Tips for Cesarean Recovery
If you have time to plan ahead:
- Create a birth preferences sheet for cesarean section and discuss with your care providers
- Take time to make and freeze healthy meals and/or set up a meal delivery schedule with friends and family
- Have paper plates and plastic utensils to use for the first few weeks
- Organize the kitchen and closets so you don’t have to reach for things
- Schedule help around the house (friends/family or professional)
- Start taking homeopathic arnica a couple days before the birth
At the hospital:
- Request a lactation consultant right away
- Stay on top of your pain management
o Our bodies do not heal well when in pain
o We can care better for our babies when we are feeling good
o Your care providers will advise you on what drugs are safe for breastfeeding - Pausing to practice a few rounds of deep breathing throughout the day will help keep your lungs healthy when bedridden and encourage relaxation
- Before you are able to get out of bed, gentle movement in bed can help protect against blood clots
o Wiggle your toes
o Point and flex your feet
o Move your ankles around in circles
o Bend one leg at the knee then stretch it back to a straightened position. Repeat with other leg.
o Pelvic rocks - When you’re ready, your nurse will encourage you to take gentle walks throughout the day
- When you are able to have fluids again, make sure to stay well hydrated
- When you are able to eat again (probably not until the day after surgery) have friends/family bring you healthy food if you prefer over hospital food
- Restrict visitors and for those who visit, make it short
At home:
- Set ‘baby stations’ up in the bedroom and living room so mom doesn’t need to get up much
o Diaper changing supplies, burp cloths, change of clothes for baby, nipple cream, breast pads, tissues, water for mom, the phone, etc… - Splurge on some help around the house for the first few weeks (or ask friends and family help)
o Cleaning service
o Laundry service
o Dog walker
o Childcare for older siblings
o Postpartum doula (www.with-women.com) - Set up a meal delivery schedule with friends and family
- Hydration and good nourishment supports healing and breastfeeding
o Make sure to eat food with lots of fiber to discourage constipation
o Try to poop once a day- get glycerin suppositories or stool softeners to help if needed - Limit the amount of visitors in the first weeks
- For those who are visiting, limit their time and ask them to do something around the house to help
- Set aside time for relaxation- it helps our bodies heal!
o Nap when baby naps!
o Listen to a relaxation CD
o Let dad take the baby and read a book - Pelvic floor exercises!
- Taking homeopathic arnica can help you heal
- Don’t over do it!
o Mom should not be doing ANY household duties in the first 2 weeks (no cooking/cleaning)
o It may be at least 6 weeks before you feel ready to resume ‘normal’ activities - Get help with breastfeeding sooner than later if you need it
o Faith Hughes provides affordable home visits 720.323.9805 - After 6-8 weeks, consider attending (an) ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network)meeting(s)
o The International Cesarean Awareness Network- Providing support for cesarean recovery and promoting VBACs.
o www.ican-online.com or www.icanofcolorado.org