On discharge from hospital you will be supplied with pain relief tablets. This should be enough to keep you comfortable for 1-2 weeks. If you require another prescription, or the tablets are not strong enough to keep you comfortable, then contact my office.
You will be given paracetamol and ibuprofen four times a day after your operation. It will be helpful to have a supply at home ready for you. You can buy these at any pharmacy or supermarket. You may need to continue taking pain killers for around 7-10 days.
If you have moderate to severe pain, we may recommend that you take your pain relief medication regularly for the first 24 to 48 hours.
gently clean and dry the wound every day. wear loose, comfortable clothes and cotton underwear. take a painkiller if the wound is sore – for most women, it's better to take paracetamol or ibuprofen (but not aspirin) while you're breastfeeding. watch out for signs of infection.
Cesarean delivery, or C-section, is the most common major surgery done in the United States, and opioids are almost universally prescribed for pain management after a C-section.
So, of course, a certain degree of pain and discomfort can be expected following any surgical procedure. Caesarean section is not immune to this problem. In most cases, the pain is attributed to the body trying to heal injured tissues. This type of pain usually resolves after a few weeks.
Antibiotics and pain medication: After your C-section, you will need pain medication and antibiotics for several days. Many pain medications are safe and compatible with breastfeeding and don't usually affect your baby.
Coping with pain
It's common to feel some pain after an episiotomy. Painkillers such as paracetamol can help relieve pain and is safe to use if you're breastfeeding. It's also thought to be safe to take ibuprofen while you're breastfeeding, but check with your doctor first.
C-section pain typically spikes 18 hours after delivery. "That's when the pain medication you were given with your spinal anesthesia wears off," says San Diego perinatologist Sean Daneshmand, MD.
A caesarean section, or C-section, is surgery to deliver your baby through a cut that the doctor makes in your lower belly and uterus. The cut is called an incision. You may have some pain in your lower belly and need pain medicine for 1 to 2 weeks.
Any pain should decrease after 2 or 3 days, but your cut will remain tender for up to 3 weeks or more. Most women need pain medicine for the first few days to 2 weeks. Ask your provider what is safe to take while breastfeeding.
Side sleeping is a great choice when you're recovering from a C-section. Research shows that sleeping on your left side can help increase blood flow to vital organs, aiding healing. It's also the most common sleeping position – you're bound to find this one relaxing.
After a c-section, you should sleep on your back or side. This shouldn't put too much strain on your c-section wound. You can also try sleeping on your back with your head elevated. Use pillows to keep your spine aligned and take pressure off your joints.
Babies born by caesarean section may be a little sleepy. They may need some extra encouragement to stay alert during the first few feeds. Skin-to-skin contact will encourage them to latch and feed more often. You can keep your baby stimulated during a feed by compressing your breasts.
Breastmilk contains hormones that either have analgesic properties or can be converted by the body into analgesic substances. Endorphin hormones are the body's natural painkillers. The beta-endorphins found in breast milk are believed to help newborns deal with the stress of birth and adjust to life outside the womb.
Things to Avoid:
Public pools and hot tubs. Lifting anything heavier than your baby. Repeatedly using stairs. Exercise, at least until your health care provider gives you the go-ahead.
For example, it's always advised to avoid housework, heavy lifting, and other strenuous physical activity immediately after giving birth and during those first days and weeks postpartum.
The first 60 minutes after birth—often called “the Golden Hour”—is a magical period rife with bonding opportunities for mama and baby. Many mamas are able to experience this intensely wonderful first hour immediately following that final push or once the doctors have safely removed baby via C-section.
During the first six weeks after having your baby, you can gradually increase activity at a pace that suits you. You could start with a five-minute walk, and gradually extend this time when you feel able. Ask your midwife or health visitor if you're unsure about what's best to do.
A C-section incision is the most painful for the first three or four days after your surgery. By the time you go home, you should start to feel better. But your incision site will still be tender for about three weeks.