Childbirth is such a special event in your life. It is a big milestone for every mum because each birth brings a new experience. While it is exciting to work on your little one’s checklist, don’t forget to also equip yourself with all the things you need to know about your birthing method. If you are planning for a vaginal birth, be sure to learn your breathing techniques, birthing positions, pain management options and so on.
However, you should always prepare for the unexpected. Be well-informed about Caesarean delivery, or C-section, in case you need to have one at the last minute. If you are planning for a C-section, read along, because you might find some extra tips for a safe and smooth birthing experience.
In this article, we’ll fill you in on what to expect about C-section.
What Is A C-Section?
A C-section is a surgical procedure that is carried out to safely deliver a child when a vaginal delivery is not feasible. This procedure can be either planned in advance or performed as an emergency measure. While a C-section offers a viable alternative, it is a major operation that comes with slightly greater risks compared to a vaginal delivery and a somewhat longer recovery period too.1,2
Get a clear comparison between C-section and Vaginal delivery here.
C-section Postpartum Care and Recovery Tips
Aside from taking the pain medications prescribed by your doctor, here are some of the things you can do to help you with your recovery at home:
- It’s normal to feel sluggish and tired post surgery. Take it easy. Keep your child and necessities within reach. Don’t lift heavy objects or do anything strenuous in the first 8 weeks.
- Wear suitable postpartum underwear, loose clothing and pants that don’t rub against your incision. If you are wearing socks or home slippers, it’s best to get those with anti-slip features.
- Don’t worry about puffiness and swelling, it’s normal! It will go away before you know it.
- Wearing an abdominal binder helps to support your core during your recovery.
- Plan ahead for your husband and close family members (if available) to help with house chores during your confinement so you can focus on your recovery and bonding with your little one. Hiring a confinement lady is also a great idea!
- Avoid driving for at least 2 weeks.
- Be aware of hormonal changes and mood swings. Postpartum blues is real and can happen to any mother. If you feel uneasy, sad or depressed during your confinement period, please talk to your loved ones or close friends about it. Giving birth is a huge matter, and should your birth not go as planned, do know that it is okay to feel sad and disappointed, but try not to let it overwhelm you.
- Look out for signs of infection on your wound or incision. If your incision is reddish, swollen and has a discharge; you have fever and chills; heavy bleeding and increasing pain, do contact your doctor immediately.3
- Eat nutritious food and drink enough fluids. This is not only useful to produce enough breast milk, but also helps keep you energized and speed up your recovery.
- Last but not least, do know that it is normal for mothers who give birth via C-section to possibly face a bit of a challenge in the first few days, due to pain and discomfort from your incision so don’t be discouraged.
We hope this article has helped you understand more about C-section and the things you can do to prepare yourself for your “birth-day”. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy or delivery, do get professional advice from your doctor. Ask as many questions as possible so you are well-informed about your birthing options.
REFERENCES:
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/7246-cesarean-birth-c-section
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/c-section/about/pac-20393655#
- https://www.toplinemd.com/south-miami-obgyn-associates/how-to-prepare-for-a-c-section-recovery-tips/
- https://www.center4research.org/c-section-birth-health-risks/