How much help do you actually require after a c section?

I deff needed help getting up at first

I couldn’t really get out of bed on my own for a good few days, I wasn’t walking more than a few feet for a week either. I was in hospital for 8 days and honestly no idea how I would’ve managed at home!

I was able to get in and out of bed myself the next morning no helping going toilet etc almost 2 weeks PP now and had hardly any pain or restrictions in movement. Went straight back to sleeping on my side didn’t have to prop myself up. I am still taking it easy though so not lifting anything other than baby etc as I know even though I feel fine I’m still healing

I felt I didn't need help with anything once I was back home from the hospital. Got up and down fine and went out for walks. But I had to have help with housework because I wasn't supposed to be lifting anything heavy or bending. I felt like I could have done even that though but I was just being safe.

I struggled with getting up off settee, in n outta bed & car too. I felt every bump in road on that drive home from hospital. Literally felt like a seal rolling round trying to move & felt bad i couldn't help with Boyfriend doing everything. But you need to rest up otherwise you'll make it worse in long run. I'd recommend getting up from bed in hospital as soon as u can and definitely make sure you keep on top of meds, I didn't in hospital so it was agony but I set an alarm every 2 hour once home alternating paracetamol & dihydrocodeine x

I struggled with something like getting up of the sofa (our sofa is quite low) and sometimes my partner helped me shave/ wash my legs in the shower as it was quite uncomfortable to bend over but I was able to do a lot on my own xxx

I was in hospital for 2 nights. When I went home my partner did help with making bottles. Changing nappies etc and if I needed to get up he did help me up. This was only for a couple of days though

Ok im the same as you! In hospital, the nurses helped me with toileting and the bed is electric so it’s easier to get out but they also assisted me. At home my hubby put my underpants around my ankles and I was able to pull them up I think but this was like day 4 - you def won’t be able to do so before then.

As for getting out of bed, fuck it hurts. I either used my hubby (he stood still like a statue cos me doing it myself was less painful) or I used my nightstand in the middle of the night. You sound pretty independent so you’ll be ok.

It’s worth telling your partner examples of what you need help with. I printed these on a list and talked him through them (eg emptying the dryer) cos I’m no good asking for help.

After a few days I was able to slowly get to the ground to kneel so I could then open the dryer. If I dropped shit he picked it up for me mostly but I became SO good at picking shit up with my toes!

I had an elective c section due to breech baby.

For me In the hospital I 1000% needed his help. I couldn’t get in and out of the bed or move by myself. The bed was too tall I’m 5ft so it was a struggle. When we got home it was easier because my bed is very short. And after about a week I didn’t need that much help. Obviously I asked for it. Like hey can you get baby out or the bassinet hey can you change baby or get that just so I didn’t have to do that much. But he went back two weeks pp so I really had to do everything by myself. But that first couple of days to a week were the worst and when I really needed him

I got no help at all from my partner and I literally had a break down. Physically it's hard but was doable, but mentally it really got to me. X

Everyone different my hospital made sure I walked in the morning and encourage me to walk to see my baby in nicu what really helped me was pain relief . The midwife’s on my ward and my midwife just kept me on top of pain relief . Made me feel ok . I thought I would feel worse but didn’t to be honest also my mum stayed with me for two weeks then did it all on my own .

After surgery I didn’t leave bed for 1 day and constantly was buzzing nurses to help with baby as my husband didn’t stay at night in the hospital. If you are not feeling well do not rush to leave hospital, we stayed for 4 days to establish feeding. From second day I did everything apart off lifting anything heavy then your baby.

I was able to get out of bed and walk round myself the next day. Similar to one of the posts above I was going to visit my baby in NICU. Main help needed was domestics, my partner was brilliant and did this all.

i didnt need any help wirh anything, the pain for me was very minimal, suprisingly so actually, just kept on top of pain medication and all was fine, was slow on me feet and to stand up but that was it

I was in the hospital for 2 days after mine, needed help for about 2 weeks, then I was on my own.

I found the first few days really difficult but after that was able to cope relatively easily with most things.

I absolutely needed help getting in and out of bed. I found that the hardest thing out of everything!

It's so hard to judge because everyone is different and you honestly don't know how well you'll manage or not until you're there.

I'm the same as you - very independent and really struggled relying on my partner for help with such basic things but I just couldn't physically do it. I then built up to stuff gradually.

As frustrating as it might be if you do end up needing a lot of help try and focus on the fact it's only temporary.

Everybody reacts to pain and surgery differently, I had an emergency c section. I stayed in bed for the day after the section and had a catheter fitted. Once the catheter was out, I was up and about by myself. I didn’t have a lot of help and definitely didn’t need help getting myself washed and dressed etc. To be honest I probably should of asked for more help, but the pain was well managed. Once I got home from hospital I was going up and down the stairs fine and was able to care for baby by myself and do things like cooking and light cleaning. Just take regular pain killers like paracetamol and ibuprofen. Most importantly do ask for help if you need it and prioritise yourself and the baby over any household jobs. Xx

I needed help getting off the couch/out of bed for about a week. In the hospital I needed help pulling up my diaper, so my husband did that, but was able to manage on my own once we were home. I could also shower on my own after 4 days, but needed a shower chair. (my mom helped me wash my hair when I first got home from the hospital)

I’d say after a week you’ll be able to do everything on your own very slowly. Don’t be afraid to ask for help though. It’s really easy to do too much after a c section and end up worse off than you would’ve been.

i gave birth at 37+4 weeks to my twin boys and due to complications afterwards i had a second surgery (including another epidural for this) just a few hours later. i was up and walking, holding my boys, feeding them, dressing them the next day. had a week stay in the hospital. the first few days it hurt my scar when sitting up/laying down but shortly wore off x

I was going to the toilet myself in the hospital a day or 2 after the surgery, just had to lower myself and get up carefully using the toilet roll holder for support lol
Was able to get in and out of bed myself the day after too 🤷‍♀️
I enjoyed the feeling of standing while I ate my food. And I could shower just fine.
Of course it’s kind if your partner helps pull you up off the couch but not necessary, just a nice to have

I had emergency c section but my recovery is very fast … I spent 5 days in hospital after delivery so no more work bed is electric …after 5 days I healed lot , within 2 weeks I forget I pain stop all medication and and start to do light works ….

If you can get a bed rail or tie something to furniture next to you to help pull yourself up you should be okay getting in and out of bed. The way our house is set up I can't do that so I slept in a recliner for a couple nights (my husband helped put the leg rest down) then when I moved to bed he helped for another 4-5 days. Maybe a week and a half total of that. Going to the bathroom I had no issues.

Definitely don't lift much of anything for a week or two, hubby did laundry for me. And try to limit stairs so he may need to move things up and downstairs for you for the day. You may also want help in and out of the shower if it's a tub shower just to be sure you're safe!

I agree with .

I elected and had a cat 3 c section as my waters broke early (no contractions or issues)

I was able to carry him in car seat briefly the next day. Got down to change him on the floor. Was putting washing in and wiping spills on the floor a few days later... it's all doable slowly and carefully. Was alone with baby most of the day alone day 4 and managed just fine.

We were out walking week 2 and visiting family. Week 3 I drove.

Would elect again without hesitation.

I had an emergency c section and really didn’t require any help from my husband to be mobile. Sometimes a hand up from the couch was helpful, but I could do it myself if he wasn’t there. 4 nights in the hospital from induction that wound up with emergency c section and was fine once we were home. As others mentioned, stay on top of your meds for the first 1-2 weeks.

First week was rough for me but I managed well getting around with a walking stick, if its about time off work I'd say at least 2 weeks, after first week my biggest struggle was lifting and bending down, my husband would get things ready for me before work and I'd pretty much live on sofa with newborn

I had a cat 1 emergency c section and I needed help for the first 48 hours with washing, getting up and getting dressed. After that I was fine and I did most things myself even though I should have probably taken it easier in hindsight

I had an emergency c section and because of all the medication/epidural, my legs were so swollen (edema) that it was hard for me to walk and even stand up. It took the swelling to come down about two weeks and definitely needed the help. I was so frustrated because I couldn’t get up to get my baby 😢 also, it takes time for the incision to heal (which can hurt) so you have to be very gentle on yourself. My husband was my rock during all of this. Definitely use all the help you can because its also mentally tiring.

100% needed help in the hospital. Getting in and out of bed was painful and no way I could’ve bent down if I dropped something. Once home, it wasn’t ‘essential’ - and in that way I mean I could’ve coped but it would’ve been hard and very likely delayed by recovery period.
My advice is let yourself rest and recover, don’t push yourself. It’s not worth prolonging your recovery period or risking an infection.

I didn't need help with anything but I took the help anyways why not 😊

I was able to walk the next day. I’m 3 weeks postpartum now, and a week after I was feeling great, I didn’t need pain relief anymore and was going for 6km walks and lifting my baby in her capsule. I quickly realised that I was doing too much and I popped my stitches. Definitely play it by ear, only you can decide what you need!

I needed help in the hospital as well, but I actually found that my own bed was easier to get in and out of. The electric bed and odd angle made it more difficult for me. Log rolling to my side then slowly pressing up (basically the same as during pregnancy) worked best for me. My bed is also pretty low to the ground which is also helpful. It just took me a really long time to transition from standing to sitting to laying and back. Definitely need help with housework/cooking/chores

in hospital for 3 days, help for 2 weeks, driving at 1 week then on my own. We’re all totally different so you just don’t know how you’ll be until it happens annoyingly but prepare for the worst and get as much help as you can x

I needed help for the first two weeks. No matter how hard I tried I just couldn’t get out of bed or off the sofa.

I think it also depends on what's going on leading up to it. I had 17hrs of pushing the whole time labor and I was a wreck after, couldn't stand to pee when I was supposed to. My cousin was sitting up moving around and all perky immediately after as she had an elective c section.

I am 31 and had a c section and for me my pain was 2/10 the first few days. I did not need anyone to help me to move or go to bathroom from day 1. In the first 5 days you will have some pain while moving but it is acceptable. After 1 week it is like you did not have a c section

Thanks for all the replies. I guess it's gonna be down to the individual. But good to get different responses. Thanks for replying though its definitely helped in my mind x

My advise would be to expect the worse, I totally underestimated how hard it would be.

I physically could do anything myself for the first couple of days. Getting in and out of bed, walking upstairs to the toilet, sitting down on the toilet.

I struggled to even sit on my sofa (it’s quite low) so I had to bring my nursing chair from upstairs, downstairs so I could sit on it more comfortably and more supportive with the handles being on each side.

I took it easy for the first week/week and a half and it definitely helped my recovery time, I was walking properly, doing housework and driving before 4 weeks! X

I had an emergency c section, I was up and walking and in the shower 6 hours after, slowly and painfully, but moving.
I was able to do everything at arm level, couldn't really stretch or bend.
Needed a hand up off the sofa and from sitting to lying every now and then.
Definitely recommend pain relief after, I tried without and to just power through but it was awful x

I had a fantastic C-section experience. So I hope the same for you! But I did require lots of help in the healing stage. I mean, you have a brand new baby who REALLY relies on you and you’re also recovering from a major surgery. So don’t try to push yourself too much.

But for specifics: For the first week, I had to be helped up from the couch, had to use the sink/wall to bend down & come up from the 🚽, my husband had to grab our baby and hand her to me every time she cried, I didn’t sleep in our bed but rather in a recliner, etc. However, by 2 weeks I was almost back to normal pain & energy-wise and was fully back to normal/able to work out by 6 weeks.

Honestly for me bar the driving, which you should check with insurance and be able to do an emergency stop wearing a seatbelt.
It was no worse than the later end of pregnancy, (that assumes no other complications) the tiredness and physical limitations I mean. You will be feeding so an extra cup of tea while your sat on the sofa won't go a miss 😃

I didn’t need help going to the toilet I did have help stepping in and out of the bath tho I was so scared of slipping and it hurt to lift my leg , getting in and out of bed I didn’t really need help just rolled to my side and helped myself up , ovbs no heavy lifting and no driving so you’ll rely on him for that stuff , it wasn’t to easy getting in and out of bed tho so If he can do what ever you need done let him x think I did have a bit of help with things like socks and shoes also I’m having another c section next month also so this was a good memory jolt for me

I personally was expecting to need full support getting in and out of bed, showering and doing anything basically… but I’ve been fine! Fully independent. The one thing I have found is that I am beyond tired just from the work my body is putting in to heal, so he’s taking the middle of the night feed and supporting more with heavy housework and odd jobs. I’m 3 weeks post partum now and I’m doing everything as normal, just more tired than usual x