Whether you planned for a Cesarean delivery (aka C-section) or had one unexpectedly, you may now be dealing with the recovery. A C-section involves surgery, and the post-delivery self-care period may be more difficult than recovery after a vaginal birth. We have compiled a list of suggestions to help you take care of yourself, manage your discomfort, and determine when it’s time to call the doctor.
What to Expect: Discomfort, soreness, and fatigue will likely hit you at some point. Holding your new baby over or close to your incision may be painful.
What to Do:
- Rest whenever possible. Set up your space at home so that most of what you need will be near and easy to reach, such as your phone, water bottle, healthy snacks, pain relievers, a blanket, a pillow, and of course, your baby.
- Take the pain relievers: To help with discomfort as you heal, take whatever your healthcare provider has recommended, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and as often as you need it. Aspirin or ibuprofen should be taken with food to protect your tummy. Check with your healthcare provider about which medications are safe for breastfeeding moms and their babies.
- Monitor for infection: If your incision becomes red or swollen, or you see a discharge, call your healthcare provider.
You Can Still Breastfeed…
If you want to breastfeed, you can do so even after a Cesarean. There are two different holds you can try.
- Football Hold: Sit on the sofa or in a broad chair. Place a pillow along your side, elbow bent. Support your baby’s head while turning his/her face toward your breast. The baby’s back will rest on the pillow and your forearm while you support your breast in a c-shaped hold with your other hand.
- Side-Lying Hold: Lie on your side and place your baby on his/her side facing your breast. Support baby with one hand while your other hand helps baby to latch. Then move one arm to support your head and the other to help support your baby.
Manage Other Postpartum Symptoms:
While you recover from surgery, your body is also recovering from pregnancy, as unfair as that may feel. Things to look for and monitor: Vaginal discharge may be red and heavy but should taper off in a few days. You may feel contractions for a while as your uterus shrinks back to normal, but an over-the-counter pain reliever should help.
Your breasts may be tender, whether you breastfeed or not. Stay in touch with your healthcare provider’s lactation specialist for help with engorgement and other issues, and don’t forget to wear a supportive bra. Postpartum mood swings are normal in the first few weeks, from deliriously happy to crying or mild anxiety. If what you are feeling seems more severe or overwhelming, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Bootheel Babies and Families is always here to help if you have questions. Visit our BoRN page to share insights and connect you with resources.
Source: MayoClinic.org