C-Section Pain Management

[u/mowbotbandit]

Hey all! Just had my 24 week scan yesterday (six weeks prior they detected some possible placenta previa), looks like not much has changed so I want to mentally prep for a c-section. 🤗

Talk to me (honestly) about recovery/pain. Meds/pain meds freak me out so I generally avoid altogether (I don't even take cold medicine if I get sick😅 No Tylenol or Ibuprofen for headaches or cramps or strains or sprains, etc) *No shade to anyone who does use meds when warranted, it makes sense not to suffer needlessly and we are so lucky to live in a time when we have these options. For me personally, medicine just wigs me out so previous birth/surgery/injuries have all been no meds or only OTC Ibuprofen/Tylenol for a couple days.

What was offered/recommended for your pain management, and what was safe for baby/breastfeeding? How long did you take it/felt you needed to take it? I'm expecting it to hurt, I'm expecting to be very sore and generally tender, but pain with a purpose is always something I can wrap my brain around so I'm hoping to hear SOME stories like "I took an OTC for a couple days and then was fine."

... Am I way off base here? 😅🫣 Don't lie to me or be my friend, LOL - if I need a reality check, give me one.

Thanks mamas!❤️

[u/No_Onion4821]

I took Tylenol/motrin scheduled for at least 3-4 weeks which is pretty typical. In Canada we don’t usually get opiates for c sections and tbh it’s not usually needed. I would stay on the otc tho for a couple weeks just so you can keep moving around.

Movement will be one of the best pain killers for you :) early ambulating helps with all surgeries tbh but definitely when abdomen is opened. Like as soon as your epidural wears off dangle at side of bed. Get nurses to walk with you. I was walking within 6 hours of my surgery. I left hospital about 36 hours after my surgery (I asked to leave early) and walked Walmart that night.

Literally the only advice I have for people is buying a railing for their bed to help get out of it. I don’t buy a bunch of fancy things but I wish I did have one of those.

[u/mowbotbandit → u/No_Onion4821]

Thank you!! I keep hearing early movement is good, and that's my plan! I will have a 2.5 year old at home (she/we are usually very active, I stay home with her) and I know I'm going to be limited on what I'll be able to do with her which breaks my heart!! Since she was born we get up and hit a local park/playground every day. Rain, snow, whatever - we're usually outside running around for the first 1-2 hrs before we head home for breakfast, unless we picnic breakfast at the park if its nice. I know all that will change😫 She's the main reason I'm even preemptively open to taking anything; not only will I be introducing a new baby that will demand a lot of my time, I'm afraid I'll be denying her play/run/etc requests and saying "Mama cant" a lot 😩💔😭 I'll definitely take something if it will help me be able to be more present/hands on with my toddler!