You dreaded the labor pain, while you were expecting, and hence, got yourself a caesarean. Or, urgent medical complexities, made a C-section delivery inevitable for you.
Either way, the caesarean delivery seemed less painful. But, the after-delivery recovery may not be as smooth as it is in the case of a mother who has delivered naturally.
A Caesarean delivery is a major surgery, and the pain begins mostly after the delivery. And for a mother who has undergone the C-section, combining the post-delivery pain with the physical demands of being a new mother – breast feeding, changing diapers, the night routines – it can together all get rather overwhelming.
These tips will help you take proper care post a C-section delivery and recover soon as smoothly as possible.
Take the initial walk:
The pain that follows a C-section delivery is intense. And very often despite taking pain killers, the pain doesn’t seem to get over. Often the pain is due to trapped gas in the stomach that causes severe stomach ache.
Doctors recommend the mother to resume walking after a few days after the surgery. Though it may get painful around the stitches, you will need to make an effort and start with small walks. This is because if the body remains sedentary for too long, the delay will worsen the cramps and pain and it would be months before you would recover completely. Doctors advise mothers to walk few steps, no matter how hard it may seem, the day after your C-section, as this can set you quicker on the road to recovery.
Feed as soon as possible
While dealing with the post-delivery pain – especially in case of C-section deliveries - the mother may not feel comfortable feeding due to clogged ducts, sore nipples and leaking breasts. But doctors advise mothers to breast feed as soon as possible so as to prevent milk ducts from clogging and preventing herself from discomfort and also ensuring that the baby gets mother’s milk as his first food, so that his body builds up a strong immune system. To make feeding easier, mothers can use feeding pillows so as to rest the baby on it. Also, to minimize nipple soreness, apply a cream or even hind milk, and avoid posing too much strain on your lower abdomen.
No extreme forms of exercise
You may want to get back in shape, and that too, acquire just the kind of figure you maintained in your pre-motherhood days. But Relax! Take things slowly. You have stitches on your lower abdomen, and too much strain can lead to several complications. It is advised that you avoid indulging in strenuous activities and limit yourself to light walks only. At least up to one and a half month after delivery, that is the time needed by the sutures inside the body to get completely absorbed, a mother must not get into any rigorous exercises. This minimizes the chances of developing Hernia. All in all, avoid exertion, don’t lift heavy weights, but do light back-strengthening exercises. Also, practice Yoga every day.
Nutrition – lots of water and high fiber foods
The diet of a feeding mother must be highly nutritious and healthy, as she is also the responsible for the health of her baby. Moreover, a well-balanced nutrition will make recovery easy and speedy for the mother. Too spicy foods, lots of tea and coffee (caffeine) must be avoided, while the foods that are rich in calcium content must be taken in everyday meals. Alongside, fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit juices, lots of water and foods rich in fiber are highly recommended for mothers who have just had a C-section delivery. A well balanced, nutritious diet helps in healing the C-section scar. Continue iron and calcium supplements for a few months after the surgery.
Avoid long distance travels
Travelling immediately after the surgery can give rise to complications. A minimum period of three weeks must pass before the mother’s health permits travel. And if you suffer from complications, such as pregnancy induced hypertension, heavy bleeding during delivery, an infection in the post operative period or even diabetes, then it is advised to travel only after a gap of about two months, after consulting your family doctor.
Stay away from infections
Take utmost care to ensure that your caesarean stitches don’t get infected. Since most stitches are dissolvable, most of the healing is internal. So, avoid activities that may strain your abdomen like carrying heavy goods, frequently climbing stairs, etc. Also, if you notice redness or swelling along your caesarean scar, consult a doctor. Keep the scar area dry and clean and when you cough, sneeze, or laugh, support your incision using your hands or a pillow.
While you undergo the after-delivery pain, remember that it will take time for your body to recover completely, just as your body took time to give birth to your baby. Be extra cautious, have a proper diet, remain moderately active and spend as much time with your baby as possible.
