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| Home > Complication & Medications > Cesarean Birth > Recovery from a Cesarean Birth
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| | Recovery from a Cesarean Birth
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About twelve to twenty-four hours after the birth you will be able to sit or stand. The nurse or aide will help you sit or stand since you may feel dizzy and light-headed at first. Get up gently from bed then try to stand without slouching. Movement helps alleviate gas pains and will speed your recovery, so move around as much as possible although it would be painful.
Your duration of stay depends on your condition and the decision of your doctor. The usual stay is from three to six days. The first day is usually the most uncomfortable. You may need pain medication. Relaxation and slow breathing along with the medication will alleviate your pain. Your strength will return with the passage of time. Your baby will be brought in for feedings and depending on your state rooming in may be available. Having a roommate who has also suffered the same fate can be a great source of comfort and reassurance during your recuperation.
It is difficult to find a comfortable breast feeding position after a cesarean birth, although breastfeeding is highly recommended for all babies. The baby`s weight may irritate your incision, lay him on a pillow placed on your lap while sitting or put your baby in a "football hold" at your side sup-ported by pillows; or lie on your side.
Postpartum changes are similar in cesarean and vaginal births. Resumption of normal ac-tivities and strength will take longer due the incision and surgery. Rest, a good diet, and plenty of fluids will help you recover faster. Arrange for help in advance as you would be incapable of doing things on your own. Lochia may not be the same for all but is similar to lochia after a vaginal birth, decreasing gradually with time.
Your feelings of gratitude for the healthy baby may be marred by the disappointment and depression about missing the planned vaginal birth. An emergency cesarean may have aggravated the situation where you or your partner didn`t get much time to prepare for the surgery. Discussing with other relatives or amongst you may make it a bit more bearable. These feelings should not interfere with your duties as a mother, and you should not blame the baby. A cesarean support group in your area will help you adjust to your cesarean birth.
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