What to Expect During Immediate Postpartum Recovery After a Cesarean Birth

Welcoming your baby through a cesarean birth is still a powerful, beautiful experience. As you transition into recovery, your body will need rest, support, and care—just like any birthing person. The first 24 to 48 hours in the hospital after a cesarean can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect, so here’s a guide to help you feel informed and prepared.

🛏️ What Happens Immediately After Surgery

Once your baby is born and your incision is closed, you'll be moved from the operating room to a recovery area. This is often a quiet space where a nurse will closely monitor you for about 1–2 hours. During this time, you'll likely experience:

• Shaking or chills (this is completely normal!)

• Abdominal discomfort or cramping as your uterus begins to contract

• Numbness or heaviness in your legs from the anesthesia

• A catheter still in place to help you urinate while your mobility is limited

• Monitoring for your vital signs, bleeding, and incision site

Tip: If you start to feel nauseated or itchy, let your nurse know—these can be side effects of the anesthesia, and medication is available to help you feel more comfortable.

Skin-to-Skin and Baby Bonding

In many hospitals, your baby will stay with you during recovery—especially if you’ve requested gentle cesarean practices. You may be able to hold your baby on your chest with help from your support person or nurse. If your baby needs care at the warmer or NICU, your partner can go with them while you recover.

Ask your care team about:

• Skin-to-skin contact during or immediately after surgery

• Breastfeeding support during recovery or in your postpartum room

• Delaying newborn procedures (like weighing, bathing, or eye ointment) so you can prioritize bonding

Tip: Having your gown unsnapped in advance can make it easier to do skin-to-skin or chest-to-chest time with your newborn right away.

💊 Pain Management and Getting Comfortable

After surgery, your medical team will help you manage pain in a way that allows you to rest, bond with your baby, and move safely.

• You’ll receive IV or oral pain medications (often a combo of Tylenol, Motrin, and possibly opioids).

• Use your call button—you don’t need to suffer in silence or wait too long to ask for help.

• A PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) button may be used for the first few hours post-op.

• As you begin to feel, you might notice gas pain, shoulder pain, or bloating—all common after abdominal surgery.

Tip: Use pillows to support your abdomen when coughing, laughing, or nursing. A folded towel or abdominal binder can also provide gentle support.

Getting Up and Moving

You’ll be encouraged to begin moving your body (with help!) within the first 12–24 hours after surgery.

• A nurse will help you sit up, stand, and take your first few steps—this helps reduce the risk of blood clots and promotes healing.

• You’ll gradually regain feeling in your legs.

• Your catheter will usually be removed within 12–24 hours.

• Your IV may stay in a bit longer depending on your fluid needs.

Tip: The first few steps may be hard, but movement—at your own pace—is a major part of your recovery.

Breastfeeding After a Cesarean

Yes—you can breastfeed after a cesarean, and with a little support, it can be just as successful and fulfilling.

• Ask for a lactation consultant or nurse to assist with latch and positioning.

• Side-lying and football holds often work best when healing from an abdominal incision.

• Use extra pillows for support.

• Skin-to-skin contact helps initiate milk production and builds your bond.

Tip: Keep your baby close whenever possible—rooming-in supports early feeding and cues.

🧼 Hygiene and Emotional Support

You may not be ready for a shower until the next day—but gentle cleaning with warm wipes can help you feel refreshed.

• Bleeding (lochia) is still expected after a cesarean, so use large postpartum pads.

• It’s normal to feel sore, swollen, or emotional.

• If you feel weepy, disconnected, or overwhelmed, talk to your care team. Birth—especially surgical birth—can be physically and emotionally intense.

Tip: You’re not alone. Reach out for support early and often.

🧡 Final Thoughts

The hours and days after a cesarean birth require grace, patience, and a whole lot of support. Be gentle with yourself. Allow time for rest. Lean into your care team, your doula, and your partner. Post Cesarean Recovery Checklist

This is your fourth trimester, and it begins the moment your baby is born.

If you’re preparing for birth and want help creating a recovery plan that includes cesarean scenarios, we’re here for you. At Birth Connections, our birth planning sessions, childbirth education, and postpartum support are designed to meet you where you are—with love and wisdom.