Rest is important for any new mom, but never more so than for those who have had a cesarean. Again, remember that you've had major abdominal surgery.

Your emotions may be running especially high as you process your birth experience. You may have had an image in your mind about how your labor and delivery would go. Having surgery was probably not part of your fantasy birth. Or this may be the first time you've had surgery and the recovery is more difficult than you expected. Talk over your feelings with your partner and your health care provider. Conversely, you may not feel negatively about your cesarean, and this is normal, too.

The incision itself is held together with staples or stitches. Talk to your health care provider about whether they need to be removed, as some stitches may be self-dissolving, and when. Usually they are removed within a week after surgery.

The area around your incision may look bruised, red, and irritated. It may itch or feel numb as it heals. This is normal and will go away within a few weeks. Talk to your health care provider if it continues to bother you.