I had no idea the picture above was taken until viewing pictures today. My dear husband reached out to reassure me during the c-section. C-Section? What? Yeah, this isn’t my birth story (that’s for another time) but I did end up having to get a C-Section.

In the hospital, I didn’t think much about recovering. I focused on feeding Miranda and being there for her every second she needed me. This meant keeping her in our room and holding her as much as I can. I slept in a sitting up position with the assistance of the hospital bed.

About the third day in the hospital, they took out the urinary catheter. Up until this point, I guess I took peeing and walking around for granted. As much as I had hated the thought of a catheter, I never felt it and I was able to sit and be with Miranda. The problem with this is that it wasn’t until the fourth day that I moved around. This was the first day I really felt pain from the c-section. My pain went from a two to an eight. The nurses all said this was completely normal and that the pain will go away.

It’s more about what they didn’t say that made a difference Sunday night. Sunday night was our first night at home. Thankfully we had everything ready in the room. The travel crib was by the bed, diaper genie ready be fed, and humidifier running. I had no idea the most impactful part of the night would be focused on me and not Miranda.

Turns out that I had no idea how to sleep in my bed. Just getting up to the height of my bed was a HUGE chore that almost wiped me out. Never thought our modest bed was much,but that all changes when moving causes you to feel like you may rip yourself in half.

For our next trick, try laying down for that long wanted sleep. Oh wait, that hurts like a B#$@@! Holy cow. For the life of me, I could not find a position that felt good. Laying down flat on my back was so painful, I almost blacked out. Laying on my side and curling up, did not relieve the pressure. The only thing that helped was using as many pillows as I can find to prop myself up. Even that wasn’t fully enough. After literal screams and crying, I was propped up enough to sleep. I need to be propped up even more tonight to help ease some of the pain.

Why did no one tell me that I was going to have a hard time finding a way to sleep? Why didn’t a nurse tell me to set up pillows to be propped up in order to get through the night? Other moms told me to make sure to take it easier, and I should have listened. Again and again, I think I can do everything and the last few nights the world has yelled to me that I cannot. Today, I’m listening. Monday, the grandparents took care of Miranda without me allowing me to grab a couple hours of sleep that I needed (propped up). I needed this so much. After a shower, I felt like myself again. In pain, but myself.

So yes,I will listen universe. And I love to let the village help raise my beautiful daughter.

My advice to future first time moms who end up with a c-section..recovery is a bitch. It hurts. ALOT. Constantly. Walking through the house is no joke sometimes. I sit on the toilet using the assistance of rails that hold towels. You will not get comfortable. (I have no idea how long it will take me to heal). It will feel constantly like you are tied too tightly around your middle section. Get help. Take help. And most important of all…take it slow. Hour by hour.

I’m taking it slow, taking my pain pills and through the pain, I look at the angel next to me and know that I can get through this.

Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013, 9:30 am   |   And Baby Makes Three  |  RSS feed |  Respond  |  Trackback