Recovery

After the surgery, we will move you and the baby to the recovery room. You will be there for around one hour. Only the support person who was in the operating room can be with you in the recovery room. Other visitors can see you on the maternal/newborn unit. 

Our team will move you to a room on the maternal/newborn unit after you are out of the recovery room. We will try our best to give you the room of your choice. 

Most patients will stay in this room for two days before going home. For example, if your surgery is on Monday, you will go home on Wednesday.

Exercises

We will encourage you to practice the deep breathing, coughing and foot and ankle exercises after your surgery to help you recover.

Moving in bed 

It is best if you turn in bed by rolling. It is important to move your knees, hips and shoulders at the same time. This helps to prevent strain in your belly. If you have trouble moving, the nurses will help you. 

Getting up 

It is common to feel dizzy when you first get up. Call the nurse to help you get up the first time. 

Moving around after surgery 

Moving after your surgery, such as sitting up in a chair and walking, is very important. It will help you:

• get your muscle strength back so you can care for your baby
• have normal breathing and prevent pneumonia
• have normal digestion 

The nurses will help you to move around safely. They will also help you manage pain, teach you how to move safely and remind you to move around. 

Your care team will help you care for your baby when you are unable to. You should be out of bed and able to look after your baby the morning after your surgery.