In order to recover from a c-section the most important thing to do is to listen to the nurses and doctors. Labor and delivery nurses are specialized in their care and know what to look for and how to recover from c-sections. Your previous health before the c-section will not matter because all women who receive a c-section will require a full 8 weeks of recovery time. After the initial 8 weeks you can go back to normal activities. This will help your abdominal muscles to help heal. If you push this recovery time you will only harm you and your health and it will take you longer to heal.

Another way to recover from a c-section is to stay in the hospital for the maximum number of days that your health plan allows for a c-section. Most health plans will cover a 4 day hospital stay for a c-section. The less moving you do in those first few days the easier your recovery will be. This also allows for ample time for your abdominal muscles to recover and start healing.

Breastfeeding can also help your body to recover from a c-section. Most doctors believe that breastfeeding is the body's natural way to recondition itself after having a child. Breastfeeding will help the uterus contract back to its pre-pregnancy shape. The faster that your uterus contracts back to this shape the less stress is being placed on your incision site.

While you are in the hospital you should allow the nurses to help you with any activity that requires you to stand or reach anything. The hospital staff is there to help you with anything that you need while you are recovering and you should take advantage of their help. You should use the nurses from even the most menial of tasks like walking to the bathroom or lifting your baby. The first few days after a c-section are very hard and nurses will be better able to anticipate your reactions than even the most loving family member can. Allow the nurses to help no matter how embarrassed you may be, it will help you in the long run to your c-section recovery.

If possible hire a nurse or a family member to help out for the first few weeks at home after your hospital discharge. You should have someone to help you with the everyday activities for those first few weeks. There are home care nurses that can help if you are unable to have a family member help. You should stay in bed for the first few weeks following a c-section and let the home care nurse or family member worry about the laundry and dishes that need to be done. Your first priority should be about recovering for you and your new baby.

Investing in a bedside co-sleeper will allow your baby to sleep next to your bed for easier access for the nightly feedings. This relieves any pressure on your incision that could be placed on the incision from getting up 2-3 times per night. You should also consider using a back support band once you can walk upright. This will help your stomach muscles become strong again after the c-section. Taking care of you and your baby will help immensely while you are recovering from a c-section.