Caesarean birth recovery - what is it like?
A few years ago I had an abdominal hysterectomy. It can be argued that it is a similar-ish operation and the support and rehabilitation I received were vastly different from that after my caesareans. I was in the hospital for longer, better pain relief and physiotherapy.
But here is the thing when someone has given birth by caesarean they are recovering from major abdominal surgery (this type of surgery you would usually have a 6-week MINIMUM recovery period and time off work)! However, you are immediately expected to start a new job - caring for a newborn baby whilst recovering from major abdominal surgery. Not only this but the birthing person has just completed another job - carrying, growing and nurturing a new human being for 9 (ish) months!
Without a shadow of a doubt this wonderful, amazing strong person is going to be tired, emotional and in pain.
Here are some of my top tips and best ways to recover from a caesarean/ abdominal birth.
I have 3 children and 2 of the births were via caesarean. Everyone will recover differently and at a different pace. Listen to your body and whatever you do, don't overdo it. It will only bite you on the butt!
Above all else listen to your body……are you feeling well? Does something feel a little off or not right? Monitor yourself for signs of infection or blood clots, such as developing a fever, more or new pain, increased bleeding, increased redness around the wound, smelly vaginal bleeding or discharge. Please call maternity triage without delay.
Hydrate - it will help you heal, keep your poo soft and make you mobilise and walk to the toilet. Keep a bottle of water to hand and sip throughout the day.
Stool softeners - this is often overlooked but trust me you want to keep your poo soft and regular rather than hard and straining. I’d also recommend having peppermint gum to hand as this will help your tummy. Many people are shocked at how much trapped wind can hurt. Peppermint tea can also be really helpful here.
Walk upright and straight from the get-go. You may instinctively want to hunch over but this will lead to long-term problems. Walk tall and straight with your shoulders back.
Get as much support in place as you can, especially with housework and caring for any other children you might have. Bending and lifting during the first few weeks are advised against.
Meal prep and stock that freezer (pre-birth). Nutrition is key for recovery but easier said than done when caring for a newborn. High protein, high-fibre diets are excellent.
Go for gentle walks when you feel up to it even if it is around your back garden or up and down the street where you live. Gentle walks will help with blood circulation, reducing the risk of blood clots. Also never underestimate how good some fresh air is for the mind!
Take regular pain relief, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen it will keep you comfortable and reduce swelling. Also, take it regularly and don’t miss a dose because you feel ‘ok’. It is easier to keep the pain down and low rather than let it build. Getting on top of ‘buildup’ pain is very hard. If you need it there are many other forms of pain relief available. Please talk to your healthcare providers.*
Wear loose comfortable and soft clothing to avoid any rubbing or discomfort.
Keep the wound clean and dry. If you have any worries your midwife can check the wound.
Use a thin pillow or cushion in the car. I always placed a pillow between my tummy and the car seatbelt. It felt protected and stopped any discomfort.
Always know that it will get easier and that some days will be harder than others. Reach out and discuss things with a friend or family rather than bottle it all up.
Your wound/ scar can feel numb after a caesarean. Look into caesarean scar massage and mobilisation.
Recovering from major abdominal surgery is hard. Please take it easy and be kind to yourself. Sometimes it will feel like two steps forward and one back. Other days it will feel like you can take on the world. Things will get easier and before you know it you are skipping doses of pain relief, you can walk more comfortably and eventually lay in bed how you want to.
You are an absolute superhero!
Talk to your midwife if you have any concerns or are feeling unwell
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