Caesarean section, also known as C-section or caesarean delivery, is the surgical procedure for delivering babies when a vaginal delivery would put the baby or mother at risk. Like many surgeries, recovering from a C-section takes time and care. It’s a delicate surgery that involves making an incision on the abdomen. Therefore, you need to take care of yourself to make a full recovery. A full recovery can take up to 4 weeks but some women have experienced longer recovery time. Your healing duration depends on your health before the surgery as well as the care you receive during this time. There are ways you can recover faster after a C-section.
Here are some tips to help you heal from a C-section.
Limit Movement
After a C-section, you shouldn’t do things that might cause your scar to rip open such as climbing stairs. This is a strenuous activity that puts a lot of pressure on your abdomen. Therefore, doing it often can put you at risk of injuring yourself. It’s important to rest and increase your activity level slowly over the course of the next six to eight weeks. Walking is encouraged to maintain some level of physical activity. However, until you get clearance from your doctor, avoid lifting heavy things, climbing stairs or exercising.
Combat Constipation
It’s normal to get constipated after giving birth due to pregnancy hormones and painkillers. However, this can be a painful ordeal especially after having a C-section. If you experience constipation, use a stool to lift your legs to relieve pressure on your abdomen. You can also eat fibre rich foods, drink lots of water or take a laxative to soften your stool. Natural Remedies For Constipation
Eat Nutritious Foods
It’s important to eat nutritious foods after a C-section to aid in your recovery and to restore the nutrients lost during childbirth. After a C-section, the mother is put on a liquid diet then slowly transitioned to solid foods to avoid bloating and constipation. Once you’re able to eat solid foods, your diet should contain vitamin-rich foods, iron, fibre, proteins and dairy foods. There are also foods you should avoid after having a C-section such as carbonated drinks, caffeine, spicy food and fried food.
Keep Your Incision Clean
Keeping your incision clean will save you from getting an infection as well as accelerate the healing process. Ensure that you take showers (not baths) during your recovery period and avoid scrubbing the area. Instead, use your hand to rub soap on it then pat it dry once you’re done showering. Also, avoid massaging your scar until it heals as this can reopen it.
Wear Loose Fitting Clothes
Jeans and tight pants are uncomfortable even when you haven’t had surgery. Now, imagine how they would feel after surgery. Stick to wearing dresses and loose-fitting tops while healing from a C-section. This is not only more comfortable but also protects your scar from ripping and puts less pressure on your abdomen. To avoid “accidents”, put some unscented maxi pads horizontally along the top of your panties to soak any fluids.
Be Kind To Yourself
Healing can take longer when you’re not taking care of both your physical and mental health. Remember that you just had a child and a major surgery. Therefore, you’re more prone to postpartum depression. Treat yourself with kindness and lighten on self-criticism. Instead of focusing on your scar, pain or how your body has changed, try to be in the moment and enjoy the bundle of joy you just brought into the world. Things You Should Know About Postpartum Depression
Check out 4 Tips Of Toning Your Body After A C-section
