When you have a Cesarean section, you ARE still delivering a baby. So definitely be prepared for the hormonal highs and lows that come in the hospital itself. Also know that when using the bathroom for the first few times post-op you will experience significant pain as your stomach muscles are sore. So be patient and don't expect too much of yourself while you are in the hospital. It is the best time to just relax and remain in the care of the hospital staff and your guests who come to see you and your new bundle of joy. If you surround yourself with people who will help make your recovery less of a struggle and follow these tips below, you are sure to be feeling more like yourself by the time your 6 week check-up comes along:

1. Adjust your daily routine. After having the surgery, you will easily feel washed out when trying to resume normal activities too soon. You'll need to take it slow, giving your abdominal muscles and adjoining areas time to heal, because you'll more than likely also feel pain.

2. Drink and eat regularly. It is more important that ever to be aware of your eating and drinking habits, so that you will not become too sluggish, or suffer from bouts of constipation. It's so easy after having a baby to not take the time to make sure to care for yourself-but if you don't have the energy from fueling your body with what it needs, you'll have a hard time caring for your newborn.
3. Exercise. Nothing strenuous here, but rather a stretching-like series of exercises designed to strengthen your muscles weakened through surgery. Specific routines to follow can be obtained from your healthcare practitioner or even printed from the Internet.

4. Be careful when lifting or walking. To prevent yourself from internal injuries, refrain from walking up and down stairs, or driving for at least two weeks, or as otherwise directed by your healthcare practitioner. Any heavy lifting or household cleaning involving lifting should be avoided until around six weeks, or after your post partum medical exam.

5. Wear high-cut panties to keep the elastic band from hurting your incision. While you might feel numb in the area on or around your incision for a while, you do want to wear clothing that will provide you some comfort. As your incision heals, it will begin itching, and having anything rubbing or pressing against it will only increase the feeling.

6. Remain as active as possible. The day after your surgery, if possible, you need to be mobile. This will discourage blood clots from forming, as well as keep your muscles from becoming weak. Walking short distances will be necessary for your own safety in being able to get around without help.

7. Take pain medication as directed. Using pain medication when needed will help relax you, aiding in your recovery. You'll want to make sure and use it so that you won't be hindered from using the bathroom, or caring for your newborn.

8. Use your pain as an indicator. Chances are if you're feeling pain, you need to tone down your activity. It might also mean you are over stretching muscles not yet healed. Know your limits, and be able to know when it is time to call on some help from those around you.

Learn more about this author, Natasha L. Kohlhoff Polak.
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