Continued from What to Expect During Your Postpartum Stay at the Hospital after a C-Section Delivery
A normal hospital stay for a c-section delivery is 3 to 4 days depending on your hospital’s policy, doctor, your health, and your babies health. Once the hospital discharges you, it is important that you have help once you get home so that you can rest as much as possible. I remember when they were getting ready to discharge me from the hospital that my doctor gave me prescriptions for my pain medication before I was actually discharged. My husband was very smart and went to the pharmacy before we left the hospital. He was able to get my prescription filled which allowed us to go straight home from the hospital.
Disclosure: This is post is for informational purposes only. All opinions in this post are based upon my own experience.
Take it Easy and Rest as Much as Possible
I was happy to be home so that I could actually get some rest when the baby was sleeping. The only downside to going home, you no longer have the luxury of being waited on by the hospital staff hand and foot for simple things or to help you with the baby. Hopefully, you have someone who is able to help you once you get home from the hospital so that you don’t have to do everything on your own. I realize the reality of having other children at home or that your spouse has to return back to work sooner than you would have liked and that you need to be back on your feet helping them. However, if you end up doing to much or move too quickly it can result in longer healing times or increased pain. If possible, ask family or friends if they are able to come over and help you during the day so that you can rest as much as possible; especially, if you have young children at home that need your help.
Take Care of Yourself While You are Recovering From Your C-Section
Remember that it is important that you take care of yourself so that you don’t accidentally rip your incision open or increase your pain levels. My doctor told me that I should only lift my baby and nothing heavier to avoid hurting myself. He also recommended taking my pain medications on time to prevent the pain before it started, especially during those first few days. Simple things such as going to the restroom, showering, eating, and getting up to grab a drink during the first few days will seem like a chore but it does get easier as your body begins to heal.