C-section recovery

C-sections are rather horrible, but for a really big baby probably preferable to a vaginal birth. The birth pictures of Zoe in the previous post illustrate the futility of her coming out the natural way. Notice the coned top of her head which I am happy to say has recovered to a nice rounded shape. (Having a big headed husband comes with its drawbacks; at least he's smart which is some consolation.)




The first few days after a c-section are the worst with the incision closed only by staples. The whole concept of small bits of metal holding my lower abdomen together was rather disconcerting and only added to my fear of moving the wrong way, opening my incision, and have various internal organs fall out. Apparently this is a rather common feeling, which was somewhat heartening, and I couldn't find any references to women actually having their organs fall out, so that was even more heartening.

The first few weeks were difficult since my body felt very unstable and alien. I have no idea what happened to my ab muscles or where they went. My stomach was like a flabby bag of fluid, fat, and skin loosely and tenuously attached to the rest of me. Quick movements would leave this jiggly mass to follow at its own sluggish pace as it puddled under the effects of gravity. Rather depressing overall, but after 6 weeks I am happy to report that things have greatly improved and maybe someday soon I will actually be able to wear my non-maternity pants again.