Your Complete Guide To C-Section Recovery
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Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, and Jennifer Lopez all have several things in common, but we’re not alluding to their high net worth or has-been pop-star status. We’re talking about the fact that all of these ladies are among the burgeoning number of women worldwide who undergo a C-section birth. And, it comes as no surprise really; labor pain is rather excruciating.
Still, considering the lack of information, and in some cases, misinformation that persists, we’re here to shed more light on the subject. Read on for a complete low-down.
After the C-Section- Timeline
1st Hour- Congratulations, you’re a mom now!
As soon as your surgery is complete, the doctors move you to the observation ward, with the midwives in tow, keeping an especially close eye on your health.
You will be on an IV, and the catheter ensures that you don’t have to worry about getting up to go pee! Isn’t that a relief?
If everything is normal, you can start nursing your baby straightaway.
1st Day:
Unless there are any complications, you will be shifted to the normal ward. You will be allowed to drink liquids now. In some cases, the doctor may ask you to consume mashed food.
If your recovery is coming along well, the doctor may ask you to get up and move around a bit.
2nd Day:
The catheter will be removed now, which is a subtle way of saying that you will be walking, even if it is to the loo and back.
Dr. Aaron B. Caughey, a former member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gyneocologists, suggests that you increase activity on the 2nd day.”After the first day, we recommend increasing activity as rapidly as possible but do recognize that this may be painful. Increase your activity as rapidly as you can do comfortably.”
The good news is, you can take a shower now, and smell respectable, you can’t use a scented soap or a deodorant right now. Moreover, you can now indulge in food. Yes, real food. Whoever thought that a plain old tomato sandwich could offer such an amazing gustatory experience.
4th Day:
So, this is the day you say goodbye to the hospital ward. Typically moms who have a vaginal-birth leave the hospital on the 2nd day, and a C-section recovery takes longer. But, cheer up, you can go home now. The doctors will remove the staples or the sutures, and dress the incision.
Of course, you have to take some precautions about the wound. And, you can leave all the lifting objects part to your spouse.
Driving and climbing stairs are some activities that you will have to avoid right now. If you must climb stairs, try to take less trips.
2nd Week:
Time for your checkup. The doctors will examine the wound and check for any untoward signs. You can officially bombard your doctor with questions right now and recovery recommendations.
By the end of the 2nd week, you should be able to walk farther than you have until now.
4th Week:
You have made huge progress in your recovery. You can now walk farther, and the vaginal discharge and the bleeding has subsided. But, don’t expect to be normal again. Like every pregnancy, every recovery is also unique. Dr. Shawn Tassone, OB-Gyn says, “Don’t compare your recovery to someone else’s because our recoveries vary as much as our genetics and comparisons will only frustrate those who take a bit longer to recover.”
6th Week:
Your almost there. According to Dr. Gala, “Full recovery from an uncomplicated cesarean section can range between four and six weeks.”
Your uterus is now back to its original size, and you can begin indulging in sex.
Although, “some women may still have pain if they’re bumped along the incision, but, for the most part, the wound is entirely healed at this point, and you can resume all normal activities,” adds Dr. Gala.
After the C-Section- Tips
Here are some important tips to hasten the recovery process:
1. Patience:
Depending on how far along you are in the recovery, your doctor will recommend you to move around. Don’t expect to be up and running until 6 weeks after your surgery. Patience is the key to an early recovery.
2. No Lifting:
The sutures may stretch, or even tear and lead to infections. So, don’t lift objects bit just yet. Wait until the sutures or staples have been removed, or ask your spouse to help you.
3. Painkillers:
Don’t worry! The doctor knows that any medications you take will pass into your breast milk, and she will ensure that the medicines you take are safe for your baby.
4. Fiber-Rich Food:
Constipation is one of the uncomfortable side effects of C-section recovery. So, include lots of salads and fresh fruits in your diet, to soften the stool and reduce the strain on your bowels.
5. Wound Care:
This part is rather obvious isn’t it? You have to take care of the wound, and ensure that you don’t expose to infection-causing bacteria. The incision is going to leave a scar, so make sure that you don’t infect it.
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