What They Don’t Tell You About Having a C-Section

Hello mamas,

I thought I’d share with you some helpful tips about getting a c-section and what to expect. I recently had my third baby, and have had two c-sections (twins in 2023 + singleton 2025).

I might be in the minority here, but I actually wanted a c-section for both of my pregnancies. The thought of not knowing when the baby is coming, or the chance of my water breaking at 2 am, or pushing for hours, and just the pain of childbirth terrifies me. I qualified for a c-section for my first pregnancy because of carrying multiples, and also one of our twins was in the breech position. For my second pregnancy I asked if I could have another c-section and my doctor said yes. Both c-sections were smooth, and I had excellent care before, during and after the surgery.

I know surgeries or any medical procedure can be scary and be a cause for worry. I want to encourage you that you are in good company and not to worry.

Here are things to know about your c-section:

1. It’s hard to sleep in the hospital.

It’s not just your new bundle of joy that might be keeping you awake, it’s nurses that come at all hours of the day and night. Everyone talks about sleepless nights once you’re home with your baby, but honestly? The no-sleep starts in the hospital. Between the nurses coming in every few hours to check your vitals, press on your stomach (ouch), and make sure your incision looks okay, distribute medicine, and other staff to deliver food, bring important documents to sign – you barely get a stretch of peace. Then you’ve got your baby waking to feed, random hallway noises, and those bright hospital lights that somehow never fully turn off. Basically, sleep is not happening — and that’s totally normal.

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2. Laughing, sneezing and coughing is painful.

Nobody warns you that laughing after a C-section is a full-body experience. Same with sneezing or coughing — it hurts. You don’t realize how much you use your core until it’s been through major surgery. I learned pretty quickly to hold a pillow over my stomach anytime I felt a sneeze coming on. The pain does get better each week, but even 3 weeks postpartum coughing, laughing and sneezing felt like my stitches ripped open. If you go to laugh, sneeze or cough, try holding your stomach to ease the pain a bit.

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3. You still look pregnant after surgery.

You expect your belly to go down right after birth, but nope — it still looks like you’re five or six months pregnant. Your uterus is still shrinking, your body’s holding onto extra fluids, and you’re swollen from surgery. It’s completely normal, but it can be a weird feeling to look in the mirror and still see a bump. Just remind yourself your body literally grew and delivered a baby — it deserves all the patience and grace right now. It took 9 months to create your beautiful baby, thus 9 months of body changes and weight gain, so naturally it will take around a year to return to pre-pregnancy body (especially with diet and exercise).

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4. Period bleeding lasts for four weeks up to two months.

Even with a C-section, you still bleed after birth. It’s basically like a long, drawn-out period that can last anywhere from four weeks up to two months. It starts off heavy and red, then fades to brown, then yellowish. Some bathroom trips it’ll seem like it’s gone, but still wear a pad. You shouldn't use a tampon for at least six weeks postpartum.

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5. You might wake up in the middle of the night sweating.

I noticed after delivery I felt anywhere from warm to hot. Many nights following surgery I’d wake up drenched in sweat and needing to shower. Sometimes the sweat wasn’t too bad. Night sweats postpartum is your body’s way of getting rid of all the extra fluid and adjusting to big hormone changes after birth. Breastfeeding can make it happen too. It can be annoying, but it’s usually harmless and should calm down after a few weeks. Just keep cool at night, wear light clothes, and drink plenty of water. If you get a fever, chills, smelly discharge, or your incision looks red or hurts more, definitely check in with your doctor.

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6. Your lower back/butt may still feel numb.

I noticed this with my second c-section that my lower back (right above my butt) I had so numbness. I asked my OB Doctor about it, and she said it is normal to feel a little numbness a few weeks after a c-section. It didn’t really bother me or inconvenience me, just felt numb to the touch. I could still walk and sit normally.

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7. Don’t be shy to ask for more supplies.

Most hospitals will offer postpartum supplies in the recovery room. This includes postpartum underwear, pads, newborn diapers, wipes, etc. All the supplies in your recovery room are yours, they are not going to reuse supplies for the next patient. Also ask for restock of supplies you find helpful. For me I asked for my diapers with all my babies. Don’t feel like you can’t ask for more of these supplies – just look at the hospital bill before insurance covers their portion haha! They can easily afford to give you extra diapers and wipes.

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8. Be empowered to advocate for yourself.

Yes, it may be your first time having a baby, and you might not know what to expect or what to ask for. The best advice I received before our twins were born was to advocate for myself. I felt uncomfortable taking Oxycodone for pain relief, so I shared my concerns with my doctor. She understood my hesitation, and thankfully, I was able to manage my pain with Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen instead. If you ever feel unsure or uncomfortable about something during your procedure or recovery, don’t hesitate to speak up and talk to your doctors or nurses about your concerns. It’s always okay to ask if there are other options available.

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9. Breastfeeding for the first time is tricky.

You are learning to breastfeed for the first time, and so is your baby. The first few times can be really challenging. It will take a few practice runs before baby latches. I had great guidance from lactation nurses that came to help me with our twins in the hospital. If your nipples are hurting during feeding, that means the baby has a shallow latch. Breastfeeding should not hurt you. It can be really frustrating in the beginning and you may be tempted to give up and switch to formula. Don’t give up mama! You are doing an amazing job and before you know it, you’ll be able to breastfeed with your eyes closed – well, at least in your dark bedroom at 4am haha.

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10. Your back might hurt because of the hospital bed.

Hospital beds are not the most comfortable or supportive. After your surgery, you start to realize just how many core muscles you use for everyday movements. Trying to sit up in bed is really hard and painful after a C-section. During recovery, I asked my doctor about my back pain because I thought it might be from the anesthesia wearing off, but she explained that pain from a C-section is usually in the front, not the back. She said the discomfort was most likely due to the hospital bed — and that they get a lot of complaints about it. I asked for a heating pad, and that really helped.

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