Phase 3 – Care During Recovery
Congratulations, mom. You did it. After your delivery, you will notice a few items in addition to a new baby. In the OR, a doctor will cover your incision with a clean dressing – or bandage – that should remain in place through your hospital stay. A urinary catheter will have been placed before your surgery and will stay in place until your anesthesia wears off, you can stand, and you’re clinically stable.
You’ll notice a machine called a sequential compression device at the foot of your bed. This machine is used to promote blood flow and prevent blood clots by gently squeezing your legs from time to time. It is important to use this machine as much as possible since pregnancy and surgery both increase the chance of blood clots.
In the first few hours after surgery, please do not get out of bed without help from your nurse. While we were not expecting surgery and delivery to be pain free, our team will use multiple tools to help control your pain after your procedure.
These include long-acting medications in your spinal anesthetic, local numbing medications for your incision site, IV pain medications, and pain medications you take by mouth. We might also suggest early walking and relaxation techniques. Nurses will pay attention to your bowel habits. We will be sure to check on your mental health. Your comfort and needs are our priority.
It is also helpful to have your partner, relative, or friend stay with you to help with your new baby. When possible, we encourage you to keep your baby with you in your room during your stay in our hospital because close contact promotes bonding, infant feeding, and overall recovery.
If your baby needs medical attention or to be observed by providers, they will stay in the nursery or the neonatal intensive care unit or NICU.
Your partner or loved one is welcome to go along with the baby or stay with you. When the feeling has returned to your legs and you can wiggle your toes and bend your knees, you can visit your baby in the nursery or NICU.
At University Health, we know it takes a team. So we’ve created one… just for you. A lactation consultant, medical management assistant, social worker, community health care worker, physical therapist, mental health specialist, and or pharmacist may visit or call your room.
We know most moms are ready to get home. Depending on your clinical situation, you can expect to discharge once you are tolerating your diet, have your pain under control, have no sign of a fever or infection, have appropriate expected lab values, and are able to get up and care for yourself. Each patient has different needs. Some can go home earlier than our usual 2-3 days, while others may require some assistance to continue their recovery.
Before discharge, a team member will visit you and explain follow up care for you and your baby. Your prescriptions will be filled, and we’ll talk to you about what your body will look and feel like as it’s healing.
Lastly, your dressing or bandage will stay in place for seven days. Our care team will schedule you a follow up appointment in our offices to evaluate your recovery. We will send you home with CHG solution and instructions for incision care.
If you have clinical concerns that need immediate or urgent attention before your one week appointment, we’ll give you contact information to reach us. In the case of an emergency, we encourage you to go the emergency room.
At University Health, we know that you have choices, and we are honored to guide you and your family through this important journey in your life. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to serve you. Thank you.