My C-Section Recovery Story: Feeding Struggles, Post-Surgery Shakes, and Navigating Baby’s Health | Birth Story Part 2
After the excitement and relief of meeting our baby, the reality of recovery set in—and it wasn’t as easy as I’d hoped. While Part 1 of my C-section experience went relatively smoothly, Part 2 brought challenges I wasn’t fully prepared for. This is the raw, real side of postpartum recovery: the unexpected hurdles, the tough decisions, and the beautiful moments that somehow still shine through.
The Challenges Begin: Underweight Baby and Feeding Struggles
As soon as I was wheeled out of the OR and into recovery, the doctors delivered some unexpected news: our baby, Archie, was underweight. He needed to have sugar tests before every feeding, and if his levels didn’t rise above a 50, he’d have to go to the NICU. This news hit me hard, and as I was processing it, the shakes from the spinal tap kicked in. I knew this was going to happen, but it didn’t make it any easier.
At the same time, the lactation consultant came in to help me get Archie to latch. I was beyond grateful for her help, but with the shakes, carpal tunnel pain in my fingers, and the inability to sit up due to my C-section, feeding him was a major challenge. My body felt completely foreign, and the whole experience was overwhelming.
Recovery Room Reality: The Nausea Kicks In
After spending about an hour in recovery—though it felt like only five minutes—I was wheeled into the mother-baby unit. As we rolled in, they played a lullaby to mark the birth of a new baby, a sweet tradition that made me smile, even though I was fighting the overwhelming nausea. The nurses were all so kind, congratulating us, but I could barely keep it together. All I wanted was to stop feeling sick and just enjoy the moment.
Once we were in our room, things took another turn. The nausea got worse, and I couldn’t stop throwing up. To make matters more complicated, baby needed to eat, and I had to make a decision right then and there to put him on formula. It wasn’t what I had planned, but at that point, I couldn’t focus on anything else. Archie needed nourishment, and I had to put my ideal birth plan aside for the sake of his health.
But that wasn’t the end of the surprises.
A Rough First Night: Jaundice and The Lamp
Archie’s temperature dropped, and he started showing signs of jaundice, so the nurses brought in the light therapy lamp and placed him under it. There I was, lying in bed, feeling helpless, unable to do much for my newborn. I couldn’t even hold him the way I wanted to. Meanwhile, Doni had stepped into full-on dad mode, caring for both of us.
Though our first night as a family wasn’t the magical, fairy-tale moment I had envisioned, it was still one filled with love, care, and the realization that we were a family of three now. It was far from perfect, but what mattered most was that we were safe and together. Doni didn’t leave my side, and he became my rock, caring for Archie and helping me through every single moment, from feedings to dealing with the aftereffects of the surgery. He literally did everything, and the nurses were shocked that he wasn’t “sleeping like other dads.”
Navigating the Unexpected: The Harder Side of Recovery
That night, I felt completely overwhelmed and helpless. The pain from the surgery, the constant vomiting, the decisions about feeding, and the uncertainty of Archie’s health—it was all too much. But through it all, Doni remained strong, and we learned to navigate the challenges of C-section recovery and taking care of a newborn. We may not have had the easiest start, but we were in this together, and that’s what kept us going.
Key Takeaways From My C-Section Recovery:
Be prepared for the unexpected: No matter how much you plan or prepare, things don’t always go the way you expect. Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Post-surgery can be tough: Between the shakes, pain, and nausea, it can be overwhelming. Allow yourself grace and remember that recovery takes time.
The journey isn’t always smooth, but love and support make all the difference: Though our first night together wasn’t ideal, we made it through because we had each other.
In the end, we made it through our rough first night, and every moment afterward only made us stronger as a family.
Part 2 Summary
Part 2 of my C-section experience wasn’t without its challenges. From feeding struggles to Archie’s health concerns, the reality of recovery was far more complicated than I anticipated. But with Doni by my side, I learned that even when things don’t go according to plan, the love you have for your baby—and the support you receive from your partner—make it all worth it.
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