C-sections are becoming more common, and despite the fact they are safe, a C-section is still major surgery and a big operation. If you’re to have any other body part cut open for surgery, you usually spend the following few weeks in hospital recovering, are doted on, hand and foot, and MADE to “rest” to ensure a proper and safe recovery. However, c- sections are not looked at the same way as other “surgeries”. You spend a couple of nights in hospital, and go straight home with a new baby to look after. You don’t rest because you are keeping this precious new human alive by feeding every couple of hours and ensuring their needs are met before your own.
So with this reality, how can we make sure we do have the best recovery as possible?
1. Get the Pain Relief… And Fast!
I’ve had 2 c-sections, both with very different experiences. For my first one, I had the epidural left in my spine for 2 days and I walked around with a portable machine that was attached to a button I could squeeze which released pain relief into me whenever I needed. I felt pretty good and thought the whole experience was pretty much a piece of cake.
My second C-section, 2 and a half years later, was different. I had a spinal block this time, and I reacted badly to the anaesthetic. I did not stop vomiting for 10 hours after Leo was born. I therefore, did not keep down any oral pain relief I had taken. I distinctly remember my anaesthetist saying to me “Once your pain gets to 3/10 you MUST get pain relief, especially in the first 24 hours.”
At 23 hours post birth, I was in excruciating pain, and could not reach the buzzer in my room to ask for assistance. By the time I had pain relief, I had passed the 24 hour time frame. As a result, I experienced pain for 10 months and was on heavy painkillers for the first few weeks, as opposed to less than a week with my first C-section.
I’m someone who has not even consumed an entire packet of Panadol in my whole life. I’ve had antibiotics twice. I’ve been lucky in my life that I have been relatively healthy and I don’t experience pain often. When I do, I like to really know how my body is feeling, and I have a bit of a “thing” about masking the pain, but would rather let it subside on its own if I can. I only take pain killers if I’m in a lot of pain. Some may call me crazy, some may be similar to me. If you are similar to me, do not be afraid to let the pain relief become your best friend after your C-section.
It’s normal to experience pain for up to 2 weeks after a C-section, but it should improve each day.
2. Start Walking As Soon As Possible
Walking slowly and with assistance initially is the best way to get your body functioning again. Walking will help with bowel movements (this can be tricky after a C-section), it will also get the blood circulating through your body which will reduce your risk of blood clots.
3. Prevent Constipation
Constipation can be more painful than the C-Section itself and can lead to haemorrhoids (hands up over here!) which, if you haven’t experienced, believe me, you don’t want to.
Constipation after a C-Section can be caused by several things. Post birth (vaginal or caesarean) constipation can be caused by fluctuating hormones, dehydration (higher risk if you’re breastfeeding) and weakened pelvic floor muscles. If you’ve had a C-Section, the anaesthetic from surgery as well as abdominal swelling, weakness and incisions can all contribute to constipation.
Top Tips to Prevent Constipation:
- Drink warm liquids – herbal teas, no iced water
- Move that body! It might be slow, it might feel weak, but try to move as much as you can. Gentle stretches, slow walking. As small as it may seem, it will help those bowels.
- Eat fibre – Pears and Prunes, and pineapple juice were my ‘go-to’ (The 3 x Ps)
4. Rest. Rest. Rest.
Many of us have developed this attitude of “I can do it all.” We do all this pre care and rest before we have our babies, and then once our babies arrive, we jump straight back into chaotic life – some of us start working straight away, we continue to cook and clean and complete our daily activities, on top of having SO many visitors daily to meet our precious new bundle. Its exhausting enough, but even more so, on not much sleep. We are completely mad! In many countries, mothers spend the first 40, up to 100 days resting and looking after themselves. They have help in place to do washing, cooking, cleaning etc, so that they are merely focused on the baby, and themselves. Mummas, ACCEPT whatever help is offered, ask for help if you need. Drop this “can-do” proud attitude. And REST.
5. Be Patient With Your Sex Life.
Often, people assume that after a vaginal delivery, sex will be more painful than that of a C-section. However, if you’ve had a C-section you are twice as likely to experience pain during sexual intercourse, than a mother who has had a vaginal birth. This is because the scar tissue from the incision can reduce mobility of the pelvic organs. This can cause pain and muscle spasms which will make sexual intercourse painful. This can last up to 18 months post birth. It’s a good idea to see your doctor, or specialised women physio to assist.
Do you have any questions about C-sections? Or any experiences and tips you care to share if you’ve had one? I really believe its so important to share our stories, advice and support to each other.
Love Em xx