5 Things to help you recover faster after a C-section
Childbirth is a thrilling time for any mother. You must be feeling overwhelmed about this new person in your life, but at the same time, you must also be recovering from major abdominal surgery. Postpartum issues, such as incision pain and engorged breasts, are only a few of the things you can expect to encounter while you recuperate from C-section. The period after a C-section is one of the most challenging times for a mother and her family. After all, you have to care for your newborn while simultaneously healing from surgery. Here are the 5 things you can do to prevent complications, reduce the pain, and get back on your feet faster.
Proper nutrition
This is the time you need to eat healthy for both yourself and your newborn. So, what exactly do you need to eat after a C-section? Research shows that eating easily digestible foods are good for your health. Soups can be easily digested, and are nutritious as well. Cottage cheese, broth, and yogurt are also recommended. Moreover, drinking plenty of water is also a must. Protein rich foods, such as fish, eggs, chicken, dairy foods, meat, peas, dried beans, and nuts can facilitate tissue repair and maintain muscle power after the surgery. Don’t forget to include lots of fruits and veggies into your diet, like oranges, melons, grapefruits, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and broccoli.
Binding
Wearing an abdominal binder after C-section can lessen the pain and speed up healing. The light compression aids in healing of scar and reduces the risk of its tear. These garments can help straighten your back and improve posture. Highly recommended by doctors for both post-partum and post-surgery patients as a support, they can also help new moms to return quickly to their pre-baby shape.
Resting
Women are typically in the hospital for two to four days following a C-section. But even once you’re home, it’s important to listen to your doctor’s advice and not overdo things. Give your body six full weeks to heal and regenerate. This is hard since you have a newborn to tend to who demands lots of attention. The solution is to rest whenever your baby rests. A few minutes of rest throughout the day can greatly help.
Probiotics
The antibiotics you have been given after surgery can kill off the vast majority of the helpful bacteria that naturally live in your stomach, intestines, and colon. Keep in mind, 80 percent of your immune system actually lives in your gut. That is why taking a high-quality probiotic is highly recommended by many professionals. They promote vaginal health for women, aid in digesting food, and enhance the synthesis of B vitamins and improve calcium absorption. The best probiotic supplements will include at least these three most important strains: L. acidophilus, B. longum, and B. bifidum.
Care for the Incision
Before you go home from the hospital, your doctor will remove the staples from your incision. If you had sutures, they'll dissolve on their own. The scar is usually fresh for the first two weeks and during that period you’ll be instructed not to lift anything heavier than your baby. You can wash the scar using mild soap but avoid scrubbing the area, submerging it in a bathtub, or swimming. If by this time the area around your scar is not pink and you notice bleeding, reddened edges, or have a high fever, you should contact your doctor.
You could also try applying C-section scar creams like cocoa butter to try to reduce the appearance of your scar. Ask your provider about massage techniques that can lower the pain and improve healing. After about six weeks, your scar will be healed and you'll likely be able to resume all regular activity.