Tips for Recovering from a C-Section
Recovering from a c-section takes a longer time than a vaginal delivery. It takes 6 weeks to return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength while cesarean patients with diabetes may need a more elongated period than that. Your healthcare provider can provide you the best guidelines for c-section recovery. However, these tips for recovering from a C-Section will help you faster so that you are back to sound health.
Get Plenty of Rest
C-section is a major abdominal surgery that requires a lot of rest to heal. Stay at least 3 to 4 days or more in the hospital according to complications. After you return home, get plenty of rest for 6 weeks. Try to sleep whenever your newborn naps. A baby typically wakes up every 1 to 2 hours. Limit visitors and get the help of others in chores. Focus on sleep and rest seriously as only several minutes of rest will help you a lot.
Try to Avoid Constipation
Constipation causes strain on the c-section incision. You may have constipation because of weaker abdominal muscles and continuous resting on the back. Drink plenty of water and take little servings of fruits and vegetables after regular intervals. Walk slowly to move your bowels but do not strain. Consult with your obstetrician to get stool softener and laxatives prescribed if obligate.
Eye the Signs of Infection
You have to observe the signs of infection on the incision. Measure your temperature at least once a day. Concentrate on your feeling acute pain or chills, seeing red steaks or swelling popping out of your cut. Take these symptoms seriously and consult with your doctor immediately. Do not have a shower until your obstetrician permits. Follow the instruction of your doctor to keep the incision dry and clean, and check the disappearance of redness and swelling day by day.
Get Relief from Pain
Do not suffer from pain unnecessarily as you have to care for your newborn. Doctors will prescribe you painkillers that do not harm milk though they have side effects like nausea and constipation. Take those medicines regularly despite those side effects since getting relief from pain is more important. Side by side, you can use heating pads on the incision that will also reduce the pain.
Breastfeed with Proper Support
The cesarean operation causes a lot of breastfeeding difficulties. Use a supportive and comfortable chair or sofa and lean or lie back in a relaxed position with the back support while breastfeeding. Use a breastfeeding cushion to breastfeed your baby in a relaxed and easygoing position so that your c-section incision does not get strained. If you have trouble breastfeed despite taking these measures, take the help of a lactation consultant mainly for surrogate mothers (surrogata madre).
Take Regular and Slow Walks
Walk slowly for a few minutes at least two times a day. It will prevent the risk of blood clots in your legs, and improve the condition of your heart, plus reduce any problems in blood vessels. Regular walks will also relax your joints and muscles, and keep you physically fit and mentally refreshed. Americans who undergo a c-section have a trend to stroll in groups or with the neighbors with or without pushing the strollers of their babies.
Every woman experiences different types of difficulty recovering from a c-section. So, you should focus on your own difficulties and take proper steps for them. Consult with a midwife in an emergency, and she will refer you to a specialist or suggest some new tips for recovering from a C-Section. Consult with the other members of your family that you need support. Also, keep your emotion under control and make recovering from your cesarean faster.
