HOW TO RECOVER AFTER A CESAREAN BIRTH? WHAT TO DO DURING THIS RECOVERY TIME, AND HOW TO DEAL WITH THE CHALLENGES & RISKS!
What is more exciting for a mother than childbirth? After carrying a little soul in the womb for 9 months, it is the time when a mother can embrace her baby. Cesarean birth, also known as a C-section, is performed when expected delivery is not possible and safe for a female. It is the surgical process through which a woman gives birth to her baby. Having a baby is very challenging for a woman because, at that time, she is carrying another life that is taking nutrients and shelter from her body. Mothers have to face even more difficulties after pregnancy, especially if they’ve had cesarean delivery. In this blog post, you’ll learn how to recover after a cesarean birth.
Quick information in this blog
What are the risk factors that cause cesarean delivery?
Cesarean delivery is an emergency procedure for childbirth. It is due to a lot of reasons, such as when vaginal delivery is risky, and the mother doesn’t have enough energy to push the baby out of her body; another factor can be maternal health issues, for example, if a female is suffering from high-level blood pressure or diabetes, in that case, the standard delivery can lead her death. Hence, doctors have to perform c- a c-section to give birth to the baby. Other reasons include umbilical cord (a tube that connects the mother’s body to the baby’s body during pregnancy) problems when the cord is compressed and when the placenta covers the cervix or when the baby’s head does not move down through your pelvis during labor, in these situations expected delivery becomes impossible. In some cases, when the size of a baby is more significant than usual, doctors suggest a C-section because they believe there is a high risk of
childbirth at that time.
Precautions For Recovery From a Cesarean Delivery
The majority of women get overwhelmed after having a C-section. As compared to normal childbirth, the healing from a Cesarean is time taking. Most women leave the hospital in two to three days after c-section. Therefore, doctors suggest helpful preventive measures for females to adopt at home for a speedy recovery from a cesarean birth.
Looking after your wound and scar
The first and foremost precaution to take after a C-section is you need to treat your C-section wounds with extra care. Incision care is a very delicate step after pregnancy. Many women make mistakes at this step. If you go home with a dressing over your wound, change the dressing once a day or whenever you sense moisture in the wound. Don’t ever leave it wet or dirty! You don’t need to rub it; simply clean the wound area by washing it with an anti-septic soap and water. Also, try to wear loose and comfortable clothes. If your wound soars, you can take any painkiller like Ibuprofen, paracetamol, etc.
Get plenty of Rest
As we are discussing how to recover after a cesarean birth, Rest is the most critical factor in the recovery. You need to take enough Rest after having a c-section. Because it is considered a major surgery and Rest is very important. Give your body a time of six to eight weeks to heal properly. Rest for new parents is nearly impossible because a newborn infant demands a lot of attention, so when your infant is sleeping, try to sleep with him.
Ask for help
Seek help from your partner, friends, and family to take care of your baby. Caring for a baby after a major surgery is exhausting for mothers. It is hard for you to manage this alone. Avoid going up and down stairs. Try to keep the valuable things of your baby, like diapers, near you so that you don’t have to move much.
Avoid lifting heavy weights.
Do not lift anything heavier than your baby for the first few weeks because it can elevate the risk of infections and other complications that can prolong your recovery time. Also, avoid heavy house cleanings and the use of vacuum cleaners. After having a c-section, you need to avoid sexual intercourse also.
Try different positions for breastfeeding
After a c-section, breastfeeding can be very tough due to wound pain and discomfort. Get
support for breastfeeding. Choose a position that minimizes the pressure on your abdomen, like a Football, a position in which the mothers have to hold their babies like a football in their bent elbows and feed the baby, and a Side-lying position in which the mothers and baby lie in such away that they are facing each other. Put some cushions behind your back for your support and feed your baby.
Manage other symptoms and changes within your body
After having a c-section, your body has to face a bit of changes like weight loss and hair loss. It is due to the hormonal change in your body; after it, your body doesn’t work the same way it did before. Childbirth can provoke a whirlwind of sentiments. It can cause depression, and many mothers also feel down. The symptoms include heavy mood swings, anxiety, and insomnia. So you have to bear these emotional changes, too.
Focus on a balanced and good diet
Most females lose about 8 to 10 pounds during delivery. This loss includes the weight of the
typical baby, approximately 8 pounds; the Rest consists of the weight of the placenta and
amniotic fluid. A healthy diet full of nutrients can help you gain the weight you had before pregnancy. So, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and for a short time, avoid eating heavy
meals. If you are breastfeeding your baby, you are still acting as a primary source of nutrition for your baby, and you need extra fluids to boost your milk supply. To produce adequate milk, drink at least 3 liters of water daily for proper hydration. I know it is hard after a cesarean, but it has nothing to do with your belly. Don’t forget that a balanced and healthy diet is crucial for how to recover after a cesarean birth.
Return to your everyday routines
Gentle walks and movements help you recover soon after your C-section. Walking can reduce heart and blood clotting issues. Go on walks, but avoid intense aerobic exercises for at least the first few weeks of recovery from a cesarean delivery.
Call the doctor for a checkup
Post-partum checkups are essential. Watch for the signs of infection and inform your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following issues:
● Infections or changes in your wound color
● If you get a fever
● Heavy vaginal bleeding
● Tenderness or pain in breasts
● Swelling or pain in any part of your body, most probably your legs
● If breastfeeding is not going well
● Difficulty in urinating
● Frequent headaches
Controlling pain and bleeding
After a c-section, pain is common, and your healthcare professional might suggest some
medicine to relieve your pain. Most painkillers are safe to take while breastfeeding. After a c- section, bleeding from the vagina lasts for approximately 6 weeks. Bleeding and vaginal
discharge after a c-section is called lochia. It is usually dark red at the start. Still, as time
passes, it changes into pink color and, after a few days, yellow mucus and, eventually, white. After that, the discharge then slows and becomes watery until it stops.
Conclusion
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I take a shower while having dressing over my wound?
Yes, you can take a shower after having a C-section, but after taking a bath, keep the wound area dry by patting it with a clean towel or piece of cloth. impact exercises reduce strains and injury risk. Moreover, always maintain proper hydration and never overstrain.
Can I drive the car after a cesarean?
How long does the scar remain on my body?
The scar will not disappear very soon, as it is pretty time-consuming. The color of the scar will fade with time.
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