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In addition to the c-section, I was recovering from a separated pelvic bone so my experience may not translate well to your question. The pelvic bone recovery was pretty painful (had to use a walker to get around for 3 weeks) but I felt like my c-section incision and healing went pretty well (not sure if it was only in comparison though). I feel like without the pelvic bone injury, I probably would have been able to drive and do light housework probably after 10-14 days.

@Kemma:
I had a not-so-great recovery and my OB didn't clear me do return to normal activities till 10 w pp. I think part of the reason is I pushed myself too hard early on. I recommend you really take it easy and don't get up much in the first 2 weeks.
Bring a nursing pillow and a small hard pillow (like a throw pillow)--nursing will be painful if you don't cover the incision, and you need something to press to the incision site when you cough/sneeze/laugh.
Don't bring pants--they will hurt. Wear a dress.... and sandals! Your feet will be huge after the IV fluids you will be getting.

Good luck!

1. I was in a lot of pain/discomfort for the first 3 days but after that I felt much better and returned to most light duties. My husband took really good care of me! I went back to driving after 1.5 weeks and got the full clearance at 6 weeks pp. Sneezing, coughing and laughing hurt for a good 3 weeks.

2. relax, let others do stuff for you, and take your meds regularly even if you think you're feeling just fine. I also wanted to get moving right away. I had my LO at noon and I was up and walking around (very slowly) at 7pm.

3. I totally agree about bringing comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, slip-on shoes, and a nursing pillow.

Take the pain meds that they give you. With my first c-section I never filled my prescription and so once I was out of the hospital I didn't take anything. There is no need to do that. With my second I filled my prescription and took it until I didn't need to anymore.

I agree with everyone else. TAKE IT EASY! The thing that surprised me the most was getting in and out of bed. It is very very very difficult.

And, you won't be able to life the carseat with baby in it for two weeks, or drive. So just make sure you have as much help as you can.

Another thing that scared me (with my second one more than my first) was after the baby was born, I was in the recovery room and I shook uncontrollably. The nurse said it was to be expected and normal, because it was my body coming off the hormones and meds etc. So, if you start doing that during recovery, it's all good

You will feel much better in about two weeks GOOD LUCK!!!!

Tip: wear the c-section belly band thing they give you in the hospital. Wear it a lot! It really helps with pain, and also I think is suppose to help with shrinking your uterus and extra skin back down. Also, move and walk around as soon as you can – that will help speed your recovery, even if you are just walking back and forth across your hospital room. I was able to get up and walk around my room (albeit, slowly) the morning following my c-section.

I third the dress recommendation. Some yoga pants were okay to wear, but I was constantly checking to see if they were rubbing against the incision, and it was much easier (and more comfortable) to wear a loose dress.

If they staple you shut – don’t worry, it actually does NOT hurt to get the staples out. I was like “OMG, staples?!?! wth?!” but it totally did not hurt at all to get them out. That was my only freak-out about the entire section lol. The spinal isn’t really scary, you can’t see anything and the prep shot for it hurts more than the spinal shot itself.

My OB advised not to drive while I was still taking painkillers, but I was cleared to drive otherwise whenever I felt ready. The only thing that delayed my driving (which I did within 3 weeks) was that it did still hurt to make the twisting motion you have to be able to make in order to look over your shoulder to check all your blind spots. But, by 3 weeks out, that was fine.

I took it very easy for 2 weeks – absolutely no lifting of anything heavier than the baby, lots of support and no clothing that would irritate the incision. Within 4 weeks, I was able to take 2-3 mile walks with baby without issue (though I walked slower than before baby).

I definitely second the recommendation to take advantage of whatever painkillers they offer you in recovery and after discharge. You don’t get extra “good mom” points for being in pain and suffering – so, don’t suffer! They gave me oxycodone – and the dose was super low so it was still safe to breastfeed, but it did control the pain. Don’t be afraid to ask for more if you are in pain. Good luck!

I agree with all of the above. Take it easy the first few days. I got winded just walking to the mailbox. But do try to get upland moving at least a little bitit will help you feel better.

Buy granny panties that will have the elastic above your incision.

And belly binder will help you feel more supported. I always felt like my guts were falling out when I laid on my side and the binder helped with that.

Don't be afraid to use the meds. I took Percocet for about a week and Advil after that. Also a stool softener will help. The first poop can be scary because it's kinda hardto use those muscles to push.