Nothing can prepare you for a C-Section birth, nothing!

My intention is not to scare you but to educate you. This is from my own personal experience.

A C-Section is a MAJOR surgery. It is not the simple procedure that shows like, “A Baby Story” will portray it to be. It is not glamorous like Hollywood stars would make you believe. And the recovery is long, painful and tiresome.

1. Be prepared to feel groggy – VERY groggy. I had an emergency C-Section. We had but a mere few minutes to get Hunter out of my belly. Therefore, I was put out for my surgery and Brian was not allowed in the room. This was traumatic for us but completely necessary. When I finally awoke from surgery about 45-minutes after Hunter was born, I was delirious and exhausted. (Mostly from the medication) I couldn’t wait to hold my son, but I was so groggy that I barely remember those first moments. This is precious time I will never get back.
   

   FINALLY, holding my boy.

2. The post-op pain is severe. One thing they will tell you in the hospital is to stay ahead of your medication. In other words, do not skip any of your scheduled pill times. I made this mistake. I told the nurse I was feeling great and did not need anything. Boy, was I wrong. I paid for that decision the rest of the day. The throbbing lower abdominal pain was unbearable and they had to give me something through an IV. Keep in mind, this is a major surgery. Your muscles and organs need to be removed to get the baby out, that is no simple task and you will feel the after affect.
   

   Two hours before I gave birth.

3. Bonding time is limited. The first six weeks of recovery are tough. Your Dr. will likely advise you not to climb stairs, drive a car or lift anything over ten pounds. This makes it tough when you have your new bundle of joy. Much of the time you would spend connecting with your little one, is spent taking care of your incision, lying in bed and just taking time to recuperate. It’s exhausting.
   

   Finally holding my baby almost an hour after birth.

4. You will need help, lots of help. And don’t be afraid to ask. I am the type of woman who is go, go, go! I am used to juggling multiple tasks at a time, effortlessly. However, when you have a C-Section, you are down for the count. There is no driving, there is no cooking, there is no laundry or dishes. You are ordered to rest, preferably in bed, but rest as you seem fit. This is nearly impossible with a newborn, but possible if you have some help the first week or two you are home. Luckily, I had a very hands-on boyfriend. He would take care of Hunter in the morning and at night so I could get some much needed rest. But my advice, ask your family and friends for help. Whether it’s to help cook a meal or throw in a load of laundry, every little bit helps.
   

   I went grocery shopping the day before Hunter was born. And yes, I carried it all in. I was ready for him to come out!

5. Brace yourself for your new found mommy curves. I had a relatively healthy pregnancy. I gained somewhere around 30 pounds in total and I was all belly. I assumed I would have no problem losing the baby weight. Hunter alone weighed almost 9 lbs, so I only had 22 lbs to go. Boy, was I mistaken. I am 4 1/2 months post op and still have need to lose around 30 lbs. Another shock, my stomach. Goodbye flat tummy, hello dreaded MOTHER’s APRON. Yes, it’s called a Mother’s Apron. This is the muscle and fat that hang over your C-Section incision and in most cases it never fully goes away. I have talked to many mom’s, tall, short, skinny, plus-size and average and mostly all have it – it is just part of the C-Section package! Luckily, my co-worker informed me  about the Bellefit Waist Girdle. (Thanks, Polly) It is supposed to help your stomach go back to it’s normal shape. The reviews on Amazon are mostly 4 and 5 stars. Stay tuned for a full review of that product.

http://www.amazon.com/Bellefit-Postpartum-Post-Pregnancy-Medical-Grade-Compression/dp/B004PBJ1RS

Bellefit Girdle

 I hope this blog on my C-Section helps! I will say this, the pain and body changes were all worth it. Hunter is the greatest gift I could have ever asked for.

If you have any questions, please feel free to message me. I am happy to answer.

xo,

Alison