Two births, two baby boys, two different deliveries and two different recoveries.

First birth:
At 42weeks +1 I was induced - this led to a 36hour labour which ended in an emergency C-section and the birth of our first beautiful baby boy.
In the back of my mind I always knew a C-section was a possibility once the induction was started but I never really thought I would be having one.. and therefore I hadn’t thought too much about the recovery.

After 3 days in hospital with an electric bed, nurses to help pass me baby to feed, pain relief on tap and someone bringing me food every few hours.. I went home. The thought was scary to start but once back in my own environment and with plenty of whanau support the real recovery began.

First thing was finding a feeding chair with arms to make getting up and down easier.
Second thing was ensuring support at home - husband, parents and in-laws were all on hand. 
Third thing was accepting that a c section is a major surgery and requires a slow gradual recovery - therefore feet up, new born snuggles and allow your people to take care of you.

Pain - I stayed on top of pain relief initially to allow as comfortable movement as possible.
Everything the doctors prescribe is safe for breastfeeding so I took as much as I needed as often as I was allowed over the first two weeks. As things improved and I could move more comfortably I weaned off the pain relief.
I found getting in and out of bed the hardest movement initially - this was tough as I was feeding baby in bed at night so having to transition in and out of bed frequently. As my scar healed this gradually got easier.

Restrictions - no driving for 4-6 weeks, lifting nothing heavier than your new born. This was easy for me with a first born as my main priority was making sure he was fed and happy and when we had to go out for appointments my husband was around to drive us.

Returning to exercise - I started with a slow gentle return to walking - gradually increasing week to week. From memory I did my first 5minute walk at the end of the first week - as the pain settled I added in pushing the buggy and walking hills.
My pelvic floor was feeling good and long walks with the buggy were no problem. At 12 weeks I felt ready to start doing a bit more and was keen to return to running so I booked a pelvic physio appointment at The Core Centre - this involved a through assessment of my c section scar, abdominal function, internal exam of my pelvic floor muscles, check for signs of prolapse and postural assessment. Everything was functioning well and I left with the reassurance that I could make a gradual return to running and other exercise.

Often birthing parents don’t necessarily anticipate a c-section recovery as part of their birth journey and therefore may not have 4 weeks of support available at home - definitely something to have in the back of your mind especially if you have other small children at home already..

Second birth:
My birth plan was for a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-section). My midwife was completely supportive and the plan was to birth at hospital. We had done some learning around hypnobirthing and I was feeling really positive about it all.

At 40weeks + 5 spontaneous labour started and 12 hours later I birthed another beautiful baby boy.
The reason I didn’t opt for an elective c section for 2nd birth was firstly I wanted to experience a vaginal delivery and secondly with a toddler at home I didn’t want the restrictions of not being able to lift him or drive for 4-6weeks.
During delivery I sustained two 2nd degree perineal tears which were repaired with stitches. For the next 3-4 days my perineum was very swollen, sitting and walking were uncomfortable but I was more mobile and able than following the c section.
There was a bit of fear before my first wee and poo but with a bit of perineal support and water spray all was well.
After 1 week the perineal swelling had reduced and everything was feeling improved and less uncomfortable. Over the next week my stitches healed and I could comfortably pick my toddler up and carry him - along with the baby in the capsule. Obviously things felt different in my pelvic floor but I could manage a pelvic floor muscle contraction and my abdominals and core felt stable.

I’m currently 4 weeks post partum and feeling good in terms of recovery. I’m probably more active than this time post c section and have booked in to see a pelvic physio at 8 weeks post partum to get a full assessment of my pelvic floor muscle function and prolapse check.

Every pregnancy and birth is unique just like every baby born is unique. Being as informed and educated about your birthing options is key and making sure you have a recovery plan for all possible outcomes so nothing feels like a surprise!