A cesarean delivery complicates the postpartum recovery for the simple reason that it is major abdominal surgery. Respect the fact that your body needs to heal. Don't downplay the pain or try to ignore it in an attempt to get your life back to “normal.” Take pain medication as you need it and according to what the doctor prescribes.

Just like mothers who have delivered vaginally, your uterus needs to shrink, your bladder may become distended, you may become constipated (surgery may temporarily decrease the motility of the intestines), and your breasts may become engorged.

Although it's painful, moving, even gingerly, is the best way to recover more quickly. If you need pain medication to get up and walk a little, take it. Support your incision by holding a pillow over it. While you may feel like you want to bend forward as you walk, try to stand up straight.

Nurses will be checking for rumblings in your stomach and intestines. A few hours after delivering, take sips of water. If you can tolerate water without vomiting or nausea, you will move to broth and Jell-O; and then finally to semi-soft foods.