I have had 3 C Sections and I am having my 4th in approximately 12 weeks. The thing I remember being the worst about C Sections is being unable to sleep on my side. It felt like something was ripping and hurt a lot. I don't know if there was any real danger of stitches ripping, but it just felt like they were from the pain. For any of you ladies out there who have had similar experience, do you know of anything that can help? I wonder if some sort of wrap around my stomach would support better? Or if I just grit and bear the pain the first time or two, do you think it would loosen up somehow and just go away and nothing will actually rip? (Does that make sense?) Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! :)
Have they never given you the belly support garment? It's a giant velcro brace that you strap on your lower abs, basically.
I couldn't live without mine after my section.
All that pressure and discomfort around the incision disappears completely with it on. I literally slept in mine for 2 weeks.
If you ask, the hospital will give you one.
My doc sent me home from the hospital with a binder that was similar to those back-support belts people wear. It was about 8-10 inches wide and fastened with velcro. It made a huge difference, I felt much better with it on for the first few days or week.
Maybe that is what you need?
I've heard of a belly-band thing that is made for support after c-sections. I thought it sounded good, but never tried it. You might look for one oneline. I used a body pillow and had my belly supported by the pillow. It was still painful to change sides, but once I was in position on my side I could stay there comfortably.
I had a c-section before the belly bands were invented. My Dr told me to get a pair of fitted yoga shorts (not tight.... but not lose.... you want pressure) and I wore them for almost a month after my c-section. It sorta held everything *together* if you know what I mean.
I recommended that to my sister, who said it made her feel better after her c-section as well.
Put a pillow under your side to support abdomen. Works great.
I couldn't sleep on my side at all after my c-sections (I've had three, last one was 8 weeks ago), until about three weeks out or so. I have a vertical incision, though, not sure if that is different, but no matter what I tried (pillows, belly band), it hurt to lay on my side.
I remember this both times from my c-sections. I am overweight so I couldn't fit the bands that they are supposed to offer you. Actually, no one every offered me one anyway. But, I did get a hospital bed to come home to and it really helped. We put it in the living room so that I could be with the family and still be able to get around better. My doc just filled out a form and got the insurance company to pay for it.
I also got several king size and body pillows and had them ready to go. I put one under my side or my belly depending on how I was laying to help support it. Lying on my side actually took a long time, like at least 2 weeks before it was really ok without the pillows.
Good luck! I know its hard, but oh so worth it!
