When Should You Be Back on Your Feet After a C-section?

When I had a C-section with my daughter I stayed in the hospital for 5 days. It wasn't due to complications from my C-section but because I was having problems breast feeding. I took it easy for awhile but then after about 2 weeks I started doing more things like getting back to my normal everyday life. I think it did feel a little numb and it should go away within the first year. It has been 6 years since I had my daughter and when I touch my scare it can feel kind of different. I hope this helps some. If you are feeling like something is wrong go see a dr. Good luck!

Your story sounds almost identical to mine. I tried to have a normal birth and last minute had to have a c-section. I gave birth Feb 20 this year. It took 3 weeks for me to go back to work. I was a dance instructor. All I could do was walk. I couldn't lift or twist. Those first few weeks I couldn't pick up my baby very easy. After about 6 weeks, I started functioning a little easier. It has been 7 months since the c-section and I still can't feel the area around my cut. My jeans hurt me and I have to be careful when I shave. On the period issue, I only did research on when I would start because I was breastfeeding. Everything I read said around 6 to 7 months you should start, breastfeeding or not. I started having regular periods almost exactly on my girls 6 month check up. I feel so much better knowing that you are out there. I thought I was the only one who was having these issues. Know that you are not alone and it will get better.

Hi E.,

First, congratulations on your second child. You really have been working hard. It's ok to feel tired after all you have been through. Although it was difficult to get up after the surgery, it really is best because you need to get your body moving again. It should be slow at first. Then gradually more and more each day but not a full schedule for several weeks. I didn't even drive until after my follow up appointment with my OB/GYN. After having two c-sections, I know how you feel. It is normal to have the soreness around you incision and the numbness. That will last for quite some time. You want to be careful about doing too much. If you feel any pain, that's your signal to stop. I'm sure your boyfriend will understand that you just had major surgery. A c-section isn't something that can be healed in a short amount of time. It takes months for your body to recover.

If you have any other questions, feel free to e-mail. I work from home and I'm usually on the computer throughout the day. Take care and take it easy when you feel pain.

____@____.com
www.1bizathome.com

First of all Congratulations on the new baby! I had a similar situation myself, only it was my first child. I knew I had to be the "perfect mother" and take care of everything! Unfortunately it caused my incision to take forever to heal and when it did, the scar was wider and thicker than it should have been. Yes, you needed to walk alot to keep from getting a blood clot, and yes, as a nurse, it's easier after any surgery to get back to normal if you are up moving. However, cleaning house and working the yard are not things you should be doing! Even 2 months later! No sweeping, mopping, mowing, raking, anything that is going to work your abdominals until you are completely healed. I waited 8 weeks to do any of the above, and your doctor/nurse should have recommended the same. And here's a little secret.....the yard and the house will still be there when you are well and able to tackle them! They won't run away, I promise, I tried really hard to make mine leave! You and your kiddos need you well and spending time with them, not going nuts to get things "normal."
To the pains you are still feeling, it's related to scar tissue. My oldest is 11, youngest is 3 and I had 3 C-sections, I still have sharp pains when I lift my treadmill track and the scar tissues pull and tear on the inside. It's a normal occurance but you need to make sure you aren't running fever, increased redness to the site, or it opening back up. these are signs of infection. The numbness will not go away! I am still numb and my husband didn't believe me so he bit me and drew blood! LOL! It's the little pouch above the incision, right? Now, the period, unless you are breast feeding, you should start soon. I actually bled for several days after and since I couldn't breast feed about 3 weeks later I started.
Best of luck and if you still have concerns or just don't "feel right." Go see your doctor and if you have to keep pressing, please do! so many times we think Doctors know it all, they know alot but they are also very, very busy and miss things sometimes. They're only human. Hope this helps, take care and again congratulations!

Hello E.. I also had a C-section with my son. When he was a couple weeks old, I started doing light housework. It was around a month that I started getting back into a pre-baby routine. I can relate to the husband/boyfriend not being a good housekeeper! It's so hard having a C-section! Especially your first C-section (I've heard that the first is the hardest). I remember when he'd wake up crying as a newborn in the middle of the night and I'd jump up really quick to tend to him. That was the worst pain! It felt like all my guts were gonna come spilling out. I'm sure you can relate to that. I never had any sharp pains at the incision area but I did have that numb feeling. My son is now 14 months and I no longer have any adverse side effects from the C-section. My doctor did tell me that that numb feeling can go away rather quickly, or it can linger for years! Mine lasted about 8-9 months. As far as your period goes...are you breastfeeding? I breastfed my son and I didn't get a period until I completely weaned him at 14 months!! I would suggest making an appointment with your doctor and discuss everything that is bothering you. Good Luck!

E., I know exactly how you feel. I had complications with my son and like you had to have an emergency C-Section. My son was in the hospital for a week, but after 4 days they wanted me to go home. I thought "No way! This couldn't be right" because I hurt so bad. My feet also swelled to an enourmous size. And, like you, I had to do most of the work. When I got home my house was a disaster and even though my husband took really good care of my son, he wouldn't do anything around the house. It became a very emotional time for me.

The pain did finally go away. I don't remember exactly when, but it did. The numbness is normal. What they have told me is that it takes some nerves a long time to regain feeling. I still have some spots in my belly that are numb and it's been almost 5 years. The jolts you are getting might just be some of the nerves coming back. I still get those too. If you have concerns about anything, you should talk to your doctor.

I wouldn't worry about being lazy. You had major surgery. As for the boyfriend, maybe if you just sit down with him and talk to him about it you'll find that he really doesn't think any of those things. You should never assume what anyone else thinks.

Good luck to you. And remember, the pain does go away. It's only been 6 months. Give it time and make sure to rest once in a while.
K.

I don't think you should be working so hard, and have you seen a doctor lately to let him know what is happen with your healing, cause it sounds that your not healing right. and your boyfriend helped make the babies so he should do more and you shouldn't have to feel that you have to do everything to keep him happy if he loves you he should be working together with you, and not except you to do everything, just think when your daughter gets older and she meets someone and he treats her like that would you want that for her, i know you say he is a good dad but don't forget children also learn from all they see so how he is with you is what they will grow up to be. you say you don't have family here but you do have family some where and i don't know what you believe but there is help out there and also there is a God who loves you just as your are and wants to help you.
i will keep you in my prayers. God bless

I completely agree with Jancey. I too have had three c-sections. And let me tell you it isn't easy. With my first I had anemia and it sucks. I was still anemic 8 weeks later. Are you taking your iron pills? Green leavy vegetables and liver have it too. Try and eat that. I can remember getting dizzy with that. The only thing that is going to help is......rest!!! Don't try to be supermom just yet. You have years to do that. Relax. Enjoy the beautiful little bundle you have! I had to be reminded of that over and over. Especially if you have an older child. But most kids would love to snuggle with mommy and baby and watch a video. Or bring in a table to the living room and let the older one color while you and the baby lounge! I don't know if you are religious. But if you go to church, there are great people who will help you with yard work and laundry and such. All you have to do is ask. It is ok to rely of friends to help you. It doesn't make you less of a mom. Also the local community centers and outreach programs may be able to help. Go online or to the phone book and see what different programs are there. There are support groups all over and they are really great. As a military spouse, I'm away from my family most of the time and the people I meet in the community become my family. And the best part is, you get to choose this family!!!! The sharp pains are normal, I had them too and asked my doctor what they were. He said it had something to do with the nerves and muscle tissues reconnecting. I'm still numb above and below my scar. My mom had a c-section with me and she is still numb 29 years later. It is ok. My incision still hurts from time to time, but hey I view it as a small price to pay! I also agree with Jancey about making sure you don't run a fever or get anykind of red, swollen or even pus! I was hospitalized after my second c-section for a bladder infection that had backed into my kidneys. I was actually peeing pus!!! And that sucked! But again, I was trying to do everything, instead of taking the time to let my body heal. Remember, you just had MAJOR surgery. If you have to remind yourself of that or anyone else, for that matter, do it. Not only did you have a baby which is tiring in and of itself, you went through MAJOR surgery!! Not everybody heals at the same rate, so don't worry about if it is taking you a little longer than some other women. Do what feels right to you. You have got motherly insincts, use them! Trust them. Only you know what is right for you and your family. It is ok to feel tired, it is ok to ask for help, it is ok to cry! Do it, and feel no shame in it. I hope this helps. My email is ____@____.com if you want to talk.

Hi,
I think everyone is diffrent in the amount of time it takes to heal. I had a c-section for both of my babies. The first I couldn't help. My son had his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck. My second baby I tried having a vaginal birth but i tore. I can relate to you and how you feel. I feel it's totally up to you and how your body feels. But I do think you should take some time for yourself. I hope all goes well for you.

My first daughter was a c-section becuase she was footling breach and couldn't be turned. It took me at least six weeks before I could sit right. It takes a long time - sorry. The numb feeling will take a long long time to go away. My daughter is now 8 years old and parts of my incision are still numb to the touch. The sharp zapping pain was the worse for me, it will eventually go away - about six weeks too. Been a long time.

i had c-sections with both of my girls..
the first time, i didnt lift anything or do any house work for 6 weeks. i did walk a lot. the day after i got out of the hospital, we went to the mall and walked around a bit. but that was it.
with makenzie, i didnt do anything for 4 weeks, and after that i did light house work.

I agree with everything the previous posters have said...so I don't have much new to add except...sometimes you never get the feeling back. I had my son almost 3 years ago, and my belly is still numb. My best friend's youngest daughter is 5, and she is still numb, too. I still get the prickly feelings in there...and then sometimes get the feelings almost like I still have a baby in there moving a little. It's all normal...but you need to SLOW DOWN! You have plenty of years ahead to be supermom...relax for now. So what if you're not caught up on dishes, or laundry, or housework...you'll get to it when you can!

My daughter is 9 mos. old and I had a c-section. Around the incision there are still numb spots that I've heard may never go away. As far as your period, everyone is different. If you are breastfeeding, it is common not to have a cycle until you finish. You may want to talk to your doctor about these concerns.

Hello!
Please be nicer to yourself. I think you should definitely go back to your provider and talk about how you're feeling. I don't just mean physically. It sounds like you may feel a little "baby blues" which is totally normal, especially after a difficult delivery. I had a very similar experience my first time, and what you are describing in terms of numbness and shooting pains sounds identical to what I felt while I was healing. I am now 3 weeks post baby, after a second (planned, this time) c-section, and I must say, it seems way easier this time. I don't know if it's because I knew what to expect or just that I didn't labor (23 hours with my first) and just went along with the flow. I don't know what you do for work, but if you aren't sure if what you're doing is okay for your body, PLEASE talk about it with your healthcare provider!
I hope this helped some, and please don't beat yourself up about healing after major surgery.
A.

Usually you can be back on your feet pretty quickly - within a week after a C-Section, however, you should not be lifting anything above 10 lbs? I don't remember exactly. Go to a doctor and check yourself that you haven't lifted something and caused a tear somewhere. It's very important not to lift anything heavy within the first 6 weeks - I believe. If you have, you need to have yourself checked. Also, the numbness and tingling from the stiches lasts a long time. However, you should no longer have any pain. (I had 2 C-Sections).