How will I feel after a cesarean delivery?

Like any new mother, you'll probably feel both euphoric about and overwhelmed by the new person in your arms. But you'll also be recovering from major abdominal surgery while dealing with typical postpartum issues such as engorged breasts, mood swings, and vaginal discharge.
C-section patients typically stay just three or four days in the hospital before going home. But your recovery will be measured in weeks, not days, so once home you'll need help taking care of yourself and your new baby. What's more, if you have other children, they may be feeling needy after you've been away from them for a few days, to say nothing of the fact that you're returning home with a new baby! Plan to get all the help you can.

The Cesarean Section FAQ

Frequently asked questions regarding Cesarean Section are: What are the indications that one needs a Cesarean?Following are the commonest indications for a cesarian operation:
Prolapsed cord (where the cord comes down before the baby)
Placenta abruptio (where the placenta separates before the birth)
Placenta previa (where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix)
Fetal malpresentation (transverse lie, breech )
Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD), meaning that the head is too large to fit through the pelvis
Maternal medical conditions
foetal distress,
Repeat cesarean What type of pain relief is offered before and after a cesarean? -A regional anesthetic (epidural or spinal)-A general anaesthetic-A pre- operative sedative is usually avoided because it can reach the baby and make it difficult for the baby to breath.-Post operatively pain can be reduced by medication.What is the procedure for a cesarean? The basic steps followed are:
A catheter inserted to collect urine
An intravenous line inserted
An antacid for your stomach acids
Monitoring leads (heart monitor, blood pressure)
Anesthesia
Anti-bacterial wash of the abdomen, and partial shaving of the pubic hair
Skin Incision (vertical or midline(most common))
Uterine Incision
Breaking the Bag of Waters
Disengage the baby from the pelvis
BIRTH!!!! (Accomplished by hand, forceps, or vacuum extractor)
Cord Clamping and cutting
Newborn Evaluation
Placenta removed and the uterus repaired
Skin Sutured (Usually the top layers will be stapled and removed within 2 weeks.)
You will be moved to the Recovery Room (If the baby is able s/he can go with you.) What is an emergency Cesarean? Done in the cases of -placental abruption-prolapsed cord-foetal distressWhat will be the recovery like? Everyone's recovery will be different, depending on your age, body type, and general health. You may be plagued with gas pains from being opened, incisional pain, uterine contractions (your uterus will take time to get back to it's original shape). Do not lift anything heavier than your baby. Can I breast feed if I had a cesarean? Certainly you can. It may take some more effort on your part, but do not hesitate to ask for help. Start breast feeding as soon as possibleIf I had one cesarean (or more!), will I have to have another cesarean? Recent studies have shown that there was an over 80% success rate for Vaginal Birth After Caesarian.

Cesarian delivery

Cesarians are done when it is considered to be to dangerous, for you or child, to deliver vaginally. Like any type of surgery, having a c-section does have its setbacks. Recovery is more painful and takes longer than that of a vaginal delivery. The most common reasons your doctor would suggest that you undergo this surgery are long and difficult labors, fetal distress, and if your child is breeched (not coming out head first).
During the preparations for a c-section your abdomen will be shaved including the top portion of your pubic hair line. An IV tube is inserted into the arm and a catheter into your bladder. Usually the patient is kept awake during this procedure, but in an emergency, faster working anesthetics may be used putting you to sleep. Incisions are made in both the abdomen and uterus to allow the baby to be delivered. Delivery will take place about 10 minutes after the incisions are made. After the delivery, the incisions are closed using stitches or staples, which generally takes about 30 minutes.

Your hospital stay after c-section will be three to four days, and during this time you will most likely need pain medications. You are likely to be sore for a few days even after you have been discharged from the hospital. Rest is very important for your body after having a c-section, you will need your strength for you new baby.