Cesarean Birth Recovery Tips || Getting up, Gas Pain, Scar Massage & More

[@natejessicabrennanbecker3028]

I'm sitting in the hospital, literally just got to my room after having a cesarean birth, and the notification for this video pops up on my phone. Great timing, thanks for the video!

[@Nurse_zabe]

Perfect timing! Congratulations on the birth of your baby!! 💗💗💗

[@brittneyesprit7947]

Yes to getting up and walking the halls the same day!! It’s uncomfortable, but makes a world of a difference!

[@EbonyCharisma]

Use a long handle back brush to wash the lower parts of your body ( legs and feet) after surgery. It truly helps if your spouse/partner is away and you’re trying to thoroughly cleanse your body. I plan to bring mine to the hospital ( 7-7-22) having my third baby.

[@CourtneyMonroe]

Thank you for doing another c-section video!!! I hate feeling like this is something that wasn’t “natural” and wrong. It definitely wasn’t my plan. I feel very seen 😊 And all these tips will help with my next birth!!!

[@louisedeleu3667]

This was the best post cesarean video I have found! Thank you for diving much deeper than the basic care every other video talks about.

[@Angelina-mw6zu]

Postpartum nurse here. This was incredibly helpful. Thank you!!

[@miagriffin2598]

This video was great! I had a c-section 4 months ago. I used sanitary napkins to cover my scar for a while due to bleeding and swelling. I’m still getting used to some fabrics. I had no idea Frida makes c-section scar healing gel pads until a month ago. They really got my scar flat and looking super healthy. Thanks for another great video! Keep the c-section content coming 💜👌🏾😉

[@Nurse_zabe]

I’ve heard great things about the Frida kit. Haven’t had a chance to check it out yet!

[@miagriffin2598]

@@Nurse_zabe I bought the kit prior to knowing I needed a c-section. The kit is more vaginal delivery focused. Things may have changed. I’m super excited that you replied.

[@stephaniem8278]

I'm prepping for a scheduled C-section with my second, and I'm so glad I came back to watch this video again (saw it in prep for my first, ended up with a vaginal birth). With my first I learned that my anatomy really requires me to sit upright to breastfeed, so after watching this just now I bought a MBF pillow despite already owning a Boppy. It's important to me that I can establish a good breastfeeding relationship with my second baby for her health; and knowing the challenges that C-section mamas tend to have with breastfeeding, also knowing what I know now about my own milk production, it was worth the investment to me. I'm not going to "wait and see," I'm going to do what is best for my own recovery this time!

[@lorifieldsbriggs3443]

Great timing! Just had my second c-section and am in recovery right now.

[@wab090391]

I had an unplanned C-section two months ago and no one warned me about the constipation. 😳 To say I was terrified is an understatement.

[@bridgettmayberry1383]

Yes...I hope you are doing better. Sorry you had to experience that.

[@kategabriel1686]

D gas part is very terrifying. I thought I was dieing

[@kalyscakessweets392]

I am deathly afraid of a c-section BUT I'm pregnant with my rainbow baby and when I went in I found out there's 2 rainbow babies in there🥺 Twins! Eeeek! So excited but the doctor said to prepare for a c-section. So thank you so much for this video!❤️🙏

[@pallyberry]

howd it go?

[@katieroberts5218]

The rolling to get out of bed should be done during pregnancy and for the first 3 months post-partum for every person who's given birth, regardless of which way the baby came out. This helps prevent diastasis recti from getting too bad during pregnancy, and helps your abdominal muscles repair post-partum to heal the diastasis recti.

[@runningfromabear8354]

I suppose I got lucky with my 3 kids in my 30's. I didn't roll to get out of bed and didn't have any problems with my abdominal muscles. Still, useful information this time around. First twin pregnancy and this time I'm in my 40's and my body isn't even nearly as kind to me as it was with my older 3 kids.

[@alena4212]

Wish I had this video in December 😅😅 Had an emergency c-section in December and was in a coma for 5 days and woke up having no idea why I wasn’t pregnant anymore and why I was in the hospital. My OB was on vaca for almost a month and had no help/information since I came out of the ICU not labour and delivery. Recovery was terrible. I was dealing with the cesarean, not given pain medication, plus learning how to walk again from being in a hospital bed for almost 2 weeks and a coma and on a ventilator 🙄 But me and baby girl are both healthy and happy now 💕💕 She is 6 months old and has no developmental problems from being 7 weeks early ☺️ This information would have been great then haha Thank you for taking the time to make this!!! And gas was a serious problem when I got home, it was very painful and totally embarrassing. I couldn’t help it though I felt like I tooted for 2 days straight non stop 😳😣 Also I refused to look at my incision for like a 6 weeks or something lol I had my husband look at it everyday to make sure it looked okay 😅😅

[@Nurse_zabe]

Oh my goodness, what a rough delivery! I’m so sorry I didn’t get the advice out sooner. So thankful y’all are happy and healthy now. 💗💗

[@alena4212]

@@Nurse_zabe it was crazy lol I binged your videos all last year while pregnant and still love them 💕💕 You work so hard and you’re a mommy, no need to apologize!!! But you are right I couldn’t find good info on KZbin 🤷🏻‍♀️ Thank you for all you do ☺️☺️

[@patricia-eu8ov]

Love this. This is all on point. I just had my 9th c-section 5 days ago.

[@AngelinaSmithYackey]

Such an awesome and timely video-I go in for my scheduled cesarean this coming Saturday! Thanks as always for sharing your expertise 💕

[@Nurse_zabe]

Oh wow, that is great timing. Congrats in advance!

[@AngelinaSmithYackey]

Thank you!!

[@rebeccakeegel3383]

Great video! Thanks for all the tips. It’s so good for me to think about this now. I had an unplanned cesar with my first in 2019. Now I’m 20 weeks with my second, most likely going to be a planned cesar, so it will be good to be prepared this time. Last time, I had very little idea about recovery until I was experiencing it.

[@kuroe-chan5190]

After my open abdominal fibroid removal last year : coughing and going to the bathroom 1/2 was the worst😖 the pillow in front helped quite a bit and it’s the sneeze and coughing. Nothing helped in bathroom had to brace myself. Oh boy, I’m in for it come June but that’s for the tips Also walking is a must. I had laparoscopic bariatric surgery and was walking 4 hrs after surgery nice and slow in the hall. After my myomectomy open abdominal I actually don’t remember doing my walk; it helmet more than rearranging my internal abdominal organs. Actually had horrible gas/spasm pains with the fibroid surgery 😢 it was a night mare

[@everydayelena]

I’m so glad I found this video. I’m high risk for premature birth and my daughter is breech so csection could be an option if she comes early

[@Krystyna14]

So glad this got posted my c section will be on Monday

[@EbonyCharisma]

Mine Thursday!

[@dulcey2597]

id recommend a shower chair as well- i was very unsteady for quite some time and standing and getting in and out of my slippery shower was unsafe.

[@Nurse_zabe]

Great idea!

[@ssand157]

Great video, had my unplanned (non-emergency) csection going on 5 weeks ago. Watched lots of videos after it happened since I hadn't really researched csections since we didn't know that was our route until we'd been in labor 20+ hrs due to baby trying to come out forehead first. Mine was closed with glue. I used big postpartum hospital pads on the top/front of my underwear/ pants to cushion / keep clothing off my incision.

[@Nurse_zabe]

Yes! The telfa pads are amazing. Definitely a great idea to ask for extras to take home, too!

[@ssand157]

@@Nurse_zabe yes, I snagged extra pads and mesh undies figured what I didn't use I could always pass on to another momma who needs them.

[@sleeknsweet]

Thank you ​@@Nurse_zabe

[@SallyLiz1]

One thing I didn’t consider after my c section (planned due to low lying placenta) was the next 2 me crib. I had it all set up ready for me coming home after surgery however it actually wasn’t possible for me to get in and out of bed with it there for a while and we ended up swapping it out for a smaller bassinet until I was healed enough to be able to shuffle down to get out. Not something I have ever heard being discussed before however I found it to be a problem.

[@Nurse_zabe]

I honestly was thinking that might be an issues with some of them when I was doing that demonstration on how to get up. Mine swung out of the way, but you definitely need some room on the side of the bed to allow that to happen

[@carolines3953]

I’ve had three vaginal births and I’m expecting #4 now. While I’m hoping for a 4th and final vaginal delivery, this is really helpful in case things don’t go as planned.

[@Nurse_zabe]

It’s always good to prepare! Even if you can just spread the knowledge to a friend who has a cesarean birth.

[@athaleaclaypool8388]

We are currently 28wks with twins! We have a 2yr old, and had a vaginal delivery. Baby B has VCI .. and there has been discussion of a possible C section. Can you list some of the concerns with VCI??

[@defonthana]

how often have you seen spinal side effects? my leg is still numb 5 weeks later, have patients that u have seen ever had that and did something help? and how long is it possible for the scar to ... be "wet"(i am not english i mean the wound wetting itself whatever that is called) or opening up? because it just started secreting minimal but after 5 weeks nothing can happen there can it? but if it gets bad of course i ask the clinic again :).

[@hellzs4446]

I found combine dressing roll cut to size really helped keep my surgical area dry. It also added a little padding as I had staples instead of stitches (nurses were a little shocked why surgeon did it). Keep on top of your medication because ooft that pain!!! Getting up and walking for first time.... get a towel in-between your legs, because you will have bloody coming out and all that good stuff. And you'll probably be hunched over because your stretching out again after sitting for a bit.

[@Nurse_zabe]

Great tips! And we don’t often use staples anymore at my facility. It can def be provider preference.

[@alyssaanne7]

Unplanned cesarian 2 months ago to the day. Thank you so much for this video ❤️

[@Nurse_zabe]

You’re welcome. 💗

[@laceyaguilar4651]

Even though I did not have a c-section, I had a total abdominal hysterectomy 6 weeks ago today, while the surgeries are different, the incision is very similar. I would imagine some of these tips could help me as well?

[@shadowling1478]

If you have a chance you might want to find out where knots and things are. I had one spot of pain and I asked my doc and she said that's where she tied the knot.

[@Nurse_zabe]

Great tip!!

[@shadowling1478]

@@Nurse_zabe honestly I thought I popped an internal stich from forgetting an picking up my toddler week one, but know just a knot

[@Digitallyfuzzy]

I had a C-Section with my first. I got a vac for my incision which I loved because I didn’t have to worry as much about keep my incision dry and it healed so nicely. I still had a long recovery though with the muscle layers and such healing. Recently I’ve been talking to my doctors about getting ready for our second and they have said they would highly suggest having a scheduled C-section based off of my history. I am wondering if there is anything I can do to before hand to make the recovery faster this time?

[@Nurse_zabe]

I think seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist is always a good place to start. And I’ve heard about the wound vacs for cesareans incisions, sounds like it could be so helpful for healing.

[@Meganmama]

My digestive tract has been a MESS for two weeks (and counting) after birth. I was vomiting every two hours for a few days, then just a couple of times a day. Then I had horrific gas pains that felt like a heart attack. Now it’s just starting to improve but man, it was rough. I pushed for 3 hours and ended up with a c-section because baby’s head just wasn’t in the right position to come out vaginally. Thank you so much for the c-section tips! Definitely timely!

[@Nurse_zabe]

Ugh, I’m so sorry you’ve been feeling so rough!

[@francinewade3204]

So how long does your uterus take to heal because the doctors or so are saying you shouldn't get up you can't prop your head to drink or can't move please help to tell me what you can eat or drink

[@makeyoupretty]

My incision was about 18 inches vertically, is that not common? I never hear anyone talk about vertical incisions.

[@erinboeglin992]

Do you have any good information about getting a tubal ligation during your c section?

[@PRIYAKUMARI-xr4rg]

My legs are num after the c-section what i do and my headache doesn't gone gas in stomach heavy pain on back side sleepless night things gone wrong day by day neither seen little bit of recovery after c section

[@jas2139]

i had an induction with my first and it ended up failing, resulting in a c-section. does this mean a second induction is more likely to fail? (i didn’t dilate enough or fast enough)

[@zss.1589]

I had a myectomy surgery... what helped me was pear juice to help me with constipation ddnt get constipated

[@kaydeforce9411]

Thank you! I've been watching you since my first pregnancy in 2019/2020 which ended in an emergency CS at 33 weeks. I am now 30 weeks with my 2nd and while my doc is open to a VBAC, my labs seem like I might be headed towards a second, hopefully non-emergency but early CS. I will have help at home for the first two weeks but after that I will be alone with a newborn and a 2-year old. Any tips on how to handle that? He is a lightweight at only 23lbs right now. I won't have another option but to lift him when necessary (into bed, into the car etc.). Any tips on how to stay safe at 2weeks post-CS when there's nobody to help me?

[@amandakatz6734]

I have a 3 year old and had a c section 2 months ago and I am a single mom by choice. My biggest piece of advice is to buy a bunch of footstools (got them off Amazon) and teach your little one to get themselves on and off things with them. (the bed, the car, into the bath, etc) My 3 year old still moves his footstools around to get things. I also rearranged the fridge and put a container of snacks he could reach for himself in there. Worked great!

[@Nurse_zabe]

Amanda gave you my big tip! Step stools all the way! And so you best to be super cautious and protective of your incision.

[@gabrielakinwale5575]

Had sex 5 weeks after my CS and now i feel pain on my abdomen and the c section area what fo i do?

[@valeriepark9444]

At 39.3 today, so perfect timing, just in case!

[@Nurse_zabe]

So close to your birth day!!

[@defonthana]

The recovery was waaay harder than i thought! i was totally unprepared for how it was feeling, the operation experience which is so different than always pictured in movies :D. and although i never think of someone badly who had a c section i feel bad myself. i wish i didnt but i do. all my friends gave birth "normally" and i just could not and it... stays in my mind. its really hard feeling like a failure. especially since i am SO AFRAID of doing that ever again. so getting pregnant again... i dont dare because i cannot know if it will be a sectio again. :( well...its only been 5 weeks maybe the pain and anxiety will pass.

[@MsKat22115]

You are NOT a failure. It’s a beautiful birth regardless of how it happened. I had similar feelings right after my c-section. Congratulations on the birth of your child! You will feel back to normal soon :)

[@NordOnTheBlock]

I've had 3 vaginal births and I can say the thought of a section terrifies me you are not a failure you are beyond strong 💪🏽❤️

[@tinytelephones]

I pushed and pushed and had baby turned but she simply wouldn't budge! I know exactly how disappointing that can be but you have to give yourself some grace ❤ it's an honor to have her here happy and healthy regardless of how she came into the world.

[@naquitabasket4945]

I know this video is old but I just had my daughter via c-section on Valentines Day and I’ve been having cramps and my stomach muscles feel tender…somebody help me 😭

[@Tas22_91]

Hey congratulations 🎉 Even I had my baby on 13th of February via C-section. This is the second one. Your comment was 2 weeks ago so I'm hoping you're fine now. But if u still feel the pain, Don't worry. The cramps are mostly like the period cramps. And the muscle tenderness will stay for a while until everything gets back to their normal places.

[@JulianeDuarte]

Good timing 32 weeks. So taking notes 📝

[@Nurse_zabe]

Yay!

[@stephaniel6231]

"Hand in Hand~" ❤️

[@DW-un7yg]

The recovery was not too bad after the first few days. I ended up with a blood clot after mine thought so it made recovering so much worse

[@Nurse_zabe]

Oh no! I’m so sorry you had that unplanned complication

[@evd22713]

Using a wheelchair on walks in the hall is also a great way to have some extra support, especially if babe is in the NICU.

[@amandalynn1991]

Is it common for it to open back up?

[@Nurse_zabe]

It is not, but it does happen sometimes and needs to be addressed with your provider!

[@adelkazkaz5444]

C-section is the worst pain I have ever experienced really it's day 8 after C-section but I'm still in pain, the injection they give you in the back now it's give me back pain and headache

[@kaydeforce9411]

Another question: I was numb on most of my scar and between scar and belly button for about 15-18 months post-CS. My CS was an emergency so it may have been rougher than a regular CS. But is numbness for that long normal? Healing felt fine, no issues.

[@Nurse_zabe]

Totally common/normal!

[@DW-un7yg]

I still have numbness 2 years out. My sister in law is still numb and her daughters are in there 20s!

[@victoriablack2093]

Why are they trying to avoid narcotics?! It’s major surgery, every other surgery no one would dare to try and pull that one. My recovery would have been so worse from my c section if I didnt have narcotics. The pain would have slowed down my recovery

[@Nurse_zabe]

Totally not trying to avoid them! Just trying to use as much as needed by staying on schedule on non-narcotics (alternating Tylenol and ibuprofen typically) and using narcotics for break-through pain! Narcotics can def be necessary!

[@victoriablack2093]

@@Nurse_zabe just to be clear my comment was targeted at the new research! You are lovely and made the distinction that they are useful ❤️

[@kuroe-chan5190]

They are addictive for many. Also many get extreme constipation . I’m terrified of that so I make it a point not to use them more than needed once I leave hospital. I’ve had 2 major abdominal surgeries about to have an csection in June . I stay on my Tylenol to stave off the use

[@MsKat22115]

I wish I was prepared for a c section birth prior to it happening. It wasn’t a planned c-section so I had no clue what to expect

[@margithammer8835]

they gave me hot prune juice with butter in it, and it worked.

[@chelseygordon2416]

This does work. You can also add some sugar in there!

[@Nurse_zabe]

Love it!

[@kenzieleeftw]

Watching this 6 hours post c section!

[@Nurse_zabe]

Woot woot! Congrats on the birth of your baby! 💗💗💗

[@kenzieleeftw]

@@Nurse_zabe thank you so much! Been watching your videos to prepare since about half way through and they’ve been super helpful. Thank you for creating!

[@nicolereid2225]

My c-section is on friday, so scared 😢

[@donnae2013]

Nooo clapping 😳

[@edgar1756]

𝓅𝓇𝑜𝓂𝑜𝓈𝓂 🙌