Faster Recovery From a C-Section
Tips on Breastfeeding, Avoiding Infection, Diet and Exercise
Dec 15, 2008
In the first few hours and days following surgery, pain management is the key. Especially if the cesarean section was performed in response to an emergency that arose during delivery, such as a cord prolapse, and this was not the first pregnancy, uterine after-pains can be excruciating. Avoid any twisting or turning of your abdominals--rolling on your side would be a bad idea! Being raised to a supported, semi-upright position may provide some relief.
Since breastfeeding stimulates the uterus to contract, getting into a comfortable position is important. Some women use a nursing pillow and hold the newborn in the 'football' position, to avoid placing pressure on the incision. Others find that lying back with the baby supported diagonally across the rib cage is the easiest way to breastfeed.
Although it may take a bit longer for milk production to begin after a c-section, newborns need to suckle. Delaying breastfeeding can weaken the baby's suckling instinct and lead to feeding problems later. Besides, cuddling a warm baby tends to help mom deal with postpartum hormone changes that can trigger the 'blues'.
Accept the fact that medication won't take all the pain away. It will, however, make it bearable. Take the least amount of medication that will allow you to get mobile. Too much medication will make both you and baby drowsy and slow down progress. Few people sleep well in a hospital anyway.
Avoid Infection
Warning signs of infection include odor, fever, increased redness, swelling, or drainage or a change in the color of drainage. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your physician.
Becoming mobile helps battle against infection. Walking aids blood circulation, prevents blood clots from forming in your legs, and will help get rid of intestinal gas. This in turn will improve sleep quality, appetite and the immune system.
Have a nice hot shower as soon as you can, but don't soap the incision. Baths are not recommended until the wound has healed. Avoid touching the area with your hands. Although an elastic support belt may provide some comfort, wearing anything that chafes the incision or prevents airflow will increase the risk of infection.
Phototherapy, using infrared LED lights, or exposing the incision to plain old natural sunlight, has been found to reduce infection rates. "Sunlight accelerates wound healing dramatically," states Mike Adams in the December 10, 2008 edition of Natural News. It does this by increasing levels of vitamin D, killing pathogens, and encouraging cell division. Sunlight is also a wonderful mood elevator. But do try to find a private window or place to sun yourself!
Diet
The post-operative period is not the time to count calories. Quality nutrition is needed for healing. Foods containing protein, zinc and Vitamin C will strengthen immunity and aid recovery. Small portions 5-7 times a day along with prenatal vitamins have helped many women to recover quickly. So you might want to save the muffin and fruit on the hospital tray for snacks throughout the day. Frequent, healthy snacks boost metabolism.
Exercise
Even immediately after surgery, you can exercise by breathing deeply, supporting the incision as needed. Pelvic floor and gentle pelvic tilt exercises can be done right away. Ankle circles and calf stretches can also be done in a hospital bed.
The first few times you stand, be sure to support yourself with your arms. Some find that a urinary catheter causes pain and swelling, and walking becomes much easier once it is removed. After the first day, try to get up every 1 or 2 hours in the daytime and walk around, at least briefly.
For the first 2 weeks at least, you should hold nothing heavier than the newborn. During this period, tasks like vacuuming and stair climbing may be too much, so avoid them until you feel up to it. Once the stitches or staples are gone, usually around 2 weeks after surgery, you can start to massage the area with gentle circles to help prevent the formation of adhesions. At this point, many women can resume light tasks. Keep in mind that good scar tissue takes 5 or 6 weeks to form, and that any tearing will set your recovery back. Ergo, don't push yourself too hard.
For the first 3 to 6 months, it's probably best to stick to floor exercises. Depending on the type of incision and whether abdominal muscles were cut, vigorous exercises or those requiring full abdominal strength may not be advisable for as long as 8 months postoperative. Incorporate new exercises gradually and avoid overexertion.
Many women can resume having sex after 2 or 3 months, but another pregnancy is best avoided for 12 or 18 months. The uterine muscle takes a long time to regain full strength, if ever.
In time, the burning, itching and/or numbness will subside and the scar will become less noticeable. Until then, take good care of yourself!
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