Giving birth is a life-altering experience for every woman. But if you deliver by cesarean section, or c-section, you'll have additional considerations that women who deliver vaginally aren't faced with. Breastfeeding generally is not affected by surgical delivery. But a cesarean is major abdominal surgery, so you need to be careful during your recovery period and follow your doctor's orders. Here's what to expect.

The Recovery Room
Following delivery, you'll most likely spend a few hours in a recovery room, where a nurse will monitor your vital signs and check for indications that the anesthesia used during surgery is wearing off as it should. In the case of an emergency c-section, you may have been given a general anesthetic, which would put you into a deep sleep for the duration of the operation. If the c-section was planned, or if there was sufficient time available, an epidural or spinal catheter through which pain-blocking medication was administered may have been placed in your epidural (around vertebra) area.

In the case of general anesthesia, some nausea is common, but recovery from epidural anesthesia is generally uncomplicated. Once it's been determined that you've recovered from anesthesia, you'll be sent to your assigned hospital room where a 96-hour stay is usual. During this time, your baby may or may not be "rooming-in" with you, depending on your condition as well as your baby's.

Doctors recommend that you get out of bed and start moving around as quickly as possible following surgery. You'll actually bounce back more quickly if you're back on your feet right away. The first time you try to sit up and pull yourself to your feet, you may feel lightheaded and dizzy. Your nurse or partner may help you. Take your time and do it slowly, but do it! You'll be glad you did.

Pain Following Cesarean Section
Whether your surgery involves general anesthesia or an epidural, you should not experience any pain for the first few hours following surgery. Once the surgical anesthesia begins to wear off, however, pain management must be considered. A prescription pain medication, either taken orally or by injection, will help you get some rest while hospitalized. Some hospitals prefer to leave the epidural catheter in place for 24 to 36 hours after the c-section to provide continuous pain relief. Following discharge, you may continue with a prescription for a few days, or you may find regular doses of ibuprofen or acetaminophen sufficient.

Going Home After Cesarean Section
Once you're back on your feet again, you'll probably be itching to get home to familiar surroundings so you can spend time with your baby. Here are some tips to help you make the postsurgery transition:

• Be sure you have sufficient support during the first few days at home. It's common to feel fatigued and to need extra rest following any surgery, including a c-section.
• Eat sufficient quantities of nutritious foods, making sure to include plenty of high-fiber choices. The digestive system often slows down following surgery. Having a bowel movement may take a day or two. Because bearing down can be difficult following abdominal surgery, it's important that you not become constipated. Eating foods such as prunes, whole grains, and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables can help. Your physician may also prescribe a stool softener.
• Because your abdomen will be tender from your incision, it may be difficult to find a sleep position that's comfortable. Try using several pillows to support your body when resting. Holding the baby may also be difficult. Resting your baby on a pillow on your tummy can help reduce the pressure on your incision and may make nursing easier.
• Drink lots of water and urinate frequently.

Emotions Following a Cesarean Section
The emotional impact of a c-section can make you feel like your whole world has been turned upside-down. Some women feel like failures because they didn't give birth the "normal" way. Postpartum depression can add to the feelings of failure.

If you find that you're feeling more than just the "baby blues" following a c-section, discuss your emotional state with your partner, your friends, and your physician or midwife. In some cases, medications can help combat postpartum depression. Don't be afraid to ask for help!

You can find understanding and friendship in a support group where you can talk with women who've also experienced c-section and are struggling with their emotions. Ask your doctor or the local hospital to help you locate a support group in your area. If there are none, find an online support community such as americanbaby.com. You can find support in chat or message boards any time of day or night.

Your baby needs you, and the shortest road to recovery is the one padded with support, friendship, and understanding.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Stein

The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.

Content courtesy of American Baby.