A C-section procedure involves two incisions (cuts): one on the abdomen and one on the uterus. The abdominal incision can be a vertical cut between your navel and pubic hair or a horizontal cut on your lower belly (the bikini cut). According to Monte Swarup, MD, FACOG, board-certified OB-GYN and founder of HPD Rx, “Mild swelling above the incision is entirely normal for several weeks following a C-section. Directly above the incision is where a lot of the dissection occurs surgically which leads to swelling there.” 

However, occasionally, swelling above the incision after a C-section can result from surgical site infections (SSI), defined as an infection that occurs within 30 days after a surgical procedure. You might also experience more widespread swelling after birth, given that your body doubled its blood volume to support the pregnancy, and that doesn’t disappear overnight. Here’s what to look for to determine if your C-section swelling is normal or could be related to an infection.

Related: Recovering from a C-section? What you need to keep in mind, mama

Motherly's Digital Classes

Classes

• $10

Introduction to Cesarean births

One in three births are C-sections, and it’s important to be empowered about this (beautiful) type of birth. We will walk you through planned and unplanned C-sections and will share tools that can help with your recovery.

SHOP

What causes swelling after a C-section?

General swelling after a C-section is often reported postpartum, especially on the legs (including the feet and ankles). This is because of the fluid accumulation from pregnancy and the IV fluids administered during the surgical procedure. The swelling should subside with time as your body gradually releases the fluids.

But if you only notice swelling on one leg, you should notify your doctor, and get an in-depth examination to rule out other causes like a potential blood clot.

Experts also recommend seeing your doctor for swelling on the hands, face, and eyes after a C-section, as they may be symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia (high blood pressure occurring after delivery). 

Tips to help with swollen feet after C-section

Like any other surgical procedure, a C-section is a major operation. It will take some time to heal after birth and feel like yourself again. But you can help your recovery and reduce swelling by following the tips below.

• Reduce salt intake, as salt contains sodium which can contribute to water retention. Instead, consume potassium-rich foods—sodium’s counterpart, to balance the fluids in your system and reduce water retention. Potassium-rich foods include bananas, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes and cucumbers
• Stay hydrated. Increasing water intake can help flush out excess fluids
• Wear compression socks if your doctor recommends them. The compression socks apply gentle pressure to your legs to reduce the swelling and promote blood flow to the heart
• Elevate your legs above the level of the heart using pillows
• Regular, gentle movement is also necessary, but at your own pace
• See your doctor if your feet remain swollen for a period longer than three weeks

Related: 8 natural C-section recovery tips to help you feel better fast

What to know about C-section swelling at the incision

Surgical site infections like hematoma and seroma, which occur in an estimated 2% to 5% of women after a C-section, can cause swelling above the incision. 

Hematoma refers to the collection of blood, while seroma is the collection of fluid that builds up under the surface of your skin around the site of incision. With hematoma and seroma, there is a risk of the partial or total opening of the incision stitches, making it easy for bacteria to gain access and cause infections. 

Symptoms of a C-section surgical site infection

According to researchers, at least one of the following could be a sign or symptom of an infection at your C-section incision: 

• Localized pain or tenderness
• Localized swelling
• Heat (skin is hot to touch)
• Redness 

Risk factors for a surgical site infection

 Some risk factors for surgical site infections after a C-section include:

• Emergency delivery
• Previous C-section
• Increased blood loss during delivery
• Duration of labor longer than 12 hours or extended surgery time (longer than 38 minutes)
• Incision length greater than 16.6 cm
• Health conditions such as pregestational/gestational diabetes and hypertension
• Lack of prenatal care
• Lack of preoperative antibiotics (antibiotics administered before surgery to prevent infections)

Related: What to expect during a C-section: 27 things I wish I’d known

Surgical site infections can cause health problems postpartum

Surgical site infections can be frustrating for a new mom still recovering from surgery and, simultaneously, caring for a newborn. Studies suggest that post-cesarean surgical site infections are a significant cause of extended stay in the hospital and can cause health problems for the mother—some people reported wound pain at six to seven months postpartum, and some others had reports of chronic urinary incontinence lasting until six years later. Plus, people who had a C-section are 20 times more likely to be down with infections than people who had a vaginal delivery.

It’s always a good idea to keep your doctor in the loop during recovery, and don’t hesitate to inform your healthcare provider if you notice symptoms like high fever, discharge or clots on the incision, worsening pain, and of course swelling above the incision. According to March of Dimes, a postpartum checkup is necessary 2 weeks after a C-section, so your doctor can inspect the incision and check on your healing progress.

Sources

Kawakita T, Landy HJ. Surgical site infections after cesarean delivery: epidemiology, prevention and treatment. Matern Health Neonatol Perinatol. 2017;3:12. Published 2017 Jul 5. doi:10.1186/s40748-017-0051-3

Mizell J, Rosen M, Chen W. Complications of abdominal surgical incisions. Published 2022 July  28.

Sung S, Mahdy H. Cesarean Section. StatPearls Publishing. Published 2022 April 21.

Zejnullahu VA, Isjanovska R, Sejfija Z, Zejnullahu VA. Surgical site infections after cesarean sections at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo: rates, microbiological profile and risk factors. BMC Infect Dis. 2019;19(1):752. Published 2019 Aug 28. doi:10.1186/s12879-019-4383-7

Zuarez-Easton S, Zafran N, Garmi G, Salim R. Postcesarean wound infection: prevalence, impact, prevention, and management challenges. Int J Womens Health. 2017;9:81-88. Published 2017 Feb 17. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S98876

As we now know, a C-section, also known as a Cesarean section, is the surgical procedure by which one or more babies are delivered through an incision in the mother’s abdomen. This is a very important option in birth because there are many times when a vaginal delivery would put the baby, the mother, or both, at risk. But C-sections have not been around forever, and they have certainly changed over time.

What is the history of C-sections?

There are differing theories on how the term “Cesarean section” was coined, but the main two theories focus on Julius Caesar. One common theory is that Caesar was born via C-section, but since it is widely understood that his mother lived past the birth, this is unlikely. 

The other is that Roman Law during his time commanded that women who could not give birth vaginally must be cut open. The Latin word “caedare” means “to cut.”

Related: The surprising history of home pregnancy tests

During this period, the term “caesones” was given to infants born to mothers via C-sections after the mother had died, which is another theory. While the exact origin is well-disputed, most agree that the procedure has been around since at least the 1500s. However, it was not anything like we know today. At this time, the purpose was to try to save the child when the mother likely would not survive, and a C-section was the last effort to save the baby’s life. 

Childbirth was extremely dangerous for women and babies even up until the late 1800s, when the spread of disease was rampant, and people did not understand a woman’s basic anatomy or much about pregnancy and childbirth.

When was the first C-section performed?

One of the first recorded successful C-sections was in 1794 in the US. Miraculously, at the time, the mother survived, but she would never have the option to have another child. The doctor—the patient’s husband and the father of her child—removed his wife’s ovaries without her consent in fear that she would never survive another childbirth. 

In the late 1700s, anesthesia did not yet exist, and there were no set standards for cleanliness or disease prevention. Even those who had a successful C-section ran a high risk of infection or disease during the surgery. In the mid-1850s, the discovery of anesthesia helped immensely, but it was not until the 1930s that C-sections could be performed more safely.

Related: Mom delivers her own baby by C-section and the pictures are simply amazing

When did C-sections evolve to become what they are today?

In the 1930s and ’40s, the C-section procedure was finally starting to evolve into what we know today. There were more antibiotics available, better medical practices, less risk of disease, and more education among the medical community. Doctors had a much better understanding of female anatomy, and were able to perform more successful surgeries with this knowledge.

While ultrasounds are common now, they were not used for pregnancy until the 1950s. Can you imagine going through pregnancy without this technology? Ultrasounds were a game-changer for doctors, childbirth, and many other fields of medicine. Luckily for women of the 21st century, the options have significantly evolved over the last 75 years.

C-sections are a vital option when it comes to birth

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 31.8% of births are via C-section today. That’s over 1.14 million babies born in the US via C-section every single year. 

As C-section rates have increased significantly, it has become an increasingly important option for women and families. Not only has it become less risky, with lower chance of infection, but women also have the option of having multiple children born via C-section. 

Related: Study finds some C-section babies may not need routine antibiotics

In the past, even when a woman did survive childbirth via C-section, she could not always have another without risking her life and the life of her child again.

Vaginal births are still preferred today, but there are many reasons why C-sections are performed. These reasons include a breech baby, health complications for the mother or baby, umbilical cord issues, giving birth to multiple babies, and more. For some with subsequent births, women can rest easy with the option of scheduled, low-risk C-sections, and have the number of children they desire.

C-sections are not without complications

While the history of C-sections have shown us that there have been immense strides forward for women and babies, there will always be risks of complications. And even without complications, many women wish they were more prepared before giving birth via C-section, so they did not feel blindsided by the C-section recovery, which can be long. 

Related: 8 natural remedies for C-section recovery

It is incredible how far we have come with medicine and technology in less than a century, but the human body is not always predictable. It’s important to discuss all of your birth options with your doctor or birth care provider. Every pregnancy and person is unique, and it is important to talk about the choices that fit your particular situation, and your specific pregnancy.

Sources

Sewell JE. Cesarean Section – A Brief History. History of Medicine. Published April 27, 1998. Updated July 26, 2013.

Years before I got pregnant, my sister had an unmedicated birth. Afterward, I visited her in the hospital and saw how she glowed with power and awe from her body’s accomplishment. When I decided to have children, I wanted that moment too. 

Related: Your guide to picking the best birth class 

In my first pregnancy with my son, I spent hours lolling about in lukewarm baths reading Ina May Gaskin’s ‘Guide to Childbirth’ and imagining how my own “natural” birth would unfold. I wanted that goddess moment. I wanted to channel my inner strength and the good vibes of my matriarchal ancestors, culminating in some glorious crescendo when I welcomed my child into the world. 

Like most things in life, my fantasy did not become my reality. As it turned out, my water broke at 35 weeks. My son’s birth involved an induction with Pitocin, an epidural, an episiotomy, a second-degree tear, and a birth injury that took nearly a year to heal. I felt about as far from my “natural” vision as possible. 

Pregnant with my daughter, I hoped for something different. My husband and I planned to have two children, so this pregnancy felt like my last chance to experience what I wanted. My son’s birth left me traumatized by the shock of his early arrival and feeling like a failure for having given in to the crushing, drug-induced pain. I felt like I wasn’t tough enough, wasn’t “woman enough” to birth my own baby. I was embarrassed and ashamed. 

Related: C-section mamas are beautiful, strong & brave

What bothered me most was the fear of never knowing if I could do it without drugs. Childbirth is not like running a marathon or training for an Iron Man. Most people get few opportunities to experience birth; it’s not as if there’s always another race. 

Just as I entered the third trimester of my daughter’s pregnancy, my doctor told me she recommended that I have a C-section. I separated my pubic bone during my son’s birth, and my daughter was diagnosed with fetal macrosomia. In other words, she measured really, really big. 

“The risk for pelvic trauma is just too great,” my doctor told me. 

I reluctantly agreed. 

A scheduled, surgical, medicalized birth was not the redemptive experience I envisioned. Still, I trusted that my doctor and I were making the best decision for my health and my baby’s health. Together we created a plan for my C-section to become the birth experience I wanted it to be. 

3 steps for ensuring a positive c-section experience

Step 1: Hire a doula

A doula is essentially a birth companion. She’s not a healthcare professional, but she’s earned certification from DONA International to be able to assist and educate birthing people. I loved my OB, but the current state of the American healthcare system meant that she was busy with lots of other patients, procedures and appointments. As a scientific-minded individual, I wanted the best of western medicine treating me through my pregnancy and birth, but I wanted a little taste of the crunchier side too. Enter said doula.

The mix of an OB provider with a doula on the side made for a perfect combination. It was the best of both worlds. Anna met with me to discuss my goals for my birth, texted support, went on walks with me to check in on my thoughts and feelings as my pregnancy progressed, and educated me on the process of the C-section. My anesthesiologist generously granted Anna access to the operating room on the day of my daughter’s delivery. My doula took photos and supported and comforted me while my husband was with our new baby. After birth, she made sure I had a care package waiting for me when I arrived home from the hospital, and she met with me, bringing homemade soup and helping me to process my experience. A doula isn’t cheap. But I saw hiring Anna as an investment in my mental health. 

Step 2: Request a clear drape

This might sound strange, but yes, I requested a clear drape for my c-section. No one wants to be lying on an operating room table with a front-row seat to their abdomen being sliced open. But a clear drape is nothing like that. Being pregnant, women cannot see past the bulge of their bellies to witness any slicing, blood, or gore. Instead, a clear drape simply offers a view of the baby being born. During my C-section, a blue curtain shielded me during the beginning and end of the procedure. This blue sheet was dropped during the birth revealing the clear drape so that I could see my baby girl as soon as she made her way earthside.  

Related: These birth photos prove how beautiful clear drape C-sections can be 

Step 3: Skin-to-skin in the OR

An operating room is just that, an operating room. It’s sterile, almost militarized in its efficiency, and there’s a hierarchy at play. My doctor stood by her word and made sure my C-section felt like a birth and not a procedure by facilitating skin-to-skin contact with my daughter immediately after delivery. My anesthesiologist helped to pull my hospital gown down so that my husband could place my daughter on my chest. There’s nothing like feeling the warmth of a new baby. We got to bond and snuggle while my doctor stitched me up.  

On a crisp November morning, I woke up at 4:30 a.m. to a contraction that shook me out of a dream. Oh, that’s what real ones feel like, I thought. I remember that. The contractions quickly became regular. By the time we headed to the hospital just a few hours later, they were two to three minutes apart. After laboring with a mask on, having a Covid swab up my nose mid-contraction, and finally making it to the OR, my doctor informed me that I was eight centimeters dilated and fully effaced. We’d arrived for the C-section just in the nick of time. 

Related: Your postpartum recovery kit: Feel your best after a C-section

Aside from my husband, I found myself in a room of all women, as birthing women have for centuries. 

Through the clear drape, I saw all nine-plus glorious pounds of my daughter emerge. 

“It’s a boy!” my husband shouted. 

“Look again, dad,” my doctor laughed. 

She was, of course, a girl. 

I watched my husband cut her umbilical cord. Anna, the doula, stayed with me and captured each sweet moment with our camera. I felt the weight of my new baby on my chest. It was a surgery; there was no getting around that. But it was also a birth. 

Carrying a baby and bringing that new life into the world requires strength and power, no matter how that baby arrives. Every birthing person is a goddess and deserves some measure of awe. 

Later, blessedly hooked up to a morphine drip and immobilized by a catheter, I cradled my daughter and felt triumphant. From the excitement of rushing into the operating room to the moment I first glimpsed my baby through the clear drape, I loved everything about that day. I was able to experience going into labor naturally, and I’d labored to transition. I felt like the unanswered question from my son’s delivery was finally resolved. Yes, I possessed the strength for an unmedicated birth. 

But in the end, why does this question even matter? Having an uncomplicated pregnancy and birth is a privilege. Having the health, youth and confidence for a home or birth center birth is also a privilege.

Related: What doulas want you to know about giving birth 

Positive c-section stories

Sometimes, the conditions required to achieve a “natural” vaginal birth are impossible to meet. And that’s OK. Because birthing women have nothing to prove. Having a C-section is hard and requires a certain level of fortitude. Carrying a baby and bringing that new life into the world requires strength and power, no matter how that baby arrives. Every birthing person is a goddess and deserves some measure of awe. 

I hope to one day teach my daughter the lesson I learned from her birth. 

That she is, and always will be, enough. 

• I had an unexpected C-section and these pictures tell my story

• My birth story: An unplanned epidural and C-section

• Recovering from my C-section was harder than I imagined

• How I’m learning to love my body again after an emergency C-section

C-sections are the most frequent procedure requiring overnight hospital stays in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. A hospital stay is necessary, because abdominal surgery can cause your intestines to temporarily shut down their normal muscle contractions. These effects can last a few days, while causing considerable discomfort, bloating, vomiting, constipation, cramps and loss of appetite for a mama who just wants to go home after birth.

How chewing gum after a c-section can help

Several large metastudies involving thousands of women have found that mamas who chew gum after having a C-section are able to pass gas and poop sooner than those who did not chew gum.

Gum chewing is a form of “sham feeding,” which is an action that mimics normal eating, but no food or drink is actually digested or absorbed. It stimulates saliva production to reduce post-surgery dry mouth and can wake up your bowels to get things moving. Mamas who chewed gum were able to reduce the time it took to pass gas by more than 10.5 hours and to poop on average nine hours sooner. And in general, they were less uncomfortable during the process and had a shorter hospital stay.

The exact recommendations for gum chewing have not been established, and all the studies varied slightly regarding when mamas began to chew gum (right after their C-section or up to 12 hours later), how long they chewed the gum (from 15 to 60 minutes) and the number of times per day they chewed it (from three to more than six).

In addition to stimulating bowel motility, chewing sugar-free gum sweetened with sugar alcohols is particularly effective in speeding up your bowels and the time till you can head home from the hospital.

Finding this kind of gum is as easy as a trip to your pharmacy. Used to sweeten sugar-free gum, sugar alcohols xylitol and sorbitol are fermented by the gut bacteria in your intestines, which create more gas for you to pass. And they can pull water into your intestines to produce a laxative effect, hastening your need to poop and get the heck out of there.

It’s a safe, practical, inexpensive and well tolerated way to help mamas who have already been through a lot to feel a whole lot better.

Should you pack gum to chew after your c-section?

Even though gum chewing after a C-section is a noninvasive and drug-free way to reactivate your bowels, a few studies cautioned that for many other abdominal surgeries it is not risk-free, because the physical process of chewing has been shown to suppress short-term appetite that could reduce your desire to restart a normal diet, or there’s a possibility of choking.

Even when planned, C-sections are major surgery. No wonder your stomach decides to sit things out for a few days.

All of the studies were classified as having a high risk of bias because most of the outcomes were self-reported, so more large-scale and high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.

But until more robust studies are conducted, a post-op chew likely does no harm, so be sure to pack some in that go-bag, mama, because it can’t hurt.

Sources:

Ahuja V., Macho M., et al. Biological and Pharmacological Potential of Xylitol: A Molecular Insight of Unique Metabolism. Foods. 2020 Nov 2;9(11):1592. doi:10.3390/foods9111592

Craciunas L., Sajid MS., Ahmed AS. Chewing gum in preventing postoperative ileus in women undergoing caesarean section: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2014 Jun;121(7):793-9; discussion 799. Epub 2014 Mar 14. PMID: 24628729. doi/10.1111/1471-0528.12696

Lee JT., Hsieh MH., et al. The Role of Xylitol Gum Chewing in Restoring Postoperative Bowel Activity After Cesarean Section. Biological Research for Nurses. 2016 Mar;18(2):167-72. doi: 10.1177/1099800415592966.

Lepore M, Fitzgerald JE. Gum chewing is associated with early recovery of bowel motility and shorter length of hospital stay for women after caesarean section. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, 2015;20:22. doi.org/10.1136/ebmed-2014-110058

Mäkinen KK. Gastrointestinal Disturbances Associated with the Consumption of Sugar Alcohols with Special Consideration of Xylitol: Scientific Review and Instructions for Dentists and Other Health-Care Professionals. International Journal of Dentistry. 2016;2016:5967907. doi:10.1155/2016/5967907

Mohsenzadeh Ledari F, Barat S, et al. Chewing sugar-free gum reduces ileus after cesarean section in nulliparous women: a randomized clinical trial. Iran Red Crescent Medical Journal. 2013;15(4):330-334. doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.6458

Noble EJ, Harris R, et al. Gum chewing reduces postoperative ileus? A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Surgery. 2009 Apr;7(2):100-5. doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsu.2009.01.006

Nygren J, Thacker J, Carli F, et al. Guidelines for Perioperative Care in Elective Rectal/Pelvic Surgery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society Recommendations. World Journal of Surgery 37, 285–305 (2013). doi.org/10.1007/s00268-012-1787-6

Pereira Gomes Morais E, Riera R, et al. Chewing gum for enhancing early recovery of bowel function after caesarean section. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2016, Issue 10. Art. No.: CD011562. doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011562.pub2/full

Salli K., Lehtinen MJ., et al. Xylitol’s Health Benefits beyond Dental Health: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients. 2019 Aug 6;11(8):1813. doi:10.3390/nu11081813

Short V, Herbert G, et al. Chewing gum for postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015. Issue 2. Art. No.: CD006506. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006506.pub3/full

A version of this story was published Oct. 1, 2021. It has been updated.

“It was a perfect moment. It was probably one of the most perfect moments of my life,” the Kentucky mom told People, adding the biggest shock to her was the baby’s sex. “I really wasn’t thinking about my belly being wide open. I was just like, ‘Oh my God! This really is a girl.'”

The amazing scene was captured by photographer Sarah Hill, who had used Dial as her midwife before. Sharing the photos on Facebook page, Hill, says of Dial, “She was meant to bring babies into this world and didn’t let a little thing like a C-section stop her from delivering her own! To watch her colleagues rally around her and make this happen was so beautiful.”

To make it happen, Dial stayed in “professional” mode as much as possible during the delivery by scrubbing in and wearing gloves.

“I had the [plastic] drape in front of my face and, trying to maintain sterile technique, I couldn’t kiss [Emma],” Dial says. “I just kept bringing her up to my face and looking at her, like, ‘I just want you in my arms so much.'”

The moment was especially significant for Dial, whose 4-year-old daughter and late son were born during C-sections she was unable to assist. (Beyond, of course, the role of mama.)

Here’s what it looks like when a mom delivers her own baby via C-section

And although delivering your own baby via C-section is not for everyone, Dial says she hopes her experience sends an important message to other women who have cesarean births.

“You can still have a great experience,” she says. “It doesn’t mean you have to just be laying on a table. You can still be a part of your birth. Even if you’re not pulling your baby out, you can still be an active part of your birth and have a great experience.”

[This story was originally published on March 15, 2018. It has been updated.]

I had tried almost everything possible to induce labor at home: I walked for hours, climbed stairs, ate spicy foods, bounced on my exercise ball, drank many teas and even tried acupuncture. But nothing worked, and I was beginning to get discouraged.

My labor finally started—but it wasn’t what I expected

As I was organizing the baby’s clothing one evening, I suddenly felt a trickle of fluid running down my leg that wouldn’t stop. My first thought was, “Am I peeing myself?” But when the gush of water got stronger, I knew exactly what that meant. It was showtime!

I called my midwife right away. She told me to monitor my contractions and to call back if they got to 4 to 5 minutes apart. At around midnight, things started to pick up. I was having contractions every 6 to 7 minutes. Sleeping was out of the question—with each contraction I would wake up trying to catch my breath. I knew this was going to be a long night, but I wanted to labor at home for as long as I could.

In the morning, I went to the hospital. They hooked me up to monitors to check on the baby and my contractions. My midwife soon confirmed that I was 4 centimeters dilated and that the baby seemed healthy—but there was a problem: The hospital was full and on diversion, meaning that I might have to leave and find a different hospital. I prayed for a miracle. My midwife told me she would try to figure out what to do, but in the meantime, I could continue laboring in the triage room and hallways.

After many rounds of walking up and down stairs trying to progress my labor, I went back to triage and learned the good news: They were discharging some women and that they would soon have a room for me to deliver in. I was thrilled. Things were looking up and I was so excited to get things going and meet my baby soon.

My epidural birth story

When we finally made it into my room, I had only dilated to 5 centimeters—my labor was moving slowly, despite having contractions that were so intense that I wasn’t able to talk. My contractions just kept coming and coming and I noticed I wasn’t getting the breaks in between them. The nurse was concerned; I was exhausted because I didn’t have any rest periods.

I started to get discouraged. I had planned on having an unmedicated birth—I prepared a lot, and read books and birth stories about women who had unmedicated births, and I wanted that so badly. I always knew there were many possibilities of things not going that way you want during labor, but I never thought it would happen to me. My whole pregnancy was a healthy one; no complications, no bad news, no concerns at all, so I just thought everything should go as planned.

But I was battling by this point. I vividly remember saying to myself, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, over and over in my head while I tried to breathe through each contraction.

I tried everything to get through the contractions: bouncing on my exercise ball, having my mom and nurse do counter pressure on my back, and having my partner help me breathe as I squeezed his hand so hard. I decided to try the shower. But as I walked to the shower in complete tears, I knew in my heart that I had to get the epidural and try to relax and give my body the rest it needed.

The anesthesiologist came in right after I got out of the shower and started prepping everything for the epidural. I was scared; it wasn’t something I was prepared for. When the epidural was in, the team helped me lie on my back to try and rest.

But relief never came. The contractions kept coming and coming, just as long and just as strong. The epidural had failed, and they would need to try again. I couldn’t believe all that was happening, I just wanted it all to be over. Again I curved my back and fought through more contractions in hopes that this second time, the epidural would work.

Finally after 10 minutes, it worked and I started feeling much-needed relief in my body.

My unplanned C-section after epidural

My team was preparing to check my dilation again when the baby’s heart dropped—what happened after that was a blur and all I remember is being terrified. Out of nowhere, about seven different people entered the room: nurses, doctors and other medical staff. I had no idea what was happening. They shifted me around from one side to the next. The nurses tried to keep me calm, while I asked what was going on without getting an answer.

After what seemed like forever, my nurse told me that the baby was lying on the umbilical cord, decreasing his oxygen flow, and they needed to normalize his heart rate again by trying different positions. It worked, but I was feeling very defeated at this point. I was praying for our baby to be okay.

When my cervix was checked again, I was still only about 7 to 8 centimeters; I had been in labor for 24 hours and they were starting to get worried. The midwife explained to me the complications of continuing to wait and that she needed to bring an obstetrician in to evaluate and make a decision as to what would need to happen next. I knew what was coming and my heart sank.

The doctor explained that my cervix wasn’t thinning or dilating fast enough, and the baby was “sunny side up” (or posterior position) which can make vaginal births harder. Because his heart rate had been fluctuating so much, they recommended a C-section.

I signed all the consent forms and I just laid there and cried. My partner and my mom tried to find every possible way to give me the comfort I needed, but I felt really scared. I had never mentally prepared myself for this, but then again, you can’t prepare yourself fully for something you haven’t been through.

My baby was born via C-section

They prepped me for surgery and all I did was pray; pray that we would come out of this well and that this was the best decision for us. I needed to understand that this was out of my control and this was the best choice for our baby. God was with us. Off I went into the care of strangers, but I knew that I was in God’s hands and that we would be okay.

My beautiful baby boy was born at 7:25 p.m. I will never forget hearing his first cry—all I wanted was to hold him and kiss him. My partner held this little bundle of love in his arms and it was the best feeling in the world. He was perfect, he was here and he was healthy.

My son’s birth story had a huge impact on my life. My labor taught me that there are times when I won’t have full control over situations. It humbled me to my core and tested my faith. I learned that I needed to surrender and let God take control.

It’s hard not to be able to fully understand why things happen a certain way, but I truly believe that there is a purpose for everything that happens, even if we don’t understand it now.

[This story was originally published on June 25, 2021. It has been updated.]

That is why we love how moms are posting their clear drape C-sections on Instagram, showing the world that this new kind of Cesarean delivery can be absolutely beautiful. By posting these pictures, mothers and birth photographers aren’t just proving that C-section births are just as Insta-worthy as every other way women deliver, but they are also spreading awareness about clear drape C-sections, which are also known as ‘gentle Cesareans.’

It is important for mamas to know that this is an option you can ask for and it is so beautiful.

What is a clear drape C-section? 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Katie Hamilton, LM, CPM, IBCLC (@mamanurturebirth)

A clear drape C-section can be part of the trend medical professionals call ‘gentle c-sections.’ The clear drape replaces the standard opaque blue one so that mama can look down and see her baby’s first moments (although you can still have a gentle Cesarean even if you can’t have a clear drape—we’ll show you a great photo of what that can look like in a moment).

Basically, the clear drapes are part of a shift midwives and doctors are making to make Cesareans deliveries feel more like births and less like a cold medical procedure. The old standard ways of doing Cesareans have not been working for moms—so birth advocates and medical professionals are working to change that.

Just because a baby needs to be born via cesarean doesn’t mean mama can’t be a participant in her birth experience.

“Gentle Cesareans are a huge step in the right direction. We need to bring birth back to women. Women need options and choices, autonomy and respect. Becoming a mother is one of the most momentous events in a woman’s lifetime—she deserves to have it be her best birth,” says Motherly’s Digital Education Editor, Diana Spalding, a midwife, pediatric nurse and founder of Gathered Birth.

Why the option of clear drapes is so important 

That first time you see your baby is so special and amazing, and most mothers want to see their child as soon as that baby is out in the world. But for many moms an opaque sheet can get in the way. According to the CDC, almost 32% of all births in America are C-sections. In Canada, the rate is just under 29%, and the UK sees a similar rate. A 2018 Instagram poll by Motherly found about 41% of participants had given birth via C-section.

So there’s potential to help a lot of mothers feel more at ease in the OR. The gentle cesarean method isn’t just about letting mama see her baby earlier, it’s also about letting her bond with her baby sooner.

Gentle Cesareans are also about respecting that this isn’t just a surgery, it is a birth, too. “When it’s time for the baby to be born, the doctors help ease the baby out slowly—head, shoulder, abdomen, and then legs—much like what happens in a vaginal birth. Skin-to-skin bonding is often done right in the OR, and sometimes breastfeeding can even be initiated there too,” says Spalding.

Clear drape C-section photos

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LISA GONZALES (@ourlittlestjourney)

Some people don’t want clear drapes, but for other mothers, the clear drapes are a way for them to experience their birth from the vantage point they imagined for the life-changing moment. “With the clear drape, the woman has the ability to look down and actually watch her baby be born (don’t worry—she won’t be able to see much of the actual surgery because her belly will be in the way),” Spalding explains.

Because of the angle mothers aren’t getting a close-up look at the surgical part of the procedure, so clear drape cesareans aren’t as gory as some would assume. It’s really more similar to how a vaginal birth happens in that mom is not seeing everything the doctors are, but is able to see her baby as soon as possible, and that is something to smile about.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BirthPlace at BID-Plymouth (@birthplacebidplymouth)

A gentle Cesarean is a more holistic approach to a standard C-section because it brings the focus back on mom as a person, not as a belly in need of surgery. Often, medical teams try to make gentle C-sections as family-focused as possible, and sometimes are even able to accommodate parts of a mother’s birth plan that would be abandoned with a traditional C-section, like incorporating music or other therapeutic, relaxing elements.

It’s about making the operating room as pleasant a place as possible and respecting mom.

Other ways to watch your own C-section

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kelly Phipps Doula, CLEC, LCCE (@milkandswaddles)

Sometimes, for medical reasons, hospital policy or because mama requests it, the clear drapes are not an option. But that doesn’t mean that mom can’t have a gentle Cesarean. Even with traditional blue drapes, medical teams are making efforts to help mama and baby bond as soon as possible.

Sometimes, that means there’s a little window in the sheet and baby gets passed through to mom for instant skin-to skin-contact. Other times, it looks different, depending on medical need.

We love how mothers and birth photographers are sharing these stories and photos because one thing is as clear as the drapes: C-sections are just as beautiful as every other kind of birth.

A version of this story was published June 25, 2021. It has been updated.

These stories are beautiful stories.

But in the world of social media, I often see just one type of birth story held up as the ideal: an unmedicated vaginal birth (ideally at home, in the water), where a beautiful woman labors peacefully and then clutches a just-born baby to her chest. As a birth photographer, I’ve captured some of these births, and yes, they are beautiful.

But I’ve also seen beauty in other places. I’ve also found immense inspiration at births that take place in the hospital and in the operating room.

C-section moms are beautiful

Cesarean births are beautiful births, and they require immense strength and bravery. These C-section photos capture these moms in all their glory.

In the moments leading up to surgery, a cesarean mother must hold onto the strong and fierce love she has for her baby. She lets fear wash over her… and then she lets it drift away. Although she knows a cesarean birth is the best choice for her, she also knows she’ll endure major surgery with real wounds and scars.

Some women have weeks to mentally prepare for a cesarean, but many have just days, hours or minutes. Suddenly, everything she envisioned when meeting her child has changed: the room she’ll be in, the position she’ll be in, who will be surrounding her. We humans don’t tend to do well in situations of sudden change. And yet these brave women find a way to let go of their pride and connect with an inner strength that allows them to enter the operating room and give birth to their child.

And then the actual surgery happens. The actual cutting and suturing. Full C-section recovery often takes months. And while most of us would like to curl up with a bowl of ice cream and a stack of movies after a major surgery, C-section mothers do just the opposite: they nurture and love and bond with their needy, beautiful babies.

C-section moms are strong

Emotionally and physically, these women are SO strong. And this strength isn’t just necessary on delivery day; this strength must endure in the weeks and months and years ahead—as their bodies and souls heal, crafting new dreams with their little ones in their arms.

Becoming a mother leaves all of us with scars. Some of them are emotional, some of them are physical. C-section moms often have both. And yet their scars are powerful reminders of the bravery and fortitude they possessed when bringing their children into the world. These scars mark the door their children passed through as they left one world for the next. These scars are beautiful and worth celebrating.

[This story was originally published on June 23, 2021. It has been updated.]

We’re sure you (and everyone else) will be busy attending to the baby’s every need. And while that’s great, we also want to make sure that YOU are being taken care of as well.

In The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama, we have an entire chapter about C-sections (and another one about recovering from birth). Here’s what you need to know to have the best possible postpartum recovery after a C-section (along with our favorite products to help the process).

How long will I bleed after a C-section?

Women typically bleed for about six weeks after birth. Many people are actually surprised to learn that this includes C-section births. The primary cause of post-birth bleeding is that the place where the placenta was attached in your uterus is a wound that needs to heal—and as it does, and as your uterus shrinks back down to its pre-pregnancy size, it bleeds.

The bleeding will start heavy and taper off over the course of a few weeks.

Why do I still look pregnant after my C-section?

It is very normal to still “look pregnant” after you give birth. In fact, it may be this way for weeks. This is because your uterus needs time to contract back down to its pre-pregnancy size, a process that can take about six weeks. Be gentle with yourself—it is said that the volume of the uterus expands 500 times during pregnancy, so it only makes sense that those pre-pregnancy clothes will take a while to fit. And speaking of which, let’s talk baby weight for a second.

“Baby weight” is different from an enlarged uterus; during and after your pregnancy, your body holds onto water and fat differently in order to best accommodate your baby and body’s needs. Now I know that in our society, we have a major aversion to the concept of baby weight (and feel strong pressure to “bounce back”), but mama, what if you could flip the script? What if you could look at your softness with pride and love?

If you want to lose the weight, you will. But right now, as you recover, could you just… recover? Could you love yourself with the same admiration that your baby does? Because I promise you that they love every inch of you.

Does recovering from a C-section hurt?

You will have some level of discomfort as you recover from your C-section, but the amount will vary. I’ll share some of the causes of discomfort, but please keep this important fact in mind: You do not have to just suffer through this. If you are in pain, reach out for help. If you are still in the hospital, push that call bell and ask for your nurse. If you are home, call your OB or midwife. You do not have to deal with excessive pain, mama.

Cramping

For the first few days after your birth, you may experience some uncomfortable cramping (especially when you breastfeed) for the first few days. This is because when your baby latches to your breast, the oxytocin hormone is released, which makes your uterus contract (or cramp). This is actually a good thing since it helps your uterus shrink back down to its pre-pregnancy size, but it can feel like menstrual cramps. This is again, totally normal—and won’t last forever, we promise!

Sore breasts

Whether or not you are nursing, your breasts are probably pretty tender these days, as your body adjusts to milk production (and your new little suckling). This is not forever—you’ll feel better soon (but if you’re concerned, call a lactation consultant!).

Incision

It will take about six weeks for your incision to heal, and will likely be at least a little painful while it does. You may go home from the hospital with Steri Strips (little paper bandages) covering your incision, or you may have staples, which will need to be removed in a few days.

Hemorrhoids

Ah, hemorrhoids, everyone’s favorite “congratulations on having a baby” gift. Whether you got them from pushing before a C-section was called, or simply from carrying around a growing baby, you now likely have them, and possible some discomfort from them.

What symptoms should I look out for?

We hope your recovery is totally uneventful. But just in case, here are some big things to look out for. If you do have them, call your doctor or midwife right away (even if it’s 2 am):

• Multiple vaginal blood clots, or a blood clot that the size of a golf ball
• Heavy vaginal bleeding that fills a pad in an hour or two
• Lower belly tenderness
• Redness or drainage at your incision site
• Fever (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above)
• Foul smelling or green/yellow vaginal discharge
• Severe headache
• Blurry or spotty vision
• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Sharp pain in an area of your body (usually the leg) accompanied by warmth, redness and hardness
• Sharp or shooting breast pain, especially if accompanied by a hard spot, redness or a fever
• Feeling very sad or anxious, disconnected from your baby, not enjoying life, feeling excessively tired or worrying about things often*

*If you feel like you want to hurt yourself or the baby, you can call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

So now that you know a bit more about what your recovery will feel like, let’s talk about some of our favorite products to help get you through it.

Bodily

• $50

Belly Band

You need support in all the ways right now, mama. The double-layer belly wraps from Bodily provide targeted compression to help support your belly and lower back as you heal and regain strength postpartum. With velcro to customize the fit and a soft but structured design, it keeps you stabilized without feeling too constricted.

SHOP

$23.99

Nipple ointment

As your nipples adjust to breastfeeding, they may be a bit raw. Ointment or nipple butter can be a total game changer—just remember, if it hurts when your baby latches, it’s a good idea to call a lactation consultant to make sure nothing more serious is going on.

SHOP

Bodily

• $90

C-Kit

Another option? Leave it to the pros. The C-Kit from Bodily has all the things you’ll need to care for your body after birth. From postpartum bleeding to incision care, it’s filled with expert-approved essentials including their belly band, incision-friendly postpartum underwear, maxi pads, mesh undies (a life saver!) and even some educational materials to guide you through the early days and weeks.

SHOP

$30

Water bottle

Staying hydrated is going to help almost every aspect of your postpartum healing, especially when it comes to pooping. Make sure you’re drinking lots of water and eating foods with fiber so you don’t have to strain when you go to the bathroom (that makes hemorrhoids worse). If you are taking iron for anemia, know that it can cause some constipation, so ask your doctor for a stroll softener to go along with it.

SHOP

$12.99

Pads

Plan on wearing pads for weeks after you give birth. It’s a smart idea to stock up on different sizes so that you are prepared as your bleeding tapers off. Since you’ll be wearing them for a while, you may want to consider investing in organic pads that feel extra gentle.

SHOP

$14.99

Disposable underwear

Sometimes a pad can bunch up and be uncomfortable, but these disposable undies don’t! Frida Mom totally gets it and made the perfect stretchy boy shorts that you can use with confidence—and then throw away.

SHOP

$32

Oversized underwear

Comfortable underwear is key. It can be hard to find underwear that doesn’t rub your incision. Thankfully, these lovely undies exist and are a favorite of C-section mamas! They are high-wasted so nothing rubs your incision.

SHOP

$7.98

Breast pad gels

As your breasts adjust to having your milk come in, they may be a bit uncomfortable. Cooling pads can provide a ton of relief in between nursing sessions. But remember, if your breasts hurt, call a lactation consultant. And if you also have a fever, call you midwife or OB—it could be mastitis.

SHOP

$6.98

Witch hazel pads

Tucks pads are my absolute favorite for pregnancy and birth induced hemorrhoids. Fold a pad in half and tuck it in between your butt cheeks for instant relief.

SHOP

Related Stories

Baby Shopping Guide

10 best breastmilk cooler bags that will keep your breastmilk fresh and cold for hours

Self Care

5 guided journals that would make a great gift for any mama

Our Partners

Are you a multitasking pro? These 6 feeding products were made for you

Postpartum Products

The best baby wraps–and expert tips on how to use them

Postpartum Products

15 nursing tops that feel anything but frumpy

Postpartum Products

Yes, there’s a hands-free mirror for looking between your legs–and here’s why you need it

Postpartum Products

13 nursing tank tops you’ll wear every single day

Postpartum

The postpartum wellness class every mama deserves

Postpartum Products

All our favorite postpartum pajamas that are soft, cooling and downright luxurious

Shop

Ingrid + Isabel’s affordable new skincare line gives mamas the pampering they need

Beauty & Style Shopping Guides

Postpartum hair loss is real–these products help

Postpartum Products

8 hands-free pumping bras to make those marathon sessions a little easier

Postpartum Products

9 postpartum undies that make the fourth trimester a little easier

Postpartum Products

14 best nursing bras that are comfortable & stylish

Postpartum Products

6 best lactation cookies for hungry breastfeeding mamas

The Holidays

The 20 best gifts new mamas don’t realize they need

Postpartum Products

As a second-time mama, these are the 21 items I have for my postpartum recovery

Baby Shopping Guide

9 nursing pillows that make breastfeeding a little easier

Postpartum Products

15 stylish swimsuits that make nursing a breeze

Health & Wellness

How to cope with postpartum hair loss

Postpartum Products

17 C-section recovery products you might not think of (but won’t want to live without)

Postpartum Products

8 pieces your postpartum capsule wardrobe *needs*

Shop

Is the Belly Bandit helpful for postpartum recovery?

Shop

There’s a reason these $20 Amazon leggings have over 6,000 reviews

Postpartum Products

How to combat postpartum hair loss, mama (and products that really help!)

Postpartum

These powerful + honest postpartum photos are changing how mothers see themselves

Beauty & Style Shopping Guides

The 8 most flattering jeans for postpartum mamas

Pregnancy Products

Introducing: The Esse Pregnancy Support Pillow—for every stage and need of pregnancy & postpartum

Pregnancy

5 Things to Look for in a Nursing Bra

Breastfeeding

The Medela Sonata Pump Review

Breastfeeding

Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump with On-the-Go Tote

Health & Wellness

9 must-haves that celebrate postpartum bodies—and make us feel seen

I didn’t want to get my heart set on certain things happening, because knowing my personality, it would be harder for me to accept when things didn’t go as planned that way. I didn’t know what to expect because I had never been in labor before. I was giving birth for the first time. So I planned to just play things by ear and see how they went.

As labor progressed and then didn’t anymore, it became clear that I needed to have a C-section in order to deliver Raleigh safely. There was no hesitation from my partner and I—we were OK with the decision.

Motherly's Digital Classes

$10

Introduction to Cesarean births

One in three births are C-sections, and it’s important to be empowered about this (beautiful) type of birth. We will walk you through planned and unplanned C-sections and will share tools that can help with your recovery.

SHOP

I knew C-sections happen often, and I know lots of people who have had them. I have a nursing degree and I did my internship on the same labor and delivery floor of the same hospital that I delivered at. I was in the operating room for several C-sections during my internship.

But what I didn’t know was what it was actually like to have a C-section.

I didn’t know what to expect during a C-section.

No one had ever told me what it was really like to have one, and what to expect after mine.

I wasn’t prepared for the recovery process.

Here’s what to expect during a C-section—and 23 things I wish I had known

Had I known these things, I think my recovery would have been less anxiety-filled, because I would have known what to expect.

1. It is major surgery

Yes, C-sections are pretty common these days. I heard a statistic that said as many as one-third of babies are born this way. But still, it is major surgery.

Related: A brief history of the C-section

2. Getting up to walk is ROUGH at first

It’s going to hurt like heck when you get out of bed and walk for the first time, which they make you do relatively soon after surgery. You will feel like you are 100 years old and you can’t stand up straight. You will likely shuffle around as you remain hunched over. This is NORMAL.

Related: How to have a positive birth experience with a C-section

3. Each day gets a little bit better

You will feel a little bit better with every day that passes. I was told this by one of my nurses who had 4 C-sections herself and was pregnant again. I consider her an expert.

4. Take medication for the pain

You will be offered narcotics in the early days after surgery. I didn’t take the narcotics because I’m prone to nausea as a side effect. But I got some IV medication that was like strong ibuprofen, and when I went home, I rotated ibuprofen and Tylenol for the first week or two. If you can stay on top of the pain, you will be able to move better and care for yourself and your baby better.

5. It hurts like crazy to cough, laugh or sneeze

Holding a pillow against your incision, or pressing on it with your hands might help a little bit. But in those early days, it’s going to hurt, period. I tried my hardest not to do any of these three at first. Some places might make you practice coughing to clear your lungs. (I read that in my baby book.) No one made me do that at our hospital.

Related: Chewing gum after a C-section could help you leave the hospital sooner

6. The swelling in your body will likely get worse before it gets better

You receive a lot of IV fluids in the hospital during labor and during the C-section. These made my already swollen face, legs and feet even bigger before my body started to get rid of the excess fluid. Really, my whole body was swollen. It will go away over the next week or two.

7. Accept help when you go home

Cooking help, cleaning help, child care help. Accept it all because you will need it. Remember, you just had major surgery.

Related: 8 things to do now to prepare for your C-section

8. You need to take care of yourself

Expect to be taking care of yourself in the early days as you recover enough to take care of your baby. I didn’t anticipate how hard it would be to try to care for a baby while I was recovering too. I mainly focused on feeding Raleigh in the early days and Matt did the rest of everything. Once I started to feel and move better, I took on more of the responsibilities.

9. Be careful with how you move

Don’t do anything resembling a sit up or anything that strains the ab muscles. Don’t try to use your abs to sit up from laying down on your back. (Especially if you’re holding your baby. I accidentally did that.) Roll to your side and use your arms to push yourself up instead.

Sleep in a recliner if laying flat hurts too much at first. If you overdo it, you might injure yourself and possibly cause problems with your incision. I tweaked things at least once, although thankfully not to the point of needing to go in for treatment. But I sure did get sore from it.

Related: Secrets to better postpartum care from mothers around the globe

10. Use an abdominal binder

This might help you feel more stabilized as your incision and muscles heal. I didn’t use mine until after a week or so, but I wish I would have used it right away. It would have offered me some support when I needed it badly.

11. Expect soreness

Especially in the scar tissue beneath the incision—this is where I have had the most tenderness since my surgery. Expect the soreness to move, too. One day, the right side might be sore and the next, the left.

12. Ice might help

Buy a couple ice packs or take a few home from the hospital and use them when you’re resting. It will help decrease inflammation, swelling and pain.

13. Expect numbness

You will likely feel numbness and tingling in your lower abdomen around the incision area. This is a normal result of the surgery because of the affected nerves. It will get better with time.

14. Don’t overdo it

You’ll hear this advice offered a lot. I was also told that everyone does overdo it at some point. Once you start to feel a little better, resist the urge to do all the things. If you do too much, you’ll take a few steps backwards and likely have a lot more pain and tenderness for a couple days.

Related: How long does it take to recover from a C-section?

15. No heavy lifting

My mother-in-law had three C-sections and she said she remembers being told not to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk. Really, your baby is the heaviest thing you should be lifting.

This is tricky with a car seat, though. If I went anywhere, I needed to lift the car seat in and out. Add a 9-pound baby to that, and it was really hard not to lift too much. Initially, I got help as much as I could when I needed to go to appointments or on errands. Once I was feeling a little better, I used my stroller to go places instead of carrying the car seat very far.

16. No driving for a while

I was told not to drive until you can slam on the brakes without pain. And sit comfortably in the car too.

17. Watch for signs of infection

Increased pain, swelling, redness, heat or drainage from the incision, fever or chills… Report any signs of infection to your doctor asap.

18. Some swelling around the incision is normal

Don’t worry yet—let time pass and see how it goes. Things are trying to heal beneath the surface, and through all the layers that were cut. It will get better.

19. Start walking as soon as you can

But again, don’t overdo it. Take it easy. The more mobile you are though, the better you will feel. Physically AND mentally.

20. Hormones will likely make everything seem and feel worse

This is normal. However, if you feel like you’re passing the baby blues phase and heading into postpartum depression, talk to your doctor.

Related: Yes, your pregnancy hormones plummet after birth. Here’s what to know about the postpartum hormone crash

21. It’s OK to grieve

You may feel some regret about having a C-section, or grieve the “loss” of a vaginal birth. These are normal feelings too. Give yourself grace. You sacrificed yourself to bring your baby into this world in a way that is truly selfless. You are a warrior.

Related: I grieved the birth experience I didn’t get

22. C-sections are REAL births

This might seem obvious, but a lot of people don’t realize that they consider C-sections to be a lesser form of birth. That they are somehow inferior to those who have had vaginal deliveries. You are not a lesser mom because you had to have a C-section. Remember, you sacrificed yourself completely, you were CUT OPEN, so that your baby could have life. Be kind to yourself.

Related: PSA: C-sections are not the easy way out

23. The C-section recovery is a long process

You will need patience. If you push it or do things you aren’t supposed to, you will permanently injure yourself. Instead, go slow. Do approved core exercises. Again, you had major surgery. Your body went through a lot. Be patient and be kind to yourself.

4 extra C-section recovery tips

1. Prepare ahead of time

Make freezer meals and buy easy to eat snacks and beverages to make staying fueled and hydrated quick and easy. If you are having a scheduled C-section or if at all possible before delivery, stock up on groceries too. Make things as easy as possible for your return home. My go-to’s are granola bars for snacks, and crockpot meals for supper. I use crockpot liners to make cleanup even quicker.

2. Remember, health is most important

A healthy mom and a healthy baby is the most important goal, above all else. Keep that in mind to ensure the proper perspective through it all.

3. Journal throughout the process so you are able to remember the early moments

The hospital stay was such a blur to me. I was really introspective and focused on the aftermath of surgery. I’m very thankful for my journal entries, as well as the photos my partner took, to help me relive that time.

4. Even if you are more swollen than you’ve ever been in your life, you need to be in some of the photos.

I didn’t want to be in any photos in the early days because I looked terrible and felt even worse. But it’s so important to have at least a few of you from that time. You and your baby especially. Those pictures will be cherished by them someday, because they show the sacrifice you made to give your baby life.

My hope is that knowing these things will help make any future C-sections I have a lot easier to plan for, deal with and recover from.

I hope the same for you too.

This article was originally published on LauraRadniecki.com. It has been updated.

Need additional support recovering from a c-section? These products can help

Bodily

• $50

Belly Band

You need support in all the ways right now, mama. The double-layer belly wraps from Bodily provide targeted compression to help support your belly and lower back as you heal and regain strength postpartum. With velcro to customize the fit and a soft but structured design, it keeps you stabilized without feeling too constricted.

SHOP

Bodily

• $139

Scheduled C-Section Box

Another option? Leave it to the pros. The from Scheduled C-Section Box Bodily has all the things you’ll need to care for your body after birth. From postpartum bleeding to incision care, this pre-packed hospital bag is filled with expert-approved essentials including their belly band, incision-friendly postpartum underwear, maxi pads, mesh undies (a life saver!), breast care and even some educational materials to guide you through the early days and weeks.

SHOP

Belly Bandit

• $34.95

C-Section Recovery Briefs

This high-waisted design lays flat and is incredibly gentle against your scar. Silver-infused fibers help eliminate bacteria and odor to keep you feeling fresh and comfortable.

SHOP

Frida Mom

• $39.99

C-Section Recovery Band

There’s nothing better than snuggling your teeny babe–except when those tiny feet bump your incision. The C-Section Recovery Band from Frida Mom offers a soft bumper to protect your tender belly as well as a hands-free way to apply heat or ice. Just slip the reusable packs inside to get the relief you need.

SHOP

Belly Bandit

• $19.99

C-Section Scar Defense

These super thin adhesive sheets not only help improve the appearance of scars, but can also help hydrate and heal surrounding dry and itchy skin.

SHOP