I had hopes of a natural birth with my son but after 4 days of trying to induce and never getting past 5 centimeters we chose to have a cesarean birth. Even if your brith plan didn’t go as hoped, know that a cesarean birth is still a birth. It’s just as beautiful and your baby arrived safely, that’s the result that matters the most. I am so thankful our family had the option of hospital assistance and surgery.

Having a cesarean birth is so common these days that sometimes I think we forget how intense of a surgery it is. My midwife cleared me to workout at 6 weeks but I knew I wasn’t ready. I feel like I had a relatively easy recovery without any complications but I needed to move slow for myself physically and mentally. Here are a list of things I learnt or did that helped in my recovery.

1. Move before you feel ready. I remember so clearly when my nurse came into our hospital room and asked me to stand up. I didn’t think there was any way I was capable of standing and almost help panic. But she kindly insisted and I started to move around the room slowly and with her and my husband’s help. Getting movement in soon after surgery affects your recovery so much! It helps you with blood flow, gives you confidence when you get home and helps to encourage a bowel movement.
2. Take your medication as directed. I was worried about taking such strong medication but I did it as directed and it really helped my recovery and pain management. I also had fears of need to reorder my prescription after it was finished but I never needed to. Your body has gone through so much during labor and surgery, it’s not the time to try to be strong. Let your body recover gently.
3. Drink lots of water. My husband bought the large bag of electrolytes from Costco and I drank so many of those. My body had 4 days worth of Pitocin in me and Anesthesia from surgery, you really need to drink to rid your body of those as quickly as possible.
4. Recliner and comfortable clothes. I refused to purchase a recliner for years. They are so bulky and not aesthetically pleasing for a living room space but my husband bought one right before our baby was born. I was SO thankful! I lived in it for two weeks postpartum. I couldn’t lay down on the sofa or bed and it assisted me in getting up during the night and when I needed to feed my baby. It is electric so it was slow and gentle which was helpful. I also purchased a night gown that wasn’t too tight and robe. You need easy access for feeding but also room for your stomach.
5. Ask for help. I had my sweet niece stay with us the week after our son was born. She is 13 and so helpful! She tracked my feedings during the night and set her alarm for when I needed to take my medication. She slept next to me and the baby on the sofa during the night while my husband could get a full night’s sleep. I never imagined how vulnerable I would feel after surgery and taking a new baby home. It was very hard but also the happiest time in our lives.