ask for a monkey bar if they don't give you one to help u get out of bed. Remember it's painful to actually get out of bed or a chair, but once your up it's not so bad. Take it easy, ask for help. It's going to hurt, it's surgery, major surgery, take pain relief when needed (don't let the pain get TOOOOO bad as it takes longer for pain killer to work and it won't be quite as effective) and get people to help when you need it. I found the more I walked, the better I felt so while I tried not to overdo it, I made sure I walked the halls and got out of the room when I could. Keep the area dry and clean and as the girls said, brace if u need to cough or sneeze, also when having to get out of bed etc. Umm, let Dh or nurses lift the bub from crib to you for first day, loose comfy clothes and I found a hair drier on low was helpful to dry the wound after a shower.... There will be a burning pain under the skin for a few days/weeks, this is from the stitches thru the muscles. I found GENTLE stretches helped the burning fade quicker as it helped the muscles adapt. Try to keep an upright stance when walking, it's better for your back and wound as it's your normal posture and it will allow the newly stitched muscles adjust to the position they will eventually be in... I'm not sure this is making sense (have two toddlers interrupting me yay). Goodluck honey. It's not toooo bad, but it will hurt and it will take time to feel normal again. But it is so worth it to have a new bub!