A Guide to: Cesarean Recovery
Cesarean birth—also known as a C-section—is a safe and common way to welcome a baby into the world. Whether it’s a planned surgery or one that becomes necessary during labour, it can still be a calm, connected, and positive experience. Like any birth, it deserves thoughtful care, attention, and support during recovery.
At Welcome Baby Co., we know many Calgary families have questions about what to expect after a cesarean. This guide is here to walk you through the healing process, offering practical advice, reassurance, and helpful tips to make recovery smoother.
What to Expect After a Cesarean Birth
A cesarean is major abdominal surgery, and recovery takes time—typically about six weeks. However, each person heals differently. Your physical and emotional recovery will be shaped by your birth experience, support systems, and personal health.
Right After Surgery
After your surgery is complete, you’ll move from the OR to a post-op recovery area for a few hours so your care team can continue monitoring you. You should still feel comfortable at this stage, as the anesthesia from surgery will not yet have worn off. Nurses will check your incision, bleeding, and vital signs closely, and ensure your baby is adjusting well.
While some families are able to have some skin-to-skin in the OR, the post-op area often allows for a more comfortable and extended opportunity to hold your baby close. If you’re planning to breastfeed, this is usually when you’ll have the first chance to do so, with support from your nurses or doula if needed.
Here’s what you can expect during this time:
Numbness or tingling as the spinal or epidural anesthesia fades
A catheter in place to help empty your bladder
Pain management through IV or oral medications
Feeding your baby (with support from nurses or your doula, if applicable)
Monitoring for bleeding and signs of infection
The First Few Days in Hospital
In Calgary hospitals like Foothills, Peter Lougheed, Rockyview, and South Health Campus, the standard hospital stay after a cesarean is 48 hours or two nights. During this time:
You’ll start walking within a few hours of surgery to prevent blood clots and decrease stiffness
Your catheter will be removed, and you’ll be encouraged to go to the bathroom on your own
Your care team will help you with feeding, incision care, and learning to move with less discomfort
Pro Tip: Use a pillow to brace your incision when you cough, laugh, or move from lying to sitting.
At Home: Week 1–6
Once home, the focus shifts to rest, getting to know your baby and gradual recovery. Some helpful guidelines include:
Prioritize Rest
Take it easy and give yourself permission to slow down. Lean on your support system to help with everything that isn’t directly related to caring for your baby or your own recovery. Healing from major surgery takes time, and you’ll likely feel sore and fatigued in the early days. Limiting visitors and unnecessary activity allows your body the space it needs to rest, recover, and begin healing from both pregnancy and birth.
Monitor Your Incision
Your care team will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your incision before you’re discharged from the hospital. It’s important to follow these closely to support healing and reduce the risk of infection. Once you're home, take a moment each day to gently check your incision site. You’re looking for signs such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, worsening pain, or any discharge—all of which should be reported to your care provider.
Keep the area clean and dry. You typically won’t need to apply anything to the incision unless specifically directed. Most people can shower normally, but you’ll want to gently pat the incision dry afterward with a clean towel and avoid soaking in a tub or pool until cleared by your doctor. While it’s normal for the incision to feel tender or itchy as it heals, increasing discomfort can be a sign that something isn’t right. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns—your peace of mind matters.
Take Pain Medication as Needed
Your care team will give you clear instructions about which medications to take and when. Be sure to follow their guidance closely—even if you're feeling comfortable once you're home. Most people find they only need over-the-counter pain relief (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen), but it’s important to take it regularly as advised, rather than waiting until the pain becomes intense. Staying on top of your pain makes healing more manageable, whereas trying to "catch up" once discomfort sets in can make everything—from feeding your baby to moving around—feel much more difficult.
It’s also helpful to know that some pain medications, especially opioids (if they’re prescribed in hospital), can cause constipation. After a cesarean birth, it’s important to keep things moving to avoid added pressure on your abdomen and incision. Drinking plenty of water, eating fibre-rich foods (like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains), and speaking to your care provider about safe stool softeners can all help you stay comfortable.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team if you have questions about any of your medications. They want your recovery to be as smooth and supported as possible.
Avoid Lifting
For the first few weeks after your cesarean, avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. This includes laundry baskets, grocery bags, older siblings, or even car seats—anything that puts extra strain on your core and abdominal muscles can increase your risk of pain, delayed healing, or even complications like wound separation.
It can be tempting to push yourself, especially if you’re feeling better each day, but remember: recovery is not the time to “tough it out.” Give yourself permission to rest and rely on your support system. Let others take care of the lifting, tidying, and errands so your body can focus on healing. If you're unsure whether something is safe to lift or carry, check in with your care provider first. Protecting your core now can help set you up for a stronger recovery in the weeks to come.
Support Your Pelvic Floor
Even though your baby was born by cesarean, pregnancy itself places a significant load on your pelvic floor and core muscles. The weight of your growing baby, hormonal changes, and months of postural shifts all affect the strength and function of these important muscles. That’s why pelvic floor recovery is just as important after a cesarean as it is after a vaginal birth.
Seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist—especially one who is experienced in postpartum care—can make a big difference in how you heal and regain strength. Calgary has many excellent pelvic floor physios who can assess your core, guide you through gentle rehab exercises, and help with issues like incontinence, abdominal separation (diastasis recti), or lingering discomfort. Your care provider can give you a referral, or our team at Welcome Baby Co. is happy to connect you with trusted local practitioners. Investing in this kind of support now can make you feel stronger, more confident, and more comfortable in the months ahead.
Eat Well and Hydrate
Healing requires energy—and the best way to support your recovery is by fuelling your body with nourishing, whole foods. Prioritize meals that include a good balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Protein, in particular, is essential for tissue repair and muscle recovery, while carbohydrates help restore energy levels after birth and surgery.
Incorporating high-fibre foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can also help support healthy digestion, which is especially important after a cesarean when pain medications and reduced activity can sometimes lead to constipation. Drinking plenty of water is equally important for digestion, circulation, and overall healing. If you’re not sure where to start, aim for small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day to keep your energy steady.
Eating well during your recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about supporting your body with what it needs to heal, regain strength, and care for your baby.
When to Call Your Doctor
Your care team will give you instructions about what’s normal during recovery and what to watch for—but if something doesn’t feel right, it’s always okay to reach out. Trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or check in if you’re unsure.
Contact your healthcare provider or go to the hospital if you experience any of the following:
A fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
Redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge at your incision site
A sudden or significant increase in pain
Foul-smelling vaginal bleeding or discharge
Difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement
Severe headaches, visual disturbances, or dizziness
Any symptoms that feel unusual, worrisome, or out of the ordinary
Prompt attention can help prevent complications and give you peace of mind. You deserve to feel supported and safe throughout your recovery.
Emotional Recovery Matters Too
Cesarean births can bring up a wide range of emotions—sometimes all at once. You might feel relief that your baby is here safely, joy in meeting them, or gratitude for the care you received. But you might also feel disappointment, sadness, or grief, especially if your birth unfolded differently than you had hoped. These emotions can be complex and unexpected, and they are all valid.
It’s important to remember that a cesarean birth does not mean you failed your baby or your body. You gave birth—bravely and beautifully. The path may have looked different than you imagined, but the strength it took is no less real.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or just not like yourself, know that you are not alone. Emotional recovery is just as important as physical healing. Talking with your partner or a trusted friend can help. You may also benefit from connecting with a therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health, or joining a postpartum support group. Calgary has excellent resources available, and our team at Welcome Baby Co. can help you find the support that feels right for you.
Asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness. You deserve to be cared for, too.
Supporting a Positive Recovery Experience
From your first steps post-surgery to those early weeks adjusting to life at home, every part of your recovery journey matters. It may feel slow at times, but healing is not a race—and there’s no right way to feel. Some days you may feel strong and confident; other days may feel overwhelming. Both are normal. What’s important is that you continue to care for yourself with the same compassion you offer your baby.
Remember, needing help doesn’t mean you’re not doing well—it means you’re human, and that your recovery deserves to be supported. Reach out when you need to. Let your village show up for you. Rest when you can. And celebrate the small wins: getting out of bed with less discomfort, feeding your baby more confidently, or simply making it through a tough day.
At Welcome Baby Co., we believe that every parent deserves to feel supported, seen, and empowered through their birth and recovery. If you need extra help or have questions about what’s normal, our team is always here for you—with knowledge, compassion, and a deep respect for the journey you’re on. You’ve done something incredible, don’t forget that.
We hope this guide will help you feel more confident as you navigate recovery from cesarean. Follow us on Instagram at @welcomebabyco for new blogs and posts on all things pregnancy, birth and babies!
Welcome Baby Co. is a Calgary-based company. We are happy to support all kinds of families through all kinds of birth and postpartum. Our goal is to prepare you for any scenario that may arise so that you can feel confident and empowered as you enter parenthood.
If you have any questions about Calgary birth doulas, Calgary postpartum doulas, breastfeeding support in Calgary or our Prenatal classes in Calgary, please contact us.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website/blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have.