6 Tips To Speed Up Your Recovery From A C-Section
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A c-section is physically and emotionally challenging for both mom and dad. It is especially challenging when you have been in labor for hours and your doctor comes into your room and tells you that you need a cesarean section now.
Contrary to popular belief, recovering from a c-section is a bear. Take a moment and think about it, you have gone through major surgery affecting several core muscle groups. The abdominal muscles were not cut, but the membrane that surrounds them was. Try to get out of bed without using your abdominal muscles.
Typically a mom will be hospitalized for three to four days following a c-section. On the second day the nurse will make you get up and walk. By this time the epidural or spinal block has long since worn off and you will feel the incision pain. Not only that, you will also feel your uterus contracting down, also known as after birth pains.
Studies have shown that women of get up and walk sooner after their abdominal surgery will recover more quickly. Moving around also helps your digestive tract to start working correctly again. Walking also prevents dangerous blood clots from forming in your legs.
Fortunately Your Doctor Will Prescribe Oral Pain Medication To Help You Manage The Pain.
After spending a four days in the hospital you and baby are finally allowed to go home. One of the many things that you are told is that you are only allowed to lift and carry your baby, nothing else. True be told, doctors would prefer that you didn’t carry anything heavier than two pounds. Try telling a new mom that she cannot hold or carry her new baby for the first six weeks of its life!
Now, that you are at home, what can you do to help your body heal more quickly from the surgery and pregnancy? Here are six tips to help speed your recovery.
- Get plenty of rest. Well, as much as you can with a newborn in the house!
- Increase your protein intake. Eat more high protein foods like almonds, cheese, cottage cheese and eggs. The additional protein is needed for repair of the surgery site.
- No driving until your six week post partum check and your doctor clears you to. Driving puts a lot of stress on the core abdominal muscles. Don’t run the risk of causing internal damage to your abdomen.
- Move around. The first two weeks are the hardest. Then it gets better.
- Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and prevent getting a UTI.
- No sexual intercourse until after your six week post partum check up. Do be intimate with your spouse. Physical intimacy a powerful way to lower your stress levels.
If you have not yet given birth to your baby check out the many pregnancy tips available on this site.
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