In the first moments, your new little one seems more like an alien than a bundle of joy, but after a bath for baby and a few deep breaths for the new parents, your little angel looks their part. Their little red face is all scrunched up, and the sounds that voice from their puckered little mouth are the most precious notes you could ever hope for. You ache any time the nurses take them for tests, and you deny offers from well meaning friends and family who offer to hold them while you get some sleep. All you want to do is be with your new baby, and you'll forego food, water and sleep to do just that! Surviving a C-Section
A majority of pregnant women do not anticipate delivering their baby via a C-section and are not prepared when the unexpected arrives and they are told that they must undergo a C-section to deliver their baby.
My daughter was delivered via an emergency C-section after 42 weeks of pregnancy and two days of undergoing inducement. Both my baby and I were going through physical stress and it was worrisome.
Oh, it was music to my ears when, during the second night, my gynecologist arrived in my hospital room at 4:30 a.m. and told me that they were going to do an emergency C-section. I must have been in shock or delirious! However, after going through a traumatic two days, I was at the end of my rope and I wanted to meet this precious baby who lived inside of me for over nine months.
The time arrived and I was wheeled to the operating room, underwent a C-section and what a blessed event it was to see my sweet new baby girl!
I wasn’t prepared for the aftermath of a C-Section but I am so grateful that I had a great family who were there for me and helped me every step of the way.
Plan ahead. You cannot predict whether or not you’ll need an emergency c-section. So prepare yourself with information.
Try not to be upset if you are told you have to undergo a C-section to deliver your baby. I know that many new parents are less than thrilled at the prospect and have expected to have a normal vaginal delivery. Plenty of women feel let down and feel less like a woman because they did not deliver their baby through the hard work of labor. I know it is emotionally hard but the main concern is you and your baby’s health. That is far more important than how you delivered your baby.
Expect a brief hospital stay. My daughter and I were in the hospital for four days after the birth. If you require assistance at any time in caring for you or your baby, are uncomfortable due to the pain, or have any questions, do not be afraid to ask for help. There were times when I was too proud to press the buzzer to ask for assistance from the hospital staff. But, believe me, their assistance is very much required, especially with the care of your newborn baby.
When the time arrives and the nurses and/or doctors tell you to walk around, do try. It may be difficult but try to do a little walking if and when possible. It helps to alleviate the stomach gases that are very much a part of the discomfort you feel after a C-section.
Enlist support! The day arrives when you and your newborn baby can finally go home. Do not be afraid to ask for help and ensure that you have family, friends or loved ones to assist you. Do not try to be supermom! I was fortunate to have a supportive family at home and could not imagine going through the recovery without them. It will take you 6 weeks to fully recuperate from a C-section, after all, it is major surgery.
Do not pick up heavy items. Remember, you have just had major surgery and your incision is in the healing process.
Eat healthy and drink lots of water. This is important for your digestive system returns to normal.
Take time out for yourself and get plenty of rest. You have many years of motherhood to go so enjoy this period of relaxation.
Enjoy this special time with your new baby!
Eighteen months after the birth of my daughter I gave birth to a healthy baby boy via a scheduled C-section. The C-section and aftermath were easier the second time around.
I am grateful to have two healthy children who are the joy of my life regardless of how I delivered them.
