During 2007, some 32 percent of all babies born in the United States were delivered by Cesarean section.

The reasons why are varied, but with roughly a one in three chance of having to undergo this operation, expectant mothers may naturally harbor concerns over what to expect after having a Cesarean section.







Types of delivery

Cesarean sections are performed as an emergency operation or planned in advance. Women undergoing a planned C-section usually have an epidural or spinal block which numbs the lower half of their body while allowing them to remain fully conscious throughout the operation. An emergency Cesarean section may require a general anesthetic where the mother is asleep throughout the process.

Post delivery

Women who are awake will usually be given their baby to hold as soon as they’re born, then once the placenta has been delivered, the surgeon will get to work stitching up the wound. This is the longest part of the entire operation and is completely painless. Once the wound is stitched and covered with dressings the mother will be wheeled through to another room to recover. She’ll also have a catheter inserted which will remain until she is mobile again.

Time taken to regain feeling in the lower half of the body will vary depending on the method used, but as a general guide, a spinal block wears off after two to three hours while the effects of an epidural start decreasing soon after the epidural tube is removed. Waking up after a  general anesthetic usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour and can result in temporary feelings of disorientation and sleepiness for a short time.

Breastfeeding

Having a Caesarean is no barrier to breastfeeding and new mothers wanting to breastfeed are encouraged to begin as soon as possible after the birth. Despite taking medication for the pain, it is still perfectly safe to breastfeed. It can take a little time finding a comfortable position that exerts the least amount of pressure on the abdomen, but many mothers find that lying on their side is easier with the baby’s head either resting on a pillow or in the crook of their arm.

Getting mobile

Most women undergoing a C-section will be encouraged to start moving as soon as possible, usually after the first twenty four hours once the catheter has been removed. Often the first port of call is a trip to the toilet and this may seem like an impossible feat where walking any distance is sometimes only achievable by shuffling along while doubled over. However, the first day is by far the worst and the pain eases off quite quickly over subsequent days.

Eating and drinking

It’s important to eat healthy, fresh food with lots of fiber to help get the digestive system working properly and the bowels moving again. The combination of medication and the operation can cause constipation and it may take up to a week or more before regular motions are resumed. Drinking plenty of water is especially important both to help with constipation but also if the mother is breastfeeding as this can cause dehydration.

Going home

As long as there are no other complications and mother and baby are in good health, it’s normally possible to return home after three or four days in hospital. They will also need help with carrying the baby and transport home. The mother will be given a supply of medication to take with her as well as useful information on what can and can’t be done after a Cesarean section during the first few weeks.

The first six weeks

A Cesarean section is major abdominal surgery. Therefore, the mother should rest as much as possible during the first six weeks while avoiding doing anything that puts pressure on the wound. This includes not lifting anything heavier than the baby and ensuring someone is available who can deal with other duties, such as looking after siblings and general household tasks.  She also certainly shouldn't attempt any sort of exercise and driving a car is out of bounds until after the six week check up at the doctor.

No two deliveries are alike and the speed at which mothers recover after a Cesarean section can vary enormously. Generally, as long as there are no post surgery complications and the new mother doesn't over exert herself during the first six weeks, she should make a good recovery and quickly return to normal life once more.