10 Tips to Recover Faster After a C-section

Giving birth to a new baby is a gift. However, it can take its toll on your body. Whether you choose a vaginal birth or a C-section, your life won’t be the same as it was before. While each option comes with its advantages and disadvantages, both options will make you will experience new problems and difficulties. It will take a while till you can get back to your normal lifestyle. So here are a few tips that can help you have a better lifestyle after your C-section.

Ask for a painkiller

C-section is like any other surgery. So, it is very normal to feel pain after this surgery. This pain may last for two weeks. Your doctor will also give you anti-inflammatory drugs, but it won’t relieve your pain. So, it is imperative to ask your doctor if they could prescribe a painkiller for you. This is especially important if you are thinking of breastfeeding. You shouldn’t be afraid of taking painkillers. The type your doctor prescribes to you will depend on your condition and the degree of pain.

Eat nutritive foods

It is not only essential for your body and your baby during the months of pregnancy, but it is also important after delivery. Certain foods can add flavor to your breast milk which makes the babies like the milk more and can become more likely to want to eat these healthy foods too when they get older. Eating nutritious food is also important for you as it helps your body heal. It is important for you to eat food that contains high amounts of vitamin c such as kale and broccoli. Vitamin C is really important for collagen production which your body uses to repair your tissues.

Treat constipation

Combining pregnancy hormones with painkillers may cause constipation. Constipation increases the pressure inside the abdomen which adds pressure on the incision. This can be painful, so it is essential that you eat food that contains fibers. Fiber is very important, and it will help you solve many digestive disorders such as bloating, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain and constipation. Drinking a good amount of water is another good habit to keep. Doing some yoga is recommended in treating constipation and will also help you to relax. You can also ask your doctor for a stool softener.

Don’t lift anything heavy

Try to get as much rest as you feel you need and don’t try to lift anything heavy for the first two weeks after the surgery because it can be excruciating for you. You may also need some help with lifting your baby, but you can nurse them on a chair or the bed. Gradually, you can start carrying some heavy things as long as you don’t feel pain. Don’t refuse help from other people; it is okay to take some time to take care of yourself.

Sex?

C-section may sound very tricky as the woman didn’t have a vaginal childbirth and some may not suffer from pain during sex. But other women will experience painful sex post-delivery even if it’s a C-section. This pain may last up to 18 months. Scar tissue from the incision causes you to feel that pain. This scar tissue also affects your pelvic organs and decreases their mobility. To reduce this pain, you can use a lubricant or visit a physical therapist who specializes in women’s health.

Start walking

C-section is like any other surgery. It can have some effects on your life post-surgery. You may be inclined to stay in bed for a long time but you shouldn’t. This may cause the blood inside your veins to stagnate, and it may lead to a blood clot. So, to avoid this from happening to you, you need to start walking immediately after your doctor allows you. You can start slowly, walking with some help at first or walking for a short distance. Gradually, you can increase the distance and speed. This allows your body to get back to its normal function and decreases your chances of some possible complications.

Breastfeed with support

After a C-section, you must take care of your body. If you don’t have the right position while you breastfeed, your body will get tired more quickly, and this will affect your health. Try to feed your child while you are sitting up on a chair with a straight back. This position is good for breathing a good amount of oxygen while you breastfeed. It is also good for your posture. Try to avoid Breastfeeding while you are leaning forward as it decreases the amount of oxygen you are breathing and this can make you feel tired and fatigued more quickly.

Reach out and get emotional support

Childbirth is a very exhausting experience for any woman, not only physical but also emotional. It is very normal to feel sad and disappointed after childbirth. Women who have a C-section have more chances of suffering from depression after childbirth. It is important to know that what you are feeling is very normal and that you try to talk to someone you trust like your friend or your partner. You can also join a group for new mothers and share your feelings with them. Don’t try to hint your feelings and suffer alone waiting for someone to notice. When you take care of yourself physically and emotionally, you will be a better mother and a better person.

The abdominal binder

The abdominal binder helps in making a sustained compression that will decrease the pain. It is recommended that you wear it 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth. However, you shouldn’t wear it over 8-hours per day, even if you split these hours throughout the day. It is also very important that you avoid wearing it during sleep. Wearing an abdominal binder too much or over depending on it may make your muscles weaker. It can also cause some pressure on your pelvic organs and lead to urinary incontinence.

Take care of the incision

After a C-section, you normally have an incision. It is very important to take care of it. Taking care of your incision won’t only make its appearance look better, it will also make the skin heal faster, and will allow you to go back to your regular life more quickly. You have to ensure that the incision is dry and clean. Also, try to cover it to reduce the chances of infection. If you feel warmth, redness or have a painful sensation in the area, it may mean that you have an infection. It is important that you don’t neglect it and go to see a doctor. You also need to relax as much as you can and get enough sleep so your body can heal more quickly without any complications.