https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 28 May 2026 12:17:15 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-713679 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 21:01:27 +0000 holdonforonemoreday 713679@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My second C-section recovery was a dream compared to my first. I went in at 7pm on a Tuesday night and was out by 1pm on the Thursday. I was walking around by Wednesday and I remember walking the halls on the Thursday morning with baby girl. I drove after 3.5 weeks and felt great by 2 weeks. </p> <p>My first was rough. I won't go into the details, but 30 hours of labour and a c-section meant 6 long weeks of recovery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-713585 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 19:56:54 +0000 MamaBehr 713585@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm really surprised about the driving. I was told not to drive for two weeks and then I was ok (same with lifting heavy things). So it makes me wonder if that varies based on location.... </p> <p>I had my baby a Wed night and was home by Sat evening. I would say that recovering from just a c-section is so much easier than recovering from a c-section after trying to deliver the other way (I have done both). </p> <p>Biggest thing, take all the help you can and don't push to do things too early. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-713564 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 19:42:10 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 713564@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had my scheduled c-section on a Friday morning, and was discharged on a Monday afternoon. The nurses had me up and walking Friday evening, and I was walking unassisted on Saturday. It was slow and a bit painful at first but I echo everyone else that said walking was essential!</p> <p>I didn't finish my prescription painkillers at home. My OB didn't give me the clear the drive until my 8 week PP check. This didn't bother me since I had a late fall baby and didn't feel like driving in the snow. </p> <p>DH was home with me for three weeks and it was nice having him here, but I didn't "need" his help for more than a week or so. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-713328 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 16:14:08 +0000 autumnlove 713328@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had my C-section on Thursday morning and I left on Saturday afternoon. My recovery was slow and painful and I was happy to have DH home for 4 weeks. My parents also stayed with us 2 weeks after LO was born and helped us a lot. I took Motrin and Norco for 2 weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-713326 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 16:10:43 +0000 wheres_c 713326@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My recovery was rough. 5 nights in the hospital, no lifting or driving for 5 weeks. It was about the 3 week mark I started feeling ok. I took vicodan for 2 weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-713223 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 15:09:31 +0000 sumer08 713223@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I stayed in the hospital for 3 nights following my emergency c-section. My biggest piece of advice is to WALK!! It is really hard at first, but I promise, it is soooo beneficial to your recovery. </p> <p>My OB told me no driving until I was off Vicodin for the pain. I actually tried not to take any pain meds other than Motrin, but gave in to the Vicodin at night to help me sleep (just for a handful of nights). I think I held off driving for about 2 weeks following my delivery just because I was a little scared to drive. </p> <p>In terms of recovery time, by 2 weeks, I was able to get down on the floor with baby, and by 4 weeks, I was probably about 80-90% better. It took about 2 full months to feel pretty much back to 100%. The 1st week is the hardest, but every day it gets easier and easier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-713114 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 13:41:13 +0000 BKCaribBaby 713114@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@septemberlove - I'm sorry to hear that people are negative about your c-section. I had to get one because I had a large fibroid blocking my cervix, and the baby was transverse. It's not like you are having your c-section for no reason at all. I had to make peace with getting mine; and quite frankly, 2.5 weeks out, I barely think about it. Like you, I had time beforehand to process it, and I think that helped. Screw your co-workers. ;)</p> <p>As for my recovery, it's been fine. The first week was a little rough, but since then I have been feeling more myself everyday. By the two week mark I felt pretty darn good. I definitely needed DH the first two weeks after though. It was helpful to have him there since he did so much early on because it was just harder for me to move around and get out of bed. When I started to forget to take the meds, that's when I knew it was ok to stop taking them. I stopped before the end of the first week. Just know that the first few days might be hard, but it's totally doable. Good luck with everything. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-713111 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 13:39:34 +0000 JerricaBenton 713111@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@septemberlove: exactly. My situation was similar. I wasn't going to put my baby and myself at risk so I could try for some idealistic vision of what birth is 'supposed' to be like. I trusted that my doctor was suggesting what was best for us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-713101 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 13:30:45 +0000 lomom 713101@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JerricaBenton: I feel like, given the discussions I've had with my doctor, that if I were to try for a vaginal delivery, it could easily end up being an emergency c-section situation if LO was under too much stress. Why on earth would I put myself and LO in that kind of situation? There's no benefit (at least not that I can see). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-713096 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 13:27:28 +0000 JerricaBenton 713096@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@septemberlove: yes! I trust my doctors and I'm very comfortable with the way things went. It sounds like it's what is right for you and your baby too. When people ask me if I'm disappointed I say no, I feel lucky and privileged that I was able to have my baby born healthy and with no stress put on us or to have had to go through an emergency situation. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-713089 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 13:20:46 +0000 yoursilverlining 713089@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@septemberlove: I had a scheduled c-section, and yes, there is a stigma attached, unfortunately. Babies and mothers are just as healthy and happy without having to go through some rite of passage labor/vaginal delivery. Ignore the haters!</p> <p>My recovery was great. I was up and walking (slowly) the next day. I would recommend taking the pain meds if you are in pain, and also wearing a belly band after delivery - it helps a lot to hold everything tight, which helps with pain and with recovery. I was told not to lift anything heavier than LO for 2 weeks, which I mostly followed (I'm sure I accidentally picked up a few things here and there). The driving restriction was only as long as I was taking narcotic drugs (in my case, Oxycodone); so I was cleared to drive as soon as I stopped taking those and felt comfortable driving. About 4 weeks after LO was born we were walking daily for a couple of miles without issue. The biggest thing was not carrying anything very heavy for the first 6 weeks, and taking it easy if you are in pain, or tired out. </p> <p>LO was born at 5:39pm, and that night I could pick her up out of the hospital bassinet by myself and hold her in bed without issue or assistance. </p> <p>I'm 10 months pp now, and my scar is very faint and I can't feel it at all, and I feel totally normal and fine!<br /> Good luck with your delivery!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-713081 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 13:11:19 +0000 lomom 713081@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JerricaBenton: I've noticed that there seems to be a stigma attached. I found out that I'll more than likely be having a schedule c section since LO is intrauterine growth restricted and a vaginal delivery could be too stressful. When I told coworkers (the dr is also looking closely at 37 weeks rather than letting me go to my due date because of the iugr) because it will likely impact a couple of projects I thought I'd have wrapped up before my due date, they were all very anti-c section. To me, it's what the doctors think is best for LO and I trust them. I'm so glad to hear that you had a good experience, it really puts me at ease. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-713065 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:36:53 +0000 JerricaBenton 713065@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@septemberlove: It's funny because my mom had two c-sections and all throughout my pregnancy when I was nervous about the possibility of a c-section she kept telling me I was nuts and how she loved her c-sections, lol. I think there is such an emphasis on natural birth/birth plans, etc. that people really dread the idea of a c-section. I totally did but now I feel differently. I wouldn't choose one if there wasn't a need or anything but I think for me and my baby, it was the best outcome. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-713059 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:24:14 +0000 lomom 713059@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for sharing :)</p> <p>My mom had a c section... 22 years ago lol so her experience was much different. I'm very thankful to hear that your recoveries were fairly quick and that the pain was manageable! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-713054 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:20:04 +0000 JerricaBenton 713054@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My recovery was awesome. I took motrin the first few days but nothing after that. I kept waiting to be in pain but I never was. I was up walking around in the hospital the next morning. I felt pretty much fine once we got home. I would say the first night was the only time I would have absolutely needed help but I was still kind of numb and shaky. I believe they told me not to drive for 2 weeks, at least that's what I did and I was totally fine. I was anxious to get back to the gym but my doctor said no serious workouts until I hit 8 weeks (just a few more days!) but she cleared me to walk and lift the carseat (which I was already doing! oops) at 5 weeks. I never really worried about lifting otherwise. I just did whatever I felt comfortable with. There were a few times I pushed it but going out and lifting the carseat too much and I felt a little soreness on one side of the incision but I just relaxed the next day and felt fine. I was so nervous about having the c-section but I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of my recovery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-712961 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 11:14:26 +0000 yerpie110 712961@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My c-section recovery was great! I was on just motrin right after and by the time I was discharged, I wasn't taking anything. The first day was the hardest just with sitting up and walking around, but the faster you do it the faster you recovery! When I was home, I felt like myself within the week and could functioning as I did previously (although I didn't of course). I was glad to not deal with any issues down-there and really felt very lucky and surprised to have had such a quick recovery. My DH was home for 2 weeks and it was golden! I didn't need him, but it was nice to have him around. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-712948 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 11:08:26 +0000 oliviaoblivia 712948@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was scheduled for discharge two days after my c-section, but stayed three nights due to dds weight loss. Five days post we took a long walk and I felt better then than I did at 39weeks. DH was back at work when LO was six days old. I think you'll be fine if he goes back two weeks later.</p> <p>I didn't drive until four weeks, but I have all the necessities in walking distance. I was able to take transit to all of our appointments. I didn't lift anything heavier than LO until around the same time. </p> <p>Overall I was really surprised with how easy the recovery was. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-712941 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 11:05:26 +0000 travelgirl1 712941@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was told not to lift anything heavier than baby for six weeks, or do housework or drive for the same amount of time. The worst thing for me was walking for the first day, and then sitting up from lying down for about a week. Honestly after that I felt fine and felt so lucky I didn't have to deal with sore bits and tears and bladder issues. Sitting up was very painful though. I think I'd have been fine without DH's help after two weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-712933 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 11:01:24 +0000 QueensBee 712933@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My scheduled c-section was 3 weeks and 2 days ago (baby was breech). I had a three night stay in the hospital and it was essential for me to have DH there for those three nights, because I couldn't lift the baby out of the bassinet to nurse on my own. </p> <p>I stopped taking Percocet on the fourth day and switched to Motrin. I only needed the Motrin for about 2 days before I didn't need any meds at all. </p> <p>DH was home with me for the first 2 weeks, and it was wonderful to have him around. We were able to bond as a family, and he cooked and cleaned and took care of our two dogs while I nursed and recovered. We were also able to go on a few outings because he was around to help wrangle the stroller and drive the car.</p> <p>He went back to work on Monday and honestly, it has been totally fine. I even took the stroller out by myself for a few walks around the neighborhood (we have about 10 stairs that lead to our apartment so it requires a bit of lifting).</p> <p>The only thing that is tricky without DH home are the doctor appointments. I had my parents watch DS while I went to my ob/gyn check up this week, and I will have them help drive us to his 1 month check up at the pediatrician next week. If your DH can't be home for the whole 6 weeks, maybe he can at least take off on the days when you have appointments scheduled?</p> <p>In terms of full recovery, I got clearance to drive at my 3 week doctor appt, but I can't exercise or do heavy lifting until the 6 week mark.</p> <p>Overall, it has been a very pleasant and smooth recovery. I think you'll be totally fine with your hubs home for two weeks so don't stress, but of course it would be nicer to have him around for as long as possible! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-712921 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 10:53:33 +0000 Jumpingjacks 712921@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was told not to lift anything heavier than baby and not to drive for six weeks. I would not have survived the fist two weeks without dh there. He took four weeks and it was great. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-712918 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 10:49:15 +0000 Mrs. Train 712918@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With my first c section my twins and I went home after 3 nights. With my daughter we went home after two nights. I was just fine. My recoveries really weren't that bad. By two weeks I could care for the babies but I wasn't up posed to drive. At three weeks I go the clear to drive. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-recovery-1#post-712910 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 10:42:34 +0000 lomom 712910@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What was yours like?</p> <p>I know I'll be in the hospital for a longer period of time than with a vaginal delivery (4-5 days vs 2-3) and that I'll have stronger pain meds (percocet vs motrin) but what about things like how long you're not able to drive? How long are you on a weight restriction for lifting? </p> <p>DH was planning to take six weeks off but his boss is being a complete jerk and pushing him to come back after two weeks. I know DH could take FMLA for up to 12 weeks and his boss couldn't prevent it but he was planning to use vacation and get paid for that time (it also would prevent him from losing some of his vacation time as he can only roll so much and he's close to the max). </p> <p>So I'm trying to figure out if he needs to work with his boss to get more time (or escalate the issue to HR) or if we should have my mom come to town or what, based on what a c section recovery kind of looks like. </p>