What to Expect in the First 24 Hours After a C-Section

You’ve just welcomed your baby into the world. But instead of resting peacefully with your newborn, you’re hooked to wires, feeling groggy, and trying to process what just happened.

That first day after a C-section?
It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s nothing like the polished Instagram reels. But knowing what to expect can make it less overwhelming.

In the first few hours after surgery, you’ll likely be in the recovery room. You may still feel numb from the spinal or epidural. Nurses will check your blood pressure, bleeding, and incision site, while monitoring how your body responds post-surgery.

Your legs might feel heavy.
Your mouth could be dry.
You may shiver, sweat, or drift in and out of sleep.
All of this is normal—your body is adjusting to both surgery and the emotional intensity of childbirth.

Once feeling begins to return to your lower body, the care team may gently encourage you to shift, sit up, or even move your feet. These small movements support circulation and help reduce risks like blood clots.

And yes—the pain will come. Around the incision. In your back. Even during breastfeeding. You’ll likely have a catheter, an IV line, and a waiting period before solid food is allowed. Every tiny milestone—from passing gas to sitting upright—becomes a strange but important victory.

It’s slow.
It’s uncomfortable.
But it’s also the beginning of your strength returning.

Emotionally, those first 24 hours can feel fragile. You might be elated. You might cry. Or you might feel nothing at all. That’s okay. You’re not just recovering from surgery—you’re transforming into someone new.

At Putchi, we don’t just design postpartum wear.
We see the moments no one else does.

Like when you're standing in front of the mirror, carefully pulling your underwear over a fresh scar, wondering when—or if—your body will ever feel like yours again.

C-section recovery isn’t just about stitches healing.
It’s about processing the birth you experienced, the pain you carry, and the strength you’re still uncovering.

That’s why we created scar-soft postpartum underwear, gentle maternity loungewear, and supportive high-rise pants—designed to stay kind to your incision and your spirit.

No harsh seams.
No waistbands that dig.
Just space to breathe, to stretch, and to slowly feel like yourself again.

If your body feels unfamiliar right now...
If you’re moving slower than you expected...

Please hear this:

You brought life into the world through surgery.
You’re not failing.
You’re healing—one quiet, brave breath at a time.

And through it all—Putchi sees you.
Putchi holds space for you.