What to do after a C-section for a quick recovery

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I gave birth to my two kids via C-section due to unfortunate reasons. With my son, they had to do an emergency C-section right after they found out that I was suffering from oligohydramnios and I remember how scared I was when they wheeled me into the operating room. With my daughter on the other hand, I was already expecting to go under the knife again because I had placenta previa totalis, which means I couldn’t deliver naturally without putting the baby and myself at risk. Both kids were delivered the same way but the recovery from each operation was different from the other but one thing is for sure, nothing ever fully prepares you for the pain after the anesthesia wears off. It takes time before you fully heal from CS but here are some tips on what to do after a C-section for a quick recovery.

What to do after a C-section for a quick recovery

Take care of the incision

Whether you get stitches or staples, you may need to see your health care provider after a few days to get them removed or for dressing. It is very important that you avoid using the bathtub or dipping into a swimming pool for the first few weeks to avoid infecting the wound. Keep the incision clean, dry, and inform your doctor right away should you notice any redness or swelling.

Take prescribed painkillers

You doctor should be able prescribe painkillers that are safe for lactating moms and you need to take them on time. You may feel like skipping them sometimes but trust me, don’t say no if your doctor will ask you to pop a pill for the pain. You will need it so you can rest. It can be hard to relax if you are withering in pain.

Get plenty of rest

You may be tempted to clean the house but your body just went through a major surgery, let the dust and the laundry wait. Sleep whenever you can.

Move around but with care

Your doctor will advise you to start moving or walking after about 24 hours from the operation, this is to get your circulation going and to avoid blood clots. This might be the last thing you want to do after being cut open but light exercise encourages your body to heal. Not only that, moving around will help your bowels move making pooping easier. Trust me, you need pooping to be easy for you.

Eat nutritious food

Eat a lot of vegetables and fruits to aid your body in the healing process. Eat a lot of food that are rich in vitamin C and fiber. You also need to stay hydrated all the time.

Ask for help or accept assistance offered to you

If you are a first-time mom, you may want to do things on your own, it’s your first baby after all! But it’s okay to ask or receive help from family or friends. I remember I had to rely on my husband for help every time I had to get up from the bed or change my underwear for the first couple of days after I got home from the hospital. If someone offers to do the laundry, say yes! If someone offers to cook food or watch the baby for your so you can nap or eat, say yes! Accepting help does not make you any less of a mom.

Use a postpartum support belly wrap or binder to ease pain

Some will say that there’s no need for belly wraps or belly bands but I am speaking from experience. I did not use one after I gave birth to my son, no one told me about it and believe me, simple things like laughing, coughing or sneezing made my life hell. The pain was crazy! There were times when I was sure that my incision would pop open! I am just grateful that my doctor advised me to use one after I gave birth to my daughter because it made a huge difference. It also helped me move and walk around with confidence. You can check this one here or this one here.

See a health professional

I am not a health care provider nor am I an expert in this field and these tips are just based on what I can remember from when I had C-section. The best thing to do is to see your OB regularly as soon as you find out that you’re pregnant or if you’re trying to get pregnant. Your doctor should be able to give you expert advice on what to do and what not to do based on your age and other health factors. Your doctor will be able to give you more tips on what to do after you give birth.

It is important to note that not all pregnancy is the same. What worked for me, may not work for you so you should see your doctor to get the best advice for you and your precious child.

You may also need to go through different tests to ensure that you and your baby are healthy all throughout your pregnancy. I will be forever grateful for modern technology that allows doctors to see what’s happening inside of us, if not for the ultrasound done that fateful day Feb 10, 2005, I wouldn’t have known that my son was in great danger. I can’t imagine what could have happened if I didn’t go that day.

Pregnancy and birthing are far from being a walk in the park but with the right advice and care from a health expert, you can lessen the risks and feel more confident about the entire process.

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Jhanis Vincentté

A family lifestyle blogger who left her corporate job in Cebu for a slower life in Iligan City, Philippines. Healthline – Best Mom Blogs 2017, ESCooped – Cebu’s Top Family Blogger 2016, Top 10 Blogs Voice Boks Comedy Edition, Bloggys 2015 – Finalist, Family and Relationships Category, featured on BlogHer.com and HumorWriters.org. Jhanis also works as a Freelance Writer/Content Creator and manages a small farm house decor business when she’s not taking naps.