What to expect in your hospital stay after labor🤰

When I had my first baby I didn’t know what to expect with my hospital stay and I wish I did. But now I officially had my second birth and each hospital stay was so different due to the nature of my deliveries so let’s compare a c-section stay vs a natural birth stay.

1ļøāƒ£My first ended up being a cesarean due to failure to descend so my hospital stay was a lot longer than expected at 3 days. I was so hard to move so there was always someone willing and happy to help. There was a lot of medication to keep pain at bay, they would switch between two so I was never without. They kept my catheter in for a little while so I wouldn’t have to move as much. They gave fundal massages and consistently asked if I had used the restroom or passed gas due to it being a surgery.

2ļøāƒ£My second delivery was a VBAC so I was there for such a shorter time (able to leave 24 hours after delivering). I still had medication for pain but it wasn’t as often nor as strong. I was able to move around as I wanted, and was provided with all the postnatal necessities.

ā¤ļøI hope this gives some insight into what to expect when you go into labor and delivery.

šŸ«¶šŸ¼Follow along for more pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood tips tricks and information!

#lemon8partner #birthexperience #hospitalbirth #csection #naturalbirth

2025/3/16 Edited to

... Read moreA hospital stay after labor can vary significantly based on the delivery method. If you undergo a cesarean section, expect an extended hospital stay, typically around 3 days, due to the nature of the surgery. Pain management becomes crucial, and you'll receive various medications to alleviate discomfort. Hospital staff will assist with mobility and may use a catheter during your recovery to minimize movement. Fundal massages will also be provided as part of your postpartum care. In contrast, a successful vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) usually leads to a shorter stay, often just 24 hours. You'll have less intensive pain management and can typically get moving sooner. Support will still be provided, but you'll likely find that you have more freedom to move around and manage your own recovery process. The hospital will ensure you receive necessary postnatal items to support your healing journey. Understanding these differences can help expectant mothers prepare for their hospital experience and know the kind of support they'll receive, making the postpartum transition smoother. Embracing the uniqueness of each experience, and staying informed can greatly enhance your comfort during this significant life change.

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Autumn Ashleigh's images
Autumn Ashleigh

I have had 3 c-sections and honestly it’s up to the dr on how long you stay in my case, she felt more comfortable with her being the one to release me compared to her coworkers 🤣 so I stayed for 4 days with my last one

✨Ana✨'s images
✨Ana✨

Natural birth was in for four days, c-section was in for a week. To be fair, the c-section was emergency with a lot of complications for both baby and I šŸ˜… we’re both happy and healthy now!

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