Nearly one-third of births are Cesarean deliveries (C-section), according to the National Center for Health StatisticsOpens a new window. Whether your C-section was planned or unplanned, it’s always important to know what you can expect from recovery.
For one, you’ll be in the hospital for a bit longer than a typical vaginal delivery. For a C-section, you might be discharged 48 to 72 hours after birth, provided there are no complications, says Erin Fairbrother, MDOpens a new window, an ob-gyn at Vanderbilt Health in Nashville. (For a vaginal delivery, you may go home as soon as 24 hours after birth, she says.)
After you get home, it’s important to take it easy (well, as easy as possible with a newborn around) for the next few weeks. You can do some light walking and house chores, but limit what you lift to no more than “baby or a gallon of milk for six weeks,” Dr. Fairbrother says. You can also expect to bleed for several weeks after delivery (this is no different than a vaginal birth), which can appear bright red at first and turn to a red-brown toward the end.
As for your C-section incision, your dressings will be removed before leaving the hospital. Dr. Fairbrother advises keeping the incision clean and dry and open to the air. “Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, drainage or increasing pain,” she says. It’s a good idea to wear loose-fitting, comfy clothing to avoid irritating the incision as it heals. Pain is also to be expected — manage it as your doctor recommends.
C-section recovery is a challenging process, made even more so by having to be everything to a baby while your body is still healing. It’s emotionally and physically overwhelming! But having the right products on hand can help make recovery a bit easier and more comfortable. Some of these things you’ll get in the hospital and will be able to take home extras, but you’ll likely need more to get you through recovery. The great thing about ordering from Amazon is that these products can be at your door quickly, and you don’t have to worry about running to the store (or sending a partner, family member, or friend) to do it.
Wondering how to stock your own C-section recovery kit? Here’s what you’ll need: