Cesarean Surgery: What Happens During the Procedure, Recovery Process, and Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

Anna Kogan
Oct 1, 2024
4 min read

As a Registered Nurse (RN) and Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS), I’ve supported many moms through cesarean births, helping them understand what happens during surgery, how to recover, and how to navigate breastfeeding after the procedure. Cesarean sections (C-sections) are major surgeries, and understanding the process and recovery can make a significant difference in how you feel and heal postpartum. In this post, I'll walk you through what happens during a cesarean surgery, the recovery process, and tips for breastfeeding and improving your healing journey.

What Happens During a Cesarean Surgery?

A cesarean surgery is performed when a vaginal birth is not possible or safe for the mother or baby. Whether planned or emergent, a C-section typically follows these steps:

Preparation: You'll receive anesthesia, either a spinal block or an epidural, which numbs your lower body. In some emergency cases, general anesthesia may be used. The surgical team will prepare the sterile field by cleaning your abdomen and placing a surgical drape to keep the area clean and to shield you from seeing the procedure if you prefer.
Incision: The surgeon makes a horizontal incision just above the pubic hairline (called a bikini incision). In some cases, a vertical incision is necessary, but this is less common.
Delivery of Baby: Once the uterus is opened, the doctor will gently guide the baby out. You may feel some tugging or pressure, but it shouldn't hurt. After the baby is born, they are usually shown to you, and the medical team ensures the baby is breathing well and healthy.
Closing the Incision: After the baby and placenta are delivered, the surgeon closes the uterus and abdominal incisions with dissolvable stitches and sometimes staples.

Cesarean births take about 45 minutes to an hour. Your baby can often be brought to your chest for skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible.

Recovery Process After a Cesarean Birth

Recovery from a C-section involves healing from both the incision and the internal changes your body has gone through during pregnancy and childbirth. Here’s what to expect:

Initial Hospital Stay (2-4 Days): You’ll likely stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery to monitor your incision and overall recovery. Pain relief is usually provided through medication, and getting up and moving (slowly) as soon as possible is recommended to help prevent complications like blood clots.
Incision Care: The incision site will be monitored, and you will be given instructions on keeping it clean and dry. It’s normal to feel tenderness or discomfort, and your doctor may prescribe pain medication to help.
Mobility: Walking as soon as you're able can aid recovery by improving circulation and helping with digestion. You may feel discomfort in your abdomen, but staying mobile is crucial for faster healing.
Rest: While it’s essential to move, remember that rest is equally vital. Cesarean surgery is a major operation, and it takes time to heal. Don’t push yourself too hard, and accept help from loved ones to care for your baby during this time.

Tips for Better Recovery

To aid in healing and provide comfort during your recovery, here are some practical tips:

High-Waisted Pants and Underwear: Opt for high-waisted underwear and pants that sit above the incision site to avoid irritation and pressure on your scar. These items can provide extra support to your abdomen, making it easier to move around.
Scar Care: Once your incision has healed, you can start using scar creams to promote healing and minimize scarring. Look for creams with silicone, which can help reduce scar thickness and improve the overall appearance. Silicone strips are another effective option and can be worn daily to protect and heal the scar.
Peri Bottle: Using a peri bottle with warm water can help cleanse the vaginal area gently, especially after using the bathroom. It’s also helpful if you’re dealing with any postpartum discomfort like swelling or soreness.
Abdominal Support Band: Some women find relief by wearing an abdominal support band during the early stages of recovery. It provides gentle compression and support to the abdominal muscles, which can help ease discomfort and promote healing.

Breastfeeding After a Cesarean

Breastfeeding after a cesarean can be different from breastfeeding after a vaginal birth, mainly because you’re recovering from surgery. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Skin-to-Skin Contact: Initiate skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible after delivery. This helps with bonding and stimulates the release of oxytocin, which encourages milk production and supports breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Positions: Finding a comfortable breastfeeding position after a cesarean is essential. You may prefer positions that don’t put pressure on your abdomen, such as the football hold, side-lying position, or using a pillow to prop your baby while sitting upright.
Manage Pain: Take your prescribed pain medication to stay comfortable, which will help you feel more capable of breastfeeding. Pain can inhibit milk letdown, so staying on top of pain management is essential.
Ask for Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your partner, nurses, or lactation consultants to help you position your baby and ensure a good latch.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished: After surgery, it’s crucial to keep your body well-hydrated and nourished. Drink plenty of water, and eat balanced meals to support your milk supply and overall healing.

A cesarean birth is a major surgery, but with the right care and approach, your recovery can be smooth, and breastfeeding can be a successful and rewarding experience. By understanding what happens during surgery and focusing on your postpartum care—both physically and emotionally—you can feel more empowered and confident as you recover and bond with your baby.

High-waisted pants, proper scar care, and the support of a peri bottle will make your journey more comfortable, while thoughtful breastfeeding strategies will help you establish a strong nursing relationship after surgery.

If you have any specific questions or need additional support during your recovery, feel free to reach out! I’m here to help you navigate this important time.