The First Day - What to Expect

When you arrive on the ward following your LSCS you will have:

• Intravenous fluids - a fluid which goes into a vein in your arm.
• A urinary catheter - a tube which goes into your bladder to drain away urine, and is collected into a bag.
• A dressing over your wound.
• Maybe a redivac - a tube which drains fluid away from the inside of the wound into a bottle.

These will be removed by your midwife, usually the following morning. You can start drinking as soon as you feel able. Water is the best to begin with. You can start eating once you have passed flatus (wind from your bottom) or on advice from your midwife/doctor.

Each person is individual with the degree of pain experienced. Pain relief, taken regularly, will reduce your discomfort and help you to move around more easily.

You will be assisted by your midwife to move out of bed usually within 8 to 12 hours after your LSCS. Moving out of bed early and moving around will speed up your recovery and help prevent any post operative problems. When you first try to walk it may feel as though your insides will fall out - don't worry they will not!

Go for short walks early, but ensure you rest as well. When showering, wash and soap the wound site and dry it gently with a towel. Stitches are usually dissolving. If not, the stitches will be removed by your midwife at about six days. The wound should be healed by ten days.

Caring for your Baby

Feeding your baby as soon as possible after your LSCS assists in establishing lactation (milk supply).

Initially, your midwife will help you to change baby and position you both comfortably for breastfeeding.

After an LSCS some mothers may experience a small delay with milk "coming in". Keep feeding baby at the breast regularly.

Tips to Help you Recover

• Do not over-tire yourself,
• Change and bath baby when you feel able. Take life at a slower pace. The kinder you are to yourself and the more assistance you accept, the sooner you will return to full health.
• Your midwife is there to help. Please ask for assistance as she may not be aware of all your needs.
• Remember to eat sufficiently and drink plenty.
• Do not let visitors over-tire you - limit them if necessary. Remember that your partner and midwife can assist you to control the number of visitors.
• A morning or afternoon nap will help you cope with motherhood.

At Home

For 10 to 14 days after your LSCS avoid lifting - e.g. other children, full laundry baskets, nappy buckets and heavy groceries.

It is recommended that you do not drive a car for approximately two to three weeks after your LSCS. After this time begin to resume your normal day to day activities, as you feel able. This will be individual.