Tips for Speedy Recovery After a C-Section

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Bouncing back to your usual self after delivery can be tough, especially if you had a C-section. Here are a few helpful tips to help you facilitate a speedy recovery…

A step at a time. Do not overexert yourself by trying to be a superwoman. Take it one day at a time, bond with your baby, take good care of yourself, enlist help with caring for the baby and your home, and rest as much as possible. This will foster healing and getting your energy back soon enough.

You may find getting up after lying down painful for the first few weeks. See if rolling onto your side and then drawing your knees to your chest before sitting up feels better.

Try not to slouch. Out of fear their stitches may pop open, some women tend to hunch over. Trying to sit upright as much as possible as this will help correct your posture gradually, protect your back and strengthen your abdominal muscles.

Try to remain active. Considering you just had a surgery, you definitely should let your body heal first before starting any rigorous exercise routine to lose your baby weight but move around as much as you can, trying to stand upright. Moving up and down the stairs as frequently as possible for instance really helps. You can also try a 15 – 20 minute walk in the mornings. The fresh air will help you relax.

Adhere to limits set by your doctor while trying to be active though. For instance, you should avoid any heavy lifting, pulling or rigorous chores, at least for the first 6 weeks to allow your abdominal muscles heal.

Eat a healthy diet. This is quite important to replenish your body and supply needed nutrients to your baby if you are breastfeeding. Indulge in whatever you crave for in moderation and aim to eat a wide variety of wholesome foods, including fruits and vegetables. A fibre rich diet will help you relieve constipation.

Hold a pillow to your abdomen while laughing. After a C-section, your core muscles may ache when you laugh, cough or use the toilet. Relieve this discomfort by holding a pillow to your abdomen. Peppermint may also help ease the pain of passing stools and gas.

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Your doctor may prescribe a stool softener at the hospital. In addition, drink lots of water and eat lots of fruits.

Apply recommended creams on your scars. Take your medications religiously once you’re discharged, honour all your doctor’s appointments and always pat your incisions dry after a bath. To soothe the itching once the stitches have dissolved, ask your doctor to recommend an appropriate cream or lotion to apply. Massaging gently using the cream or lotion will make your scar less visible with time.

Share your emotions. It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by all the several discomforts you’re dealing with, your baby fat and the demands of caring for your newborn. Share all your pains and anxieties with your spouse, close friends and family to get the needed support and inspiration you need to recover.

Talk to your doctor if you still feel constantly weepy or depressed 6 – 8 weeks post-baby.