually blow through a straw while you try to pee. Helped me the second time around!</p> <p>Keep on top of meds - both times I was absolutely fine just taking ibuprofen, though the second time I did take Tylenol too in between my Advil doses at times. </p> <p>Have a plan to try to avoid stairs (we slept in our first floor bedroom at first, tho I could have done stairs if I really needed to) and picking up older kids (if you have any in a crib still, how will you handle that?) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/csection-recovery-tips#post-2908900 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 19:57:12 +0000 JennyPenny 2908900@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>They should have abdominal binders in the hospital that you can ask for. Being wrapped up in one of those really helped the incision site pain. Also, stay on top of your meds cause the nurses will often get behind. If it’s almost time for your next dose, ask! And start walking as soon and as much as you’re able. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/csection-recovery-tips#post-2908898 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 19:46:04 +0000 gotkimchi 2908898@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had two csections and wasn’t bothered at all but one tip I had was to stand up straight every time you stand up </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/csection-recovery-tips#post-2908893 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 19:36:07 +0000 graceandjoy 2908893@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Share the wealth for my first and last csection! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/csections-and-weird-twinges-in-uterus#post-2898148 Mon, 30 Sep 2019 17:00:45 +0000 cyoung 2898148@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you !! It’s so different this time around due to my csection </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/csections-and-weird-twinges-in-uterus#post-2898120 Mon, 30 Sep 2019 11:58:37 +0000 Sams Mom 2898120@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I still get them on and off almost 4 years out from my first, even before this pregnancy. Not painful really, just a feeling 🤷🏼‍♀️ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/csections-and-weird-twinges-in-uterus#post-2898118 Mon, 30 Sep 2019 11:44:14 +0000 paigeface 2898118@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have had two C-sections and have had twinges after both. More with my most recent from 4 months ago. I think its normal! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/csections-and-weird-twinges-in-uterus#post-2898046 Sat, 28 Sep 2019 17:12:11 +0000 cyoung 2898046@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So this past week I’ve had some weird cramping and twinges in my uterus. Its almost like a tickling or fluttery feeling. It’s happens a ton and almost all day on and off. It started while and after I ovulated (I took a opk and it happen to be positive). I’m not ttcing but based off my body and stuff I’m about 2-3 dpo. For ladies who had a csection did you have this happen for a few cycles after. I was wondering if it’s cause I’m healing still. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-csection-recovery#post-2893461 Sat, 03 Aug 2019 16:55:54 +0000 Kaohinani 2893461@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@thepicklemonster: Please share your recipe for parsley-watermelon-lemon water ... How many parts of each did you use? It not only sounds beneficial but "yummy." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-csection-recovery#post-2893457 Sat, 03 Aug 2019 15:44:06 +0000 thepicklemonster 2893457@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had two scheduled c sections and had horrific swelling the first time (for around 2 weeks) but not the second. I made this concoction of watermelon juice with lemon and parsley and it helped flush out all the fluids. Beyond that get all the help you can and use a belly band 24/7! It’s so hard but I turned a huge corner around day 10. Congrats! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-csection-recovery#post-2893456 Sat, 03 Aug 2019 15:21:25 +0000 cyoung 2893456@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you so much ladies! This definitely wasn't espected for me to have a csection. It's no joke and definitely can be a rough and rocky start. I have help fortunately and people are great. I just need to take it slow. I'm so used to going and going and this is really slowing me down which is hard for me to do. I will definitely do all these!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-csection-recovery#post-2893454 Sat, 03 Aug 2019 13:49:29 +0000 DillonLion 2893454@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Swelling is totally normal! My legs looked crazy in the hospital last week.</p> <p>We set up and entire baby "station" downstairs with diapers, change of clothes, changing table, wipes warmer etc. We do the majority of navy care downstairs during the day and then go up to the nursery at night.</p> <p>The heavy meds made me nuts, so I've been on just the ibuprofen. It works so long as I don't miss a dose. </p> <p>For me, sitting around doing nothing made me NUTS, so I got my doctor's blessing to resume light activity within the first week. It has helped me heal mentally and physically. </p> <p>Hang in there! I'm here in the trenches with ya. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-csection-recovery#post-2893446 Sat, 03 Aug 2019 10:51:37 +0000 Kaohinani 2893446@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cyoung:</p> <p>It appears that you have some great advice here on the board. 😁👍 I'll add mine though.</p> <p>My c-sections were not all that bad. I was back at work 2 weeks after my 1st (against OBGYN's orders, mind you) and was attempting to clean my house due to being stir-crazy about a week after my second one. That stated, I am a terrible example. 😂 I also tore stitches with both for "overdoing" it so, I will state that my advice to you is based on what was helpful for me rather than what I did that resulted in multiple visits to the ER. 😶</p> <p>At the time of my c-section for DS, my DH was AD Army and was alotted 2 weeks with me. Our DD was 6. My DD was born at the end of her holiday/winter break. Closest family was 8 hours away and I had to learn to "make due" quickly. Here are a few ways that I made my life easier:</p> <p>(1) Take your meds as directed. Sometimes, even skipping a dose can lead to your downfall. Most moms alternate their narcotic drugs with IBUPROFEN if they do not like or cannot tolerate the heavier meds.</p> <p>(2) If your bedrooms are upstairs and EVERYTHING else is downstairs, figure out how to spend the majority of the day downstairs... that includes couch-sleeping, baby feeding/nursing, changing clothes, etc. Set up "comfort areas" for resting, feedings, and bathing both you and baby the best you can.</p> <p>(3) place a basket (or 2) at the bottom of the stairs for clothes, loose items, etc. Have your DH or older children bring the items upstairs and the baskets back down.</p> <p>(4) Do not refuse help from friends or neighbors. This one was SO hard for me. I am a perfectionist and have to be the entertainer when someone visits. After my c-section, I had to relinquish the need to be a proper hostess and allow myself and DS to be pampered.</p> <p>(5) When in doubt, order out. I made many large-batch meals before my CS; however, when I came home with a newborn, I was just too d#mn tired. DH came home REALLY late some nights and DD couldn't wait until he arrived. Grubhub delivery has seen me at my worst. 😫🤣</p> <p>(6) If your kids can help (with ANYTHING), let them. Also, if they want to help with the new arrival, there is nothing better than a moment of bonding for them and free hands for you.</p> <p>(7) A cleaning service - I was gifted 3 mos of a 2x monthly cleaning service. Besides food gift cards, meals, and diapers (I had forgotten the sheer amount of poop that can come out of something so small! 💩🤣); the cleaning ladies were my FAVORITE gift ever. They made life spectacular. I have, since, invested in a service to visit monthly to give my home a once-over. Trust me, after a c-section, the LAST thing one wants to do is clean.</p> <p>(8) FINALLY - Listen to your body - (* I half-arsed this one. 🤣) If you need to sit and rest - do it. If something is sore and doesn't seem right, call your OBGYN. If you are hungry or thirsty, take the time to nourish yourself. Sounds like commonsense, right? Well, you'd be surprised after having a CS how far you will push past "the ouch" and ignore your "thirsty" for your baby and to accomplish "one more thing" before you sit down. I know, I did it. *facepalm* Learn from my mistakes and don't end up in the ER. 😉</p> <p>BEST OF LUCK and Happy healing, Mama! :goodluck:<br /> Once again - Congratulations on your new bundle! 👶 :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-csection-recovery#post-2893424 Sat, 03 Aug 2019 08:59:10 +0000 LadyDi 2893424@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Swelling is completely normal. For my first c section it was an emergency and my legs were SO swollen from all of the fluids they pumped into me during labor. </p> <p>Try not to do stairs often, walking will help but try not to bend or lift or move quickly. </p> <p>TAKE THE PAIN MEDS. That’s my number one tip, do not try to tough it out. </p> <p>Wear a belly band, hold a pillow over your incision or cough or sneeze or laugh. Use a boppy if you’re breastfeeding. </p> <p>Use a mirror to keep an eye on your incision. </p> <p>Don’t go longer than 6 hours without peeing. A full bladder puts a lot of pressure on your uterus. </p> <p>I’ve had three sections and each time it took me about a week each time to start feeling better. Usually around when I think it can’t get worse I start to feel better. Ask for a lot of help. I know you have two little kids already (I have three kids too) and it’s really hard but you’ll start to feel better soon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-csection-recovery#post-2893422 Sat, 03 Aug 2019 08:44:45 +0000 Shybee23 2893422@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Seconding everything above especially staying on top of the meds and moving around. A belly wrap or band helped me SO much. And avoiding stairs. Congrats and hang in there!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-csection-recovery#post-2893417 Sat, 03 Aug 2019 07:45:07 +0000 Sams Mom 2893417@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Stay on top of your meds (trust me you don't want to tough it out the first few days). </p> <p>Move around as much as possible.</p> <p>Stand up as straight as possible.</p> <p>If you have to cough or sneeze, hug a pillow to your incision.</p> <p>If you have to poop, take a pillow to hug to your incision.</p> <p>Don't twist. Make sure to turn your whole body, like when your putting baby in bassinet next to the bed or couch.</p> <p>Be careful leaning forward (I'm tall and trying to change my son on the pack n play changing table made me just about puke.)</p> <p>The swelling will go away with time, you'll just feel like you're peeing more than you did at 39 weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-for-csection-recovery#post-2893415 Sat, 03 Aug 2019 07:39:33 +0000 cyoung 2893415@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is just wondering if any of you mommas had any tips for a smoother csection recovery. I have had a rough recovery so far. Any tips? </p> <p>Also I was given so much fluid while in the hospital and my legs and feet look soooooo swollen. Thats normal right? My blood pressure is perfect so it's not that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/body-shape-after-c-section#post-2872727 Mon, 18 Feb 2019 18:40:04 +0000 Mrsbells 2872727@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mediagirl: I have had 3 csections and after the 2nd csection my belly wasnt quite the same. The puffyness does go down but the shape wqs never the same. I found out recently after my third that part of my problem was diastasis recti (ab separation) and I am currently doing a 30 day program to try to fix it </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/body-shape-after-c-section#post-2872614 Sun, 17 Feb 2019 21:12:30 +0000 Amorini 2872614@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mediagirl: Hey, I would probably say give it a few more months and get back to a weight and workout that you feel comfortable with before you know for sure. But I’ll also be honest that 26 months later I still have a big dent where the scar is (like a shelf above and below, nothing as minor as @Kaohinani. Thanks for sharing btw!)</p> <p>I am at my pre-pregnancy weight and have been doing PT for 4 weeks for diastasis recti and some lumbar pain that I had before pregnancy. So while I am an ideal weight for my size (BMI-wise), the only thing left for me to do is completely re-tighten/strengthen my core and work on my body fat percentage. I was not motivated and rather depressed when my OB told me it was my new normal. (And, btw, it takes nothing away from the beauty of your birthing a baby to not like your scar and the aftermath of your once-flat tummy.) But finally I decided it was worth seeing a PT to help me get strong again in a safe way, see what can be done about the scar (massage! eek!) and I can already see some results. The jury is out until then before I figure out if this is new normal or not. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/body-shape-after-c-section#post-2872582 Sun, 17 Feb 2019 18:42:25 +0000 Kaohinani 2872582@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mediagirl:<br /> Hi, hun! I have had 2 csections and preeclampsia with both. My swelling was horrid the first time around (I put on 70+ lbs of mostly fluid) and fairly bad the second (48 lbs starting at 110 lbs) but I had diastatis recti with my 2nd csection. I am a NASM-Certified personal trainer (and a prof) so I was MORTIFIED at how I looked post csection ... besides, it was an occupational hazzard 😉. Anyway, with both, my incision was "puffy" past 4 mos and I had no feeling in the area past a year. 4 years PP with my second, I still have a tiny low "poof" and a ridge which DH and I call my "FUPA" and "baby ledge." 😂🤣 All of the upper stomach musculatures (above the bellybutton) are back to stellar shape, I just have the shelf/poof but it is significantly smaller (* photo affixed which I hope no one finds offensive, especially since the female form is beautiful in all shapes and flaws are natural and give character). My suggestion is to simply "listen to your body." If you are BF, you need the extra nutrients but could kick up your exercise game (* walks pushing the stroller, Yoga or Pilates, baby wearing while doing squats, stair climbs while baby naps, etc ... mix up the cardio and strength training using what is available) and, as you feel better and lose some BW, up your game. You can also try massage (with a MT or on your own) to soften the fascial tissue around the scar). As for the shelf and scar, each woman is different as some will find by 3 weeks PP they look amazing but for others it takes 6 mos to a year (or longer, especially for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th time moms!). Also, embrace your current form (you birthed a baby ... What a miracle!) and, please, know it is beautiful and powerful as is ... Rome wasn't built in a day! Good luck :goodluck: and if you need any help or suggestions as you go, feel free to wall me. :heart:</p> <p>[attach=9021/19/pn3gip.508x600.20190217_182844.jpg] </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/body-shape-after-c-section#post-2872574 Sun, 17 Feb 2019 18:22:33 +0000 Sams Mom 2872574@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So my lower abdomen nearly 3 years after the fact is basically normal below the incision... Buuuut the part above the incision is still a flap of skin 😔.</p> <p>I don't know if I could have done something to prevent it, or if it's like stretch marks and comes down to genetic luck of the draw. 🤦🏼‍♀️</p> <p>ETA mine looked noticeably better by the time I went back to work at 12 weeks </p>