While most pregnancies are planned vaginal deliveries, some result in a cesarean section. Delivering a baby by c-section puts additional strain on new mothers. Not only are they learning how to care for a newborn and its intense demands, but they are also trying to recover from a major abdominal surgery at the same time. A few days after the procedure, most moms are allowed to leave the hospital to continue recovery at home. The following tips will help ensure a speedy recovery for the mother after her hospital stay.
1. Do not lift heavy objects.
Doctors advise moms not to lift anything that is heavier than their babies during the first several weeks after the c-section. This includes other children, laundry baskets, and diaper bags. Although it may be tempting to lift these objects, it is important to heed the doctor's warning so that the incision does not rip or tear. Women should ask for assistance from their spouse or older children if something heavy needs to be moved or lifted.
2. Avoid stairs.
Climbing stairs can be very hard on a fresh c-section incision. Women who live in split level homes are advised to set up everything that they will need during the day in a central location on the main floor. This way, moms can eat, nap, care for their babies, and use the bathroom without having to climb the stairs. The only time that it will be necessary to climb the stairs is at night before going to bed.
3. Do not drive.
Most doctors do not give their c-section patients permission to drive until six weeks after the surgery. This is because the incision may make it hard for a mom to quickly respond to traffic and firmly press on the brake pedal. At around six weeks postpartum, a woman should test her ability to slam on the brakes in the driveway before actually venturing out on the road.
Additionally, c-section patients are advised not to ride in a car until two weeks after the surgery. This rule may not be as easy to adhere to since most moms ride in a car on the way home from the hospital. However, all unnecessary car trips should be avoided during these first couple of weeks to avoid jarring and pulling of the incision.
4. Wear loose fitting gowns.
The incision will be very tender after surgery, and it will become easily irritated if rubbed by clothing. Tight shirts should be avoided, and pants and skirts should not be worn for several weeks. A c-section incision is made right around the bikini line, so tight fitting panties should be avoided as well. The best thing for a new mom to wear is a loose fitting night gown that does not rub or irritate the wound.
5. Bathing.
By the time new moms are discharged from the hospital, they have most likely been given permission to shower. However, showering should also be done with care and the incision should not be directly scrubbed or sprayed with water. Women are typically only allowed to cleanse themselves by showering for the first two weeks after surgery, and baths should be off limits until this time. Additionally, new moms should not sit in hot tubs or swimming pools until around six weeks postpartum. This is because these tubs are not drained after each use and they may be harboring lots of bacteria that can cause infection in an open wound.
Most mothers spend nine months of pregnancy learning how to hold a baby and change a diaper, but they do not educate themselves on what to expect from their own bodies after birth. A cesarean section is very different from a vaginal delivery, and women who undergo this procedure must make sure to take care of themselves and follow their doctors' orders so that they can experience a quick recovery.
Recovering from a C-Section