When you've had a C-section, you're recovering from major surgery and need to treat yourself accordingly. Sleep when baby sleeps and stay away from strenuous activity and heavy lifting (nothing heavier than baby, as a general rule). Use a bed pillow or a nursing pillow (Boppy) to hold your baby without pressuring your incision. Pain medication may be prescribed; if you're breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about judicious use.

Your doctor will recommend six weeks of rest and recuperation (within limits — you are a new mom, after all), and you'll be advised not to drive during that time as well. Second or subsequent C-section moms might recover a bit quicker, just because they know what to expect and treat themselves accordingly. Above all, don't push yourself or you'll set your recovery back even further.