After your caesarean, you'll probably stay in hospital for about 3-5 days. This can vary between hospitals. It depends on how you and your baby are doing. In some hospitals you can choose to go home early (in the first 2-3 days) and have your follow-up care at home.
The average hospital stay after a C-section is 2 to 4 days, and keep in mind recovery often takes longer than it would from a vaginal birth. Walking after the C-section is important to speed recovery and pain medication may be supplied too as recovery takes place.
The average stay in hospital after a caesarean is around 4 days. You may be able to go home sooner than this if both you and your baby are well. While in hospital: you'll be given painkillers to reduce any discomfort.
When can I go home after a c-section? You will usually stay in hospital for 2-4 days after your c-section. If you and your baby are well, and you have someone to help you at home, you may be able to go home after 24 hours.
After a caesarean section, women usually stay in hospital between 2 to 5 days. This can vary between hospitals or if there are problems with your recovery. Postnatal care in the home by a midwife is available to all women who birth in a public hospital.
“It's recommended that you get up and walk around,” says Dr. Higgins. “We don't want someone lying in bed for two weeks.”
Returning to Physical Activities After a C-Section
It's important to get out of bed and walk around within 24 hours after surgery. This can help ease gas pains, help you have a bowel movement, and prevent blood clots.
Your first shower can be 24 hours after surgery. You can take a bath, too, but it may be too difficult getting in and out of the tub for the first 2-3 weeks.
After C-Section: The First 24-48 Hours
Again, you've just had major surgery, so fatigue and pain are to be expected. Many women also report experiencing nausea for the first few hours. Depending on the composition of your epidural, you may have some itching.
“Sometimes, after a C-section, the bowels can take some time to wake up since you've just gone through a major surgery,” explains Dr. Newlin. “It can take three or four days for your first poop after delivery.” That same timeframe holds true if you're taking opioid pain medications.
Once you are home from the hospital, you may like to wait until about 10 days post-delivery to try out a short walk around the block. If you had an emergency C-section then you may need to wait a few extra days before you start walking outdoors.
After a C-section, she recommends women take eight weeks off and to avoid heavy activity to prevent complications. “A lot of women still have significant pain at two weeks after,” she said.
C-section pain typically spikes 18 hours after delivery.
At the beginning of a caesarean section, six separate layers of the abdominal wall and uterus are opened individually. Once the baby is delivered the uterus is closed with a double layer of stitching.
Most women will remain in the hospital for 2 to 3 days after a cesarean birth (C-section).
Start Breastfeeding Early After a Cesarean Section
For most, milk transitions from colostrum (early milk) to milk coming in by 72 hours of birth.
Ask your doctor when it's fine to exercise, go back to work, and drive. Also wait to have sex or use tampons until your doctor gives you the green light. Avoid strenuous exercise, but do take gentle walks as often as you can. The movement will help your body heal and prevent constipation and blood clots.
Side sleeping position
For some people, right after back sleeping, side sleeping is the second most comfortable position. For people recovering from abdominal surgery, it's a great option since it doesn't put additional pressure on your incision, and makes getting in and out of bed easier.
Your wound will feel sore and bruised for a few weeks. You will need to take pain relief for at least 7–10 days after your c-section. Your midwife or doctor will tell you what pain relief you can take.
loose, comfortable clothes that won't put pressure on your wound – for example, a long dress will cover up your compression stockings, and a top with buttons may be easier for breastfeeding. a feeding pillow, to make feeding your baby more comfortable.
A caesarean is a major operation that carries a number of risks, so it's usually only done if it's the safest option for you and your baby.
You may remove your wound dressing and take showers if stitches, staples, or glue were used to close your skin. Do not soak in a bathtub or hot tub, or go swimming, until your provider tells you it is OK. In most cases, this is not until 3 weeks after surgery.
Sleeping on Your Side
Sleeping on your left side aids in optimum blood flow, which is great for your recovering body. You may still need that full-body pregnancy pillow around to support your belly and hips.