A nurse is providing postoperative care to a client following a cesarean birth

Postpartum Care After a Caesarean Birth

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Activity 

Usually women are encouraged to sit up with in 6 hours after the birth and to resume 
walking by the following day.  Gentle walking helps with digestion and gas and also 
improves circulation, which decreases the risk of a blood clot.  Frequent walking can also 
help to ease the pain and discomfort of recovery.  It is still important for women to “take 
it easy” after surgery.  Arrange for family/friends if possible to help with meals, 
housework and childcare.  By 6-8 weeks postpartum women can usually return to their 
normal routine.  However, in the initial 6 weeks it is important to avoid driving, minimize 
walking on stairs and to avoid heavy lifting to avoid straining your abdominal muscles.  
You should not be lifting anything heavier than your baby and do not lift the baby in the 
carseat.  When lifting, try to use your arms by holding them close to your body and bend 
your knees, rather than use your abdominal muscles.

Pain Relief

Women are usually given morphine, which provides pain relief for the initial 24 hours 
post operation.  It can cause nausea and/or itchiness, which can be treated by 
medications.  Ask your nurse if you are experiencing these symptoms if you can take a 
medication to remedy the symptom.  Women usually start to feel the pain from the 
operation at about 24 hours. It is normal to experience pain around the site of the incision, 
the pain should improve over time.  Medication is prescribed or over the counter 
medication is recommended in the hospital. Once discharged home, extra strength 
ibuprofen and extra strength Tylenol can be used to manage the pain.  These are safe for 
you to take while breastfeeding.  Do not take more than 4000mg/day of Tylenol or 2400 
mg/day of ibuprofen.  Do not take ibuprofen if you are taking Naproxen or Diclofenac.  
Always ask a pharmacist if medications are compatible before taking if 
you are taking other medications.

Incision Care

Before going home the dressing will be taken off of your incision. If staples were used 
they can be removed by your midwife at home or by the OB in her/his office on day 3-4 
postpartum.  It is okay for your incision to get wet when bathing; however, make sure 
that it dries well afterwards. Symptoms of infection include: fever, swelling, redness, 
pussy discharge, and pain around the incision. If you are experiencing any of these 
symptoms in the hospital tell your nurse, if you are at home then notify your midwife. It 
is normal for watery fluid to leak from your incision, if there is blood in it, it has a foul 
smell or there is a lot of fluid please inform your midwife.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can usually be initiated soon after the delivery while the woman is in the 
recovery room.  Once the mother is able to sit up, she may find the football hold to be the 
easiest position.  The cross cradle hold may be uncomfortable as it puts pressure on the 
mother’s abdomen.  After a Caesarean birth it may take a little bit longer for the woman’s 
milk to “come in”, it usually takes 3-4 days. Until the milk comes in, the baby usually 
gets enough nutrition from the mother’s colostrum. It may be recommended that a 
woman pump her breasts postpartum to encourage the milk to come in earlier and/or to 
supplement with formula with a tube at the woman’s breast. If a baby needs to receive 
formula as a supplement this is an effective way for baby to receive the formula and to 
nurse and stimulate the mother’s breasts at the same time.

Nutrition

Post operation women usually start with clear fluids and gradually progress to a regular 
diet over the first couple of days.  It is important to eat nutrient rich, easy to digest foods.  
Avoid foods that cause gas (brocolli, beans, cabbage and onions) and avoid foods that are 
overly processed.  Drink lots of water, and eat fruits and vegetables and other high fiber 
foods to prevent constipation.  

Elimination

Once the woman is mobile the urinary catheter is removed.  Women who have had an 
indwelling catheter are at an increased risk of a urinary tract infection.  If you have any 
symptoms of stinging and/or burning with urination tell your nurse if in the hospital, or 
notify your midwife if you are at home. It is normal for women to feel gassy after the 
surgery.  Drinking peppermint tea and gentle walking will “get your bowels moving”.  
Taking a stool softener, eating high fiber foods and drinking plenty of water will help to 
prevent constipation.  Many women do find it difficult to have their first bowel 
movement, allowing yourself to have plenty of time in the bathroom can help, as well as 
holding your abdominal muscles together, and trying to avoid straining. 

Emotional Support

Many women experience different emotions after having a Caesarean birth. There is a 
wide spectrum of normal emotions.  Some women feel a sense of relief, others may feel 
angry or sad that they did not have the experience that they had planned for. It is 
important to speak with your partner, friends and/or midwife about your birth experience 
and how you are feeling.  It is common for women to want to mentally process their 
experience and many have questions after the birth regarding why certain decisions were 
made.  If you have any concerns or want to spend some time talking over how you are 
feeling or the details of your birth discuss it with your midwife.
Alert your midwife if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

● Fever

● S

● I

● H

● F

● L

● D

● S

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