Postnatal care for C-section Moms

The month of April is designated as the month to promote C-section awareness. This is the month dedicated to honouring C-section mothers and making resources accessible and available for expecting moms in respect to C-section births. Making people aware of the long-term effects C-section births have on women is imperative because C-section rates are on the rise everywhere in the world. The consensus among health professionals and pregnancy-related platforms is to work together to educate people about the benefits and drawbacks of having a C-section, thereby ensuring women's safety and support.

Postnatal care for C-section moms is very crucial. Best postpartum care aids in the speedy recovery. This blog is for all those who have undergone a C-section and those who are planning for a C-section delivery.

What happens during C-section?

Cesarean birth, also known as a C-section, is a surgical operation used on pregnant mothers to deliver their babies. Contrary to vaginal birth, this method is only advised in dire circumstances. Doctors use a C-section to protect the health of the pregnant woman and the unborn child. For instance, if your baby is breech and the head is not facing your uterus or if you have any other health issues, your doctor may decide to perform a C-section since your pelvis may be too tiny for your baby to fit through and exit safely.

· Doctor will prepare you for anesthesia/epidural

· Abdomen cleaning with antiseptic cream

· A sterile drape is placed around the incision area

· 3-to-4-inch incision is made into your uterus wall

· Finally, your baby is removed through the incisions

· After cutting the umbilical cord and removal of placenta, your doctor will close your incisions by stitching and stapling them.

The month of April is designated as the month to promote C-section awareness. This is the month dedicated to honouring C-section mothers and making resources accessible and available for expecting moms in respect to C-section births. Making people aware of the long-term effects C-section births have on women is imperative because C-section rates are on the rise everywhere in the world. The consensus among health professionals and pregnancy-related platforms is to work together to educate people about the benefits and drawbacks of having a C-section, thereby ensuring women's safety and support.

Postnatal care for C-section moms is very crucial. Best postpartum care aids in the speedy recovery. This blog is for all those who have undergone a C-section and those who are planning for a C-section delivery.

Postpartum tips after C-section

Care for your incision – Healing following a C-section delivery requires time. You will begin to experience discomfort following surgery once the anaesthetic has completely worn off. Also possible is bloating. For a while, refrain from walking, lifting anything heavy, or engaging in any other types of exercise. Allow your wound to heal. Keep it dry and clean to steer clear from any infections. The staples in the incisions will be taken out by your doctor in about a week, but the stitches will fall out on their own. Make sure your abdomen and C-section scar are not being compressed.

Rest is mandatory – You have undergone a major surgery. You need to heal physically and mentally. A complete rest is advised by doctors and experts after C-section. You will be staying in hospital for 4 to 5 days. After discharge, it is our motherly tendency to focus on our babies but taking immense care of your health post C-section surgery will help you in faster healing. Rest during your baby’s sleep hours.

Eat a healthy postpartum diet – Healthy postpartum diet or confinement period diet should be your priority. Eat fruits and vegetables that are rich in nutrients. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself nourished and avoid unsafe foods like alcohol and caffeine. Eating right will boost your breastmilk supply. This will help in baby’s overall growth and development. Also, nursing for longer hours puts lot of pressure so in order to compensate, you need to maximize your nutrition intake.

Postpartum massage - Back pain and stiffness can be relieved with postpartum massage. It helps to ease the pain from body aches. Postnatal massage for C-section mothers must be extremely delicate, nevertheless, as the sores from the incision will take some time to heal. Health risks and consequences could result from disturbing the incision site. A minimum of 6 weeks should pass after a C-section delivery. Have an appointment with your doctor and ask them when you can start getting postpartum massages for yourself. Both mustard oil and coconut oil are regarded as safe for use in postnatal massage. Choose a postpartum care programme that will give you access to all postpartum care services, including training in mother-infant massage and lactation education.

After birth tummy tying – Tummy tying or abdominal binding is a tradition which has existed since generations. Tying your tummy after delivery with a cotton cloth like saree is practiced for few months by new moms. It tightens your abdominal muscles, provides back support and lowers back pain. C-section delivery moms have to be careful about abdominal binding. Your skin around your incision area would be very sensitive so wait for few weeks before you start tummy tying. Speak to your doctor first wrapping your tummy with a binder.

Speak to a postpartum therapist – Childbirth through C-section can be very stressful for new moms. The pain caused by incision/surgery, hormonal changes in the body, and postpartum depression can lead to sudden outbursts and range of emotions like anger, disappointment and sadness. Seek help of a therapist or a postpartum counsellor who can help you learn coping mechanisms during postpartum time. Share your feelings with your family members and keep them in the loop.

Momly connect helps

Postpartum care for new moms after delivery is important. It positively impacts their physical and emotional well-being. Momly is a platform that connects women across the world. Through Momly, you can make new connections, share your thoughts and gain valuable insights on all and sundry about maternity, parenting, childcare and women’s issues. Get in touch with lactation consultants, postnatal yoga experts, lamaze experts, and nutrition consultants by joining Momly.

Click our blog on breastfeeding techniques to know all about breastfeeding and importance of speaking to a lactation consultant.