Precaution and Care after Caesarean Delivery
Post-delivery, every mother looks forward to meeting the soul she carried in her womb for nine months. Many women opt for a caesarean section, willingly or unwillingly. It is a procedure that requires time to recover. The following tips might help in a quick recovery.
Plenty of rest
Caesarean section, being a major surgery, requires hospitalisation for 2 to 4 days, which might extend if complications arise. It takes almost 6 to 8 weeks for the wound to heal completely.
Take it easy, as the popular saying goes, “Sleep when the baby sleeps,” i.e., follow the baby’s sleeping routine.
Always ask for help, whether changing the baby’s diapers or doing household chores. Rest whenever possible.
Pay special attention to your body.
Special care is required for the body to heal faster.
- Do not climb stairs or sit on the floor. Any kind of pressure on the abdominal muscles should be avoided.
- Frequently used items such as diapers, food, and snacks should be kept within reach.
- Avoid lifting things heavier than the baby and ask for help whenever required.
- Hold a pillow over the belly to avoid pressure while sneezing or coughing.
- It can take up to 8 weeks to return to one’s usual routine. A doctor’s consultation is a must for all activities such as exercising, driving, or starting work.
- Walking is recommended for the body to heal faster and for the prevention of constipation and blood clots.
- Avoid physical contact as well as the use of tampons and douches.
Relieve pain
- Only a doctor’s prescribed pain medications are to be taken, especially while breastfeeding.
- A hot bag may be used to relieve discomfort, while special care and hygiene must be maintained.
- Postpartum bleeding should be monitored. If it continues beyond 6 weeks, consult the doctor.
Good Nutrition
The mother should drink lots of water while breastfeeding to promote milk supply and avoid constipation. This reduces pressure on the abdomen and the chances of injury. Additionally, a variety of fruits and vegetables are to be consumed for the body’s recovery.
Postpartum check-ups are a must
Visit the doctor regularly for post-delivery check-ups. These help in the diagnosis of physical and mental health, energy level, chronic diseases, and other pregnancy-related complications like hypertension, diabetes, etc.
Time to call a doctor.
Some degree of pain, bleeding, or discharge at the incision site is usual within 6 weeks of a caesarean section.
The doctor should be consulted immediately if the following symptoms occur, as these could point to an impending infection:
- Redness, swelling, pus discharge, or pain at the incision site.
- Temperatures above 100.4°F (38°C)
- Foul-smelling discharge of or heavy bleeding from the vagina
- Redness, swelling, or pain in the leg.
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain.
Also consult the doctor if the new mother feels sad, depressed, or feels like hurting the baby or herself.
Dear MoMsters don’t compare your own recovery with others’, as it varies with every individual and their body.
Focus on your self-healing by giving your body the time it needs to recover.
Guest Writer
Anjana Ghosal
