How to recover quickly after a cesarean section (C-Section)? Let's talk!

Did you bring your little one or your baby into this world by cesarean section? Or are you planning to? First of all, we would like to congratulate you and your little one! A cesarean section is a slightly different experience than a normal childbirth. Since it is a major surgery, you need to give your body a little help to recover quickly after the surgery. Let's talk about it in simple terms and see what you need to know and what you don't need to worry about.

What happens in the hospital after surgery?

Most of the time, you are under anesthesia during a cesarean section, but you are still conscious. So you can hold your baby as soon as you are born. After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room. There, nurses will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing .

You may feel a little nauseous, dizzy, or lightheaded after the surgery. This is normal. Pain medication will be given through a thin tube placed in your vein to control the pain. Sometimes you may be given a small pump that allows you to control the amount of pain medication you receive. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor or nurse about this.

Changes in the body after returning home

After you have your baby and come home, you'll notice a lot of changes in your body . Most of these are normal. Let's take a look at what they are.

How to care for the incision?

The most important thing you need to pay attention to after a cesarean section is the sutured wound. Your doctor will give you instructions about this when you get home from the hospital. But keep these things in mind as well.

• Cleanliness: If your wound is closed with stitches, staples, or glue, ask your doctor if you can remove the bandage and take a shower. It's best to let the water run over the wound while you shower.
• How to wash: Clean the wound thoroughly with mild soap and water. Never scratch or rub the wound vigorously, especially if you have steri-strips or gum in place. Then pat the wound dry with a clean cloth.
• Things to avoid: Avoid getting into a bathtub or swimming pools until your doctor gives you permission.
• What to do for pain: You can take a painkiller like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for pain around the incision. But ask your doctor before taking any medication. Also, placing a heating pad or a warm cloth on your abdomen can help reduce pain.

Signs of wound infection

Be very careful about these features:

• If the area around the wound is red, swollen, or feels warm to the touch .
• If a pus- like fluid is oozing from the wound.
• If you get a fever .
• If the pain is getting worse instead of decreasing .
• If there is excessive bleeding .

More tips to speed up recovery

• Rest is essential: A cesarean section is a major surgery. So get plenty of rest. Don't lift anything heavier than your baby's weight for the first two weeks. Keep everything you and your baby need close by.
• Support your stomach: Hold your stomach with both hands on either side when sneezing, coughing, or laughing. This will reduce the pressure on the stitches.
• Drink plenty of water: You need plenty of water to replenish the fluids lost during childbirth and to breastfeed your baby.
• Be careful about your diet: Eat foods with fiber (fruits, vegetables, legumes). If you have constipation, do not eat a large meal at once, but eat several small meals. If necessary, ask your doctor and take a fiber supplement.

Breastfeeding a baby after a cesarean section

You can start breastfeeding your baby almost immediately after surgery.

Painkillers and breastfeeding

The anesthesia given during surgery (e.g. epidural) does not have much effect on the baby. The baby may feel a little sleepy, but this will go away after a while. Do not stop breastfeeding because of the pain. In fact, when you feel pain, the hormones that help produce milk can decrease. Therefore, use the painkillers your doctor gives you to control the pain. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor if you have any questions about the medication.

Easy breastfeeding positions

It can be a little difficult to find a comfortable position to breastfeed your baby because of the sutures. Placing a pillow over your belly can help reduce the pressure from your baby on the sutures. Try these two positions.

• Football Hold: Hold your baby's neck with your hand, place your hand on his back. Place the baby's legs under your armpits and lift the baby to your breast.
• Side-lying Hold: Lie on your side with your baby facing you. Use your hand to bring your breast to your baby's mouth. Place a pillow behind your back to stop your baby from rolling over.

Resuming exercise and other activities

It is very important to get out of bed and walk around a bit within 24 hours of surgery. This will reduce stomach discomfort caused by gas, make it easier to pass stools, and can also help prevent blood clots.

After a few days, you can try simple exercises like these:

• Breathe well: Take 2 or 3 deep breaths every half hour. This can help prevent mucus from building up in the lungs.
• Shoulder rotations: Sit up straight and rotate your shoulders about 20 times in both directions.
• Gentle Stretching: Lean against a wall and raise your arms overhead until you feel a stretch in your abdominal muscles. Hold for 5 seconds and then relax.

Usually, you have to wait a while for these things:

• Weeks 4-6: Heavy exercises that affect the abdominal muscles and lifting objects heavier than the baby.
• Week 2: Driving.
• Week 3 (after the wound has fully healed): Bathing or swimming.
• Always seek your doctor's advice before resuming sexual intercourse.

When to see a doctor immediately

If you have any of the following warning signs, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).