After your surgery, you will be transferred to the recovery room and monitored closely until your anesthesia wears off.
Your Foley catheter will be removed once you are able to walk without support.
You will be encouraged to eat, drink and walk as soon as you feel ready.
Your nurses will provide you with oral (by mouth) pain medications to keep you comfortable.
These generally include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Alleve).
Everyone’s recovery is different, and some women will need stronger pain medications (narcotics). The narcotics we use are safe for breastfeeding. We provide them in small doses and for a short period of time.
Constipation is common after your delivery, especially when using narcotics, so a stool softener may be recommended.
You will have lots of support in hospital to care for yourself as well as your baby.
The nurses are always available to answer questions and provide help and support, including breastfeeding assistance.
Often a lactation consultant is available for additional breastfeeding support.
A physician will see you prior to discharge home.
Most women spend 1-2 nights at the hospital after a C-section.
The criteria for going home include:
- Good pain control
- Ability to walk around, pee and pass gas
- Ability to eat and drink
Tests that baby needs before going home:
- Physical exam, including baby’s weight
- Bilirubin
- Hearing test
- Newborn screen (Done no earlier than 24 hours. If you leave prior to this, you may need to come back for it.)
If you choose to circumcise your baby, some hospitals offer this before discharge.