So you’ve had a Caesarean Section – do you realise that this is considered major surgery? It’s totally normal to feel emotionally overwhelmed and physically drained. How do you ensure the best outcome for you and your baby?
Discomfort and fatigue are very common symptoms, and after three to four days in hospital, allow yourself six to eight weeks to recover fully.
Get moving – carefully
In hospital, the staff will encourage you to get mobile as soon as possible. The urinary catheter is usually removed the day after surgery, and you will be encouraged to get out of bed and walk sort distances. Be careful as the after effects of surgery and medication can cause you to become dizzy and short of breath.
It hurts a bit!
Pain relief is very important subject. In hospital, you will be given medication, but if you are still in pain, tell the staff! It is vital that you control the pain. There are no prizes for being in pain! It is much easier and better to control the pain, and treat before it becomes very severe. When you are back at home, take the medication regularly as prescribed. Most pain medications are safe if you are breast feeding and your doctor will advise as needed.
Start slowly
Once you are back at home, the most important is to promote physical healing and emotional health. Firstly, take it easy! Take pain medication if needed. Rest when possible, and ask for help when needed. Try not to lift anything heavier than your baby for two weeks, so housework and running after active toddlers is a no-no. Here are some vital tips:
- Support your tummy, with your hand or a pillow, when you make any sudden movements such as coughing, sneezing and even laughing.
- There are plenty of reasons why you should drink plenty of fluids. It promotes your bowel health, preventing constipation, helps your body to produce breast milk .
- Constipation can be a problem. You will only be discharged from hospital once the staff knows that your bowels are working. Eat lots of high fibre foods, such as fruits and vegetables, drink prune juice and use stool softeners if needed. It is important to pass gas when you feel the urge; this will help your bowel to get back to normal.
- Although you should generally take it easy, some activity, such as a gentle walk, will promote quicker return to health.
- Care of your wound includes keeping it clean and dry. Don’t scrub but gently wash with warm water and pat dry. Avoid hot baths and public swimming pools until fully healed.
Don’t miss your 6-week check-up!
Your doctor will want to see you at 6 weeks for a check-up to make sure that you’re healing well. You will have been advised to not drive a car, have sex or exercise for the first six weeks – this is the time to discuss these questions with your doctor.
If you experience any of the following, you need to urgently see your doctor:
- Wound becomes red, swollen or there is a discharge
- Body temperature above 38C
- Increasing pain
- Severe sudden headache
- Swollen, red painful leg
- Burning when passing urine or blood in the urine
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Severe breast pain.
- Worsening depression and thoughts about hurting your baby.
Enjoy your little one but be kind to yourself and allow your body to heal! If you have any questions, why not sign up and ask one of our doctors? Our doctors are available 24/7, 365 days a year!
Dr Ingrid de Beer for HelloDoctor.com