Top Tips for Caesarean Recovery

Caesarean section or C-section is a major abdominal surgery to deliver a baby. It is definitely not the "easy" way out option to have a baby. The baby is born through an incision made in the mother's abdominal wall and uterus. The procedure normally takes approximately 30-60 minutes.

After your caesarean procedure, the common hospital stay period is 3-5 days depending on hospital and the progress of you and your baby. 

A well thought out recovery plan after such a procedure will make your recovery more manageable. Here are some of our top tips!

Rest and Reach Out For Help

Rest. Rest. Rest! Before everything, remember to get as much REST as possible. We don't mean staying bedridden for 6 weeks. What we mean is don't feel inclined to do all the washing, groceries, cooking and cleaning as soon as you get home from the hospital. Ask your partner, friends and relatives for help so you don't overextend your body after such a major surgery. Pushing a pram, lifting heavy objects, stretching and bending to grab something may cause extra pain on your wound. Take it easy mama!

Bathroom Care

Ok so the deal with the toilet situation after a caesarean is not straight forward. Peeing might be ok but passing gas and pooping is a different story. Pushing and straining may aggravate your incision so it would help to buy stool softener.

Getting yourself a peri bottle will help you in so many ways after a c-section. You might think a peri bottle was only useful for a vaginal birth but it's not!  A peri bottle will help you cleanse yourself easier without having to bend too far. It can also help you cleanse your incision gently. The angled nozzle is perfect to reach all areas.

After giving birth, you will experience postpartum bleeding which is normal. It's like having a heavy period after being pregnant for 9 months. Our Postpartum Briefs will help provide you protection during this time. They also have tearable sides for easy disposability so you don't have to bend over to take them off. 

Postpartum hemorrhoids can still occur after a c-section. Investing in cooling pads like our Instant Cooling Peri Pads can provide cooling relief and soothe the affected area. You can also use it like an icepack and gently place it on your incision wound to provide some cooling relief.

"Log Roll" Out of Bed Method

Yes. It's exactly how it sounds! Roll to your side, swing your legs over the bed and use your arms to press yourself up to sitting position. By applying this technique, it will help decrease abdominal pressure, pain and strain on your abdominal muscles. You can also put a pillow between your legs to help remind yourself to apply this technique. 

Walks

Gentle walks and slow paces help to speed up the recovery after c-section and reduce the risk of blood clots. 

Wound Care

Pay attention to the incision wound and monitor closely. After you have a shower, make sure you pat the incision wound dry. Wearing high waisted disposable briefs such as our Postpartum Briefs  will help prevent rubbing against your new wound. Also, choose to wear loose, comfortable, breathable clothes (something like our gown) so you can move easily without aggravating the wound. Watch for signs of infection. If there is increased swelling, pain or puss - contact a your medical professional as soon as possible.

Feeding Pillow and Different Breastfeeding Positions

Take care of the position of your newborn as you breastfeed them. The traditional cradle position of breastfeeding may lead to your newborn sitting on your incision wound during feedings. This may lead to added pressure on the wound and cause pain. A feeding pillow may help place a barrier between your new baby and your wound. Also, consider different breastfeeding positions such as the "football hold" as an alternative. 

Disclaimer: The information published herein is intended and strictly only for educational and information purposes. This informational should not be misconstrued as medical advice. Always consult your chosen medical professional in relation to any medical questions and concerns of your health and your baby's health.