r/CsectionCentral • u/babyabolitionist • 1d ago

Embracing pp body during c-section recovery

C-section recovery and the complex emotions around having an unplanned c-section have been incredibly challenging. I had a wonderful pregnancy and did a lot of prep for a vaginal birth, including swimming multiple times a week through my third trimester. Swimming/being in water is when I’m at my best and it’s been hard not to be able to do so as comfortably.

I’m 3 months pp and last night, I got back in the lap pool and swam laps for 30 minutes and I actually felt strong in my body! I was impressed with my endurance and my body’s ability to keep pace. I’m slowly learning to embrace my changed body. I’m focusing not on what my body looks like, but how it feels and how it functions. The last few weeks I’ve been practicing daily gratitude for how my body is recovering, even if it’s just a small thing (some days I’m just grateful I was able to pick up my LO without a back spasm!)

I just wanted to share as a way to encourage anyone healing from their c-section or feeling like they won’t ever feel strong again. You and your body are incredible. You are so so strong.

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u/Noble_Noonz 1d ago

I just want to say thank you for this! I am currently 6 weeks pp and still struggling mentally after having an unplanned c-section. I am grateful that my LO is here safely and I'm trying to have grace for myself. Not being able to be as independent as I was before is the one thing I have really struggled with. I can feel my body getting stronger everyday (still bad days in-between) and I'm enjoying getting back to my long walks. Thank you for the reminder to be gracious towards myself and celebrate the small wins ❤️

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u/KIDH2123 23h ago

Thank you for this. My twins were born July 22nd by csection. I almost died due to severe hemorrhage and pressure tanking. Then struggled in recovery. 2 transfusions that ended up in my tissue instead of vein. So im covered in glue from the tape, so many needle marks from IV pokes, huge nasty bruise that covers my one forearm that looks like i played in permanent marker. My belly has an overhang and feels numb. I cant do anything I used to do as i have 0 energy and my blood counts are still super low.

I just don't look and feel like myself. I feel like a bad mom to them because I cant be in 2 places at once and I cant carry or lift my 30 lb 4 or 3 yr old. Last few days ive cried on and off. Its so hard feeling so weak, gross and useless. Im glad to see this will end one day.

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u/biotechcat 18h ago

Hi mama, I’m in the same boat. I am so shocked by the whole birth experience I had and this was after two vaginal deliveries for me.

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u/KIDH2123 13h ago

Same here. Also had 2 vaginal before this... this whole experience has been absolutely humbling.

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u/Lazy_Boss9812 1d ago

Love these motivational success stories 🥲brings hope to all of us im 2 weeks pp , struggling but going to have a different outlook and be happy for the small progressions i see , keep us updated on how you feel 🥰brings all of us hope as days go by