C-section- what help did you value most/wish you had for recovery?
I’m having a planned C-section for a number of medical reasons, and I’m feeling honestly quite terrified about the recovery. We have a very bouncy 2.5 year-old boy and a 9-month-old puppy, which already feels like a lot to manage around recover/new born bubble .
My partner will of course support me during the 4 weeks off he has, but he’s currently struggling with severe sciatica and hasn’t been able to access proper treatment yet. He’ll help as much as he can, but he physically can’t do everything without risking burnout or making his condition worse.
We’re incredibly lucky that my mum and stepdad live just five minutes away and have offered to help as much as they can around work. My mum has basically said, “Just tell us what you need,” which I’m so grateful for - but I’m also not entirely sure what to ask for.
So I suppose my question is: what support did you receive in those early weeks that you valued the most, or what do you wish you’d had help with that would have made a real difference?
One thing I’ve already asked for help with is nursery drop-off and pick-up on the three days our little boy attends.
Any thoughts or advice would be really appreciated.
Thank you in advance ❤️
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I had a planned section with my first and will be again with this one. I just took it easy. Take each day as it comes and the sooner you're up the easier it gets (i know everyone says this) but its true. I had my o/h help with whatever he could and family was always around to help if we needed it. The hardest part was not being able to drive as I was so used to it all. Rest when you can, take pain killers even if you feel like you don't need it. I did that mistake and use your partner to lean on for support as much as you can but you'll be surprised on what you can manage yourself. You'll find your limits so take it from there. First 2 weeks are hard I'd say
Tie some rope (or alike) to the end of your bed and use it to hoist yourself up. Lifesaver. I personally have the bassinet moved away from the bed - I really struggled to get out of bed with a next to me cot with my last c section as I had to shuffle down the bed. Won’t be doing that this time!
Do not skip painkillers, take them!!
Adult nappies. By the dozen. Put a basket next to every loo with nappy bags.
A good supportive cushion to sit against.
A belly binder (mainly for protection from toddlers tbh)
I’m having a PICO dressing this time but once that’s off (without any problems), I’ll be using the frida silicone strips to help keep it clean
But generally, rest, stay clean, build up slow walking, take the help on offer, listen to your body and try to enjoy it x
Food, food served up to you at least three times a day. My family were great at bringing over food and homemade treats. I didn’t always feel like I was hungry but having the food served up to me I realised I was hungry and it meant I ate well and I really think that helped with recovery. Slow starts in the morning was great last time! We’ll see how it goes this time as I’ll have a 15 month old!
But honestly not having to do any of the mental or physical load in terms of food was invaluable! I also did little to no nappy changes- my husband did almost all of them and it was just the norm! x
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