Will I need more time to recover from C-sections than from vaginal birth? Are there any precautions to look out for during c-section recovery?
You may be wondering about these questions if you’ve planned a cesarean or have just undergone your cesarean surgery. The answer is yes, a C-section is a major surgery that can cause a lot of physical and mental stress. Generally, you would need more time to recover than from a vaginal delivery. So, the big question arises: How can I speed up the recovery process? Find out more in the ultimate guide below.
1. Always Make Time for Rest
Rest can sound like mission impossible when you have a newborn in the house who’s constantly in need of attention and care. Newborns have irregular sleep schedules, and many moms lose sleep over waking up multiple times at night to feed and care for their little one. However, resting is an important part of your recovery from any surgery. To speed up your recovery, you should always rest when your baby rests. Asking your partner, family, or friends to help you with household chores or babysitting can also help immensely.
2. Take Good Care of Your Body
Keep in mind that you still have an incision wound on your belly that’s waiting to heal. Be extra careful when moving your body, such as getting on/off the bed, going up/down stairs, or walking around the house. Try to limit the frequency of getting up and lying down or sitting down again to avoid straining your wound. Hold your abdomen gently when you sneeze or cough to protect the incision from stretching. You can also use a belly band to stabilize your wound and help bring your abdominal muscles back into shape. Depending on your condition, it can take up to 8 weeks to return to your active routine. Remember to follow up with your doctor about your condition and ask for permission beforehand if you can start doing light work, driving, exercising, using tampons, or having sex.
3. It’s Okay to Take Painkillers
There’s really no need to struggle with your pains when you still have so many other things to deal with. Don’t worry about taking the painkillers your doctor prescribes for you; most painkillers will not pose any harm to your baby during breastfeeding. You can also use heating pads to help relieve the pain and soreness at the surgical site.
4. Drink Lots of Water, Eat Lots of Veggies and Fruit
Constipation can often occur after childbirth due to hormonal changes, sore abdominal muscles, and prolonged periods of lying down or sitting. For some moms who already experienced constipation before pregnancy, the condition can worsen and become painful. Try not to strain your abdominal muscles too hard to avoid putting pressure on your wound and potentially causing further injury. Remember to drink plenty of water and consult your doctor for a stool softener if the condition is severe. Eat plenty of fibre and nutrient-rich foods, such as vegetables and fruits, to help prevent and alleviate constipation.
5. Seek Emotional Support
Leaping into motherhood can be very challenging and mentally stressful. The transition to parenthood happens overnight, which can be overwhelming for first-time moms, especially those who have experienced cesarean births. If your c-section isn’t planned but happens over an emergency, the entire surgical experience can be very traumatic, considering how your birth plan may have been completely disrupted. These negative feelings can overshadow the joy of bringing your baby into the world, and some moms may feel confused by the complex mixture of emotions, triggering feelings such as guilt and shame. Talk to your partner, friends, and family if you’re feeling overwhelmed, or consult a therapist for advice. Early emotional support can help reduce the risk of developing postpartum depression.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you are experiencing any of the following conditions, you should contact your doctor immediately:
- Severe cramping in your uterus or abdomen
- Pain when urinating
- Fever or headache
- Your wound appears infected, red, swollen, and painful
- Abnormal smell or colour in your vaginal discharge
- Vaginal bleeding that doesn’t decrease
- Nausea, faintness, rapid heartbeat, or vomiting
- Swelling or redness in your leg
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or breast pain
Finally, every mom’s experience with the surgery is different. You shouldn’t compare yourself to others or worry about recovering slower than expected. Pay attention to your condition and follow up regularly with your doctor to heal in the most effective way. Stay brave, mommies!
If you haven’t read our other articles about c-sections, check them out here:
Everything You Need to Know About C-Sections: Do You Need One?
Can I Breastfeed After C-section? 5 Common Questions Answered
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