10 Ways to Cope With C-Section For Faster Recovery

Giving birth to a new life is euphoric, and the new mother has an overwhelming feeling of holding the new person in her arms. However, many women have to undergo C-section and are worried about the recovery. This article deals with tips on how to cope with C-Section for faster recovery.

Cesarean section is a major surgical procedure and the recovery may be prolonged as compared to vaginal birth. The patient might feel a bit of nausea right after the procedure, which can last for about 48 hours. The patient is sent home after 2-4 days of giving birth. The total recovery takes around 6-8 weeks, therefore is very important to take a good care of the patient for faster recovery without complications.

Cesarean section is a major surgical procedure. Therefore, good knowledge of how to cope with C-section can help in faster recovery.

1. Medications: After a C-section, the patient usually suffers from pain for around 2 weeks. Anti-inflammatories and painkiller medicines should be taken as advised. This is one of the most important ways to cope with C-section. It is very important to follow medical advice to get back on track fast.
2. Care of the Site of Incision: Caring for the incision site is one of the much needed ways to cope with C-section for faster recovery. The stitches used are dissolvable most of the time. Such stitches need not have to be removed by the doctor, as they dissolve on their own. But if staples are used, they need to be removed by the doctor. Always make sure that the area of the incision is kept dry. Avoid soaking in pools or hot tubs. If any redness or pain is noticed speak with the healthcare provider, as it may indicate an infection.
3. Probiotics: The antibiotics given during the surgery can kill even the healthy bacteria. Hence, one of the ways to cope with C-section and the medicines taken for recovery is the use of probiotics. The probiotics may help restore the healthy gut bacteria that helps prevent diarrhea and improve immunity and health.
4. Get Physically Active: Another important way to cope with C-section for faster recovery is get physically active, once permitted by the doctor. As soon as the doctor advices, try getting out of the bed and become active. The start can be by taking small walks which can gradually increase. Walking increases circulation and can prevent complications of C-section such as reduction in the risk of blood clots, improve the bowel function and improve the body’s ability to heal.
5. Healthy Diet: Our diet plays a big role in maintaining health and improving the healing process. Foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties (nuts and seeds), vitamin C, berries, kale, and broccoli should be included in the diet. Vitamin C promotes collagen (a protein which helps in tissue repair) formation. These are some of the dietary tips to cope with C-section for faster recovery and to gain better health.
6. Regular Bowels: Certain medicines and pregnancy hormones can lead to constipation. Excessive straining at stool can put pressure on the incision site and worsen the pain. One of the ways to cope with C-section for faster recovery is to fight constipation by increasing fiber intake and drinking plenty of water. If the diet does not relieve it, the doctor may advise a stool softener for better relief.
7. Avoid Abdominal Binders: Compression with the help of abdominal binder helps in easing the pain but can be a reason for urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. The abdominal binders take over the work of the abdominal muscles, gradually making them weak. It is best to follow medical advice on use of such supports and begin focusing on muscle strengthening under supervision of physical therapist.
8. Avoid Lifting Heavy Weight: Lifting heavy weight is not advisable at least for two weeks after the birth of the baby. Gradually, as the pain eases and health condition improves patients can begin with routine work, as medically advised.
9. Breastfeeding: One of the best ways to cope with C-section for faster recovery is to breastfeed the newborn. As soon as the mother feels comfortable, she can breastfeed the baby for which she can take assistance from the nurse or the partner. The mother should feel comfortable while breastfeeding. A positioning pillow can support the back and prevent the stretching of the abdomen, which might hurt. New mothers can experiment with breastfeeding positions to get the one in which she is most comfortable.
10. Emotional Support: Many new mothers suffer from postpartum depression. One of the effective ways to cope with C-section for faster recovery is to find ways to manage stress and post-partum depression. Speaking out the feelings and emotions with a friend or a close family member may help. Emotional support is very important after delivery, as there are a lot of hormonal ups and downs, which bring about mood swings and sad feeling. If these do not work, professional help can be sought from a counsellor to maintain emotional balance.

Giving birth to a young one is an emotion of intense pleasure, but along with this, it is a moment of a big change in a female’s life. Knowing how to cope with C-section for faster recovery can help new mothers deal with the situation and manage their health as well.

References:

Also Read:

• When is C-Section Considered?|Procedure, Risks, Recovery Period Following C-Section
• What Happens After C-Section Delivery or Cesarean Delivery?
• Symptoms of Endometriosis at C-Section Site & Its Treatment, Diagnosis