According to the National Center for Health Statistics, nearly 37 percent of U.S. babies were born via Cesarean section in 2013. A C-section is not something to be taken lightly. It is major abdominal surgery, and can save the lives of both mother and baby. What can you expect if your doctor has recommended you have a C-section?
Alone time: Although each hospital has its own policies, most will transport post-op mom to the recovery area while her baby is taken to the nursery for cleaning up and an initial exam. This will allow you to relax and dad can often accompany your baby. You'll slowly feel your legs again. They will itch and tingle as they go.
Walking may be difficult after surgery. You might find yourself hunched over, unable to move from one place to the next. You can take it slow and ask for help to regain your feet.
Some discomfort: Achoo? It's more like "ah-ouch!" You may feel a little numb after a C-section. Your sneezing, coughing, and even yawning can cause you to feel uncontrollable pain. If you feel uncomfortable, support your belly by placing a pillow or palm lightly on your stomach. You may feel a tugging sensation if your doctor closes your incision with staples.
Are you a little scared? Here's a tip. Don't look at your incision. While you are in the hospital, your doctor and nurses will be closely watching it so you don't need to inspect it. This incision may seem scary if this is your first C section. Do not panic. Instead, grab your baby and squeeze.
Fear of the toilet: After your catheter is removed, your nurses will encourage your to use the bathroom. It can be scary to go to the bathroom after surgery. You may feel as if you have lost the ability to urinate. You can relax, sip some water, and it will come eventually.
Additional hospital time: You can expect to stay longer in hospital after your baby's birth, regardless of whether you had a scheduled, unscheduled or emergency C-section. Although policies vary from one hospital to the next, a typical stay of 4-5 days can be expected. You may require a longer stay if you have complications after birth.
Breastfeeding can be complicated. It's okay to start breastfeeding immediately, even in the recovery room. If you have difficulty holding your baby close to your breast after a C section, a lactation consultant can help you find a comfortable position.
It's not a big deal. Your doctor may take out your staples at the hospital. Or, you can visit the office within a few days of your discharge. No matter what your situation is, staple removal is not a big deal. There may be a slight tugging or no sensation at all.
Since every baby grows at his/her own pace, measure the baby's height for the best fit. It is much more accurate than going off of the baby's age. Call us with any questions and we will be happy to help you determine the best fit for your baby.
Size | Weight | Height |
---|---|---|
Newborn (NB) | 5-8 Ibs. / 2.3-3.6 kg | 17-21 in. / 43.2-53.3 cm |
0-3M | 6-12 Ibs. / 3.6-5.4 kg | 21-24 in. / 53.3-61 cm |
0-6M | Up to 16 Ibs. / Up to 7.3 kg | 17-21 in. / 43.2-53.3 cm |
3-6M | 12-16 Ibs. / 5.4-7.3 kg | 24-26 in. / 61-66 cm |
3-9M | 12-20 Ibs. / 5.4-9.1 kg | 24-28 in. / 61-71.1 cm |
6-9M | 16-20 Ibs. / 7.3-9.1 kg | 26-28 in. / 66-71.1 cm |
12M | 20-24 Ibs. / 9.1-10.9 kg | 28-30 in. / 71.1-76.2 cm |
18M | 24-28 Ibs. / 10.9-12.7 kg | 30-32 in. / 76.2-81.3 cm |
24M / 2T | 28-32 Ibs. / 12.7-14.5 kg | 32-34 in. / 81.3-86.4 cm |
3T | 32-35 Ibs. / 14.5-15.9 kg | 34-38 in. / 86.4-96.5 cm |
4T | 35-39 lbs. / 15.9-17.7 kg | 38-40 in. / 96.5-101.6 cm |
5T | 39-43 lbs. / 17.7-19.5 kg | 40-44 in. / 101.6-111.8 cm |
Garments are designed to fit snug for child's safety.
Size | Weight | Height |
---|---|---|
6M | 12-16 Ibs. / 5.4-7.3 kg | 24-27 in. / 61-68.6 cm |
12M | 16-20 Ibs. / 7.3-9.1 kg | 27-30 in. / 68.6-76.2 cm |
18M | 20-24 Ibs. / 9.1-10.9 kg | 30-33 in. / 76.2-83.8 cm |
24M / 2T | 24-28 Ibs. / 10.9-12.7 kg | 33-35 in. / 83.8-88.9 cm |
3T | 28-32 Ibs. / 12.7-14.5 kg | 35-39 in. / 88.9-99.1 cm |
4T | 32-36 Ibs. / 14.5-16.3 kg | 39-42 in. / 99.1-106.7 cm |
5T | 36-42 Ibs. / 16.3-19.1 kg | 42-44 in. / 106.7-111.8 cm |
Size
|
Waist
|
Height
|
---|---|---|
4
|
17-19 inches
|
39-41 inches
|
5
|
19-20 inches
|
41-45 inches
|
6
|
20-22 inches
|
45-46 inches
|
7
|
22-23 inches
|
47-50 inches
|
8
|
23-24 inches
|
50-54 inches
|
10/12
|
24-25 inches
|
54-58 inches
|
14/16
|
25-27 inches
|
58-62 inches
|
18/20
|
27-28 inches
|
62-67 inches
|
Size | Waist | Height |
---|---|---|
4 | 17-19 inches | 39-41 inches |
5 | 19-20 inches | 41-45 inches |
6 | 20-21 inches | 45-46 inches |
6x | 21-22 inches | 46-48 inches |
7/8 | 22-23 inches | 48-52 inches |
10/12 | 23-25 inches | 52-58 inches |
14 | 25-27 inches | 58-61 inches |
16 | 27-29 inches | 61-63 inches |