Childbirth can be a mixed affair with feelings of excitement and despair all clouding you at the same time. But whoever said that childbirth was an easy affair needs a reality check for god’s sake. A normal/ vaginal delivery and a cesarean/ c section delivery are the two options when you are planning to deliver your baby. A lot of women nowadays are opting for a c section. One of the foremost benefits of a c section is that there is no labor pain. But many forget that recovery after c section can be very taxing to your body.
You need more time to recover after a c section than a routine vaginal delivery. It takes up to six weeks to recover from your c section. Gentle exercise, such as walking, will help you recover from your c-section. But avoid anything more active until you have no pain and you feel ready.
Here are some tips on recovery after c section:
- Once the dressing on the wound has been removed, keep it clean and dry every day. Wear cotton high-waist pants and loose clothes.
- Seek pain relief to soothe incision soreness. It helps keep you pain-free and comfortable. However, always check with your doctor before taking any medication.
- Getting in and out of bed can be a nightmare for some. Try getting out of the bed by rolling on to your side, dropping both legs over the side of the bed and then pushing yourself up sideways into a sitting position. Try to stand up as straight as you can. You can do the opposite to get back into bed.
- C section scar recovery can take a lot of time to heal. The wound takes about six weeks to heal, but you will have a scar which will fade over time. Once your wound has healed completely you can massage your scar to break up the scar tissue by lying on your back, apply a non-perfumed lotion or cream and make 20-30 circular motions with fingertips over the scar.
- Doctors advice on avoiding sex for at least 6 weeks. Depending on how you feel physically and emotionally you can start having sex.
- Don’t lift anything heavier than your baby. Whenever you have to sneeze or cough, hold your abdomen to protect the incision site.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, but do take gentle walks as often as you can. The movement will help your body heal and prevent constipation and blood clots.
- Good nutrition is crucial for recovery, especially after the C section. Eating a variety of foods will keep your baby healthy and help you get stronger especially if you are breastfeeding.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. You need extra fluids to boost your breast milk supply and to avoid constipation.
- And most importantly take plenty of rest. This helps in the healing process of the body.
Recovery after c section might take time but following the advice of the doctor and the elderly at home coupled with good nutrition will expedite the recovery process.
Read More: Know More About C-Section!