C-section recovery: What to expect

Pregnancy and delivery cause major changes in the body. From abdominal pain to shifting moods, learn what's involved in recovery from a C-section.
By Mayo Clinic Staff

If you're planning to have a cesarean delivery — also called a C-section — or you want to be ready in case you need one, you might have questions about recovery. How much pain will there be? What breastfeeding positions might work best? Understand how to take care of yourself and your baby after a C-section.

Treat your C-section wound with care

After a C-section, pain and tiredness are common. To help with healing:

Get enough rest. It's important to keep moving after a C-section, but you also need to get enough rest. If family and friends can help you with daily tasks, let them. Rest when your baby sleeps. For the first couple of weeks, don't lift anything heavier than 10 to 15 pounds.
Seek pain relief. Your healthcare professional might suggest ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or other medicines to relieve pain. Most pain relief medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding.

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March 06, 2024

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Labor and delivery, postpartum care