Have you ever had surgery? What for?
Planning a C-section? Recovering after a C-section requires a complete change in mindset, lifestyle and future goals.
Think of it like you’re moving house and starting a new life.
To succeed, plan backwards. Start by planning pre-surgery for recovery after the C-section. My advice? Start planning as soon as you decide to have your baby.
Why? Because with pregnancy, things could change very quickly. While a natural birth may have been the plan, a C-section is always an option. It may be the only way to save your life.
Plan Your Finances
This means you survey birth centres and hospitals to know the price difference between a natural birth and a c-section. The costs are considerably different, so it’s good to have the larger amount saved for D-day.
Discovering the shock of high medical fees just after delivery can be unpleasant and even mar an otherwise joyous occasion. If it turns out you have a natural birth instead of a c-section, the extra cash will feel like a well-deserved treat.
Understand the risk
One of the strongest most beautiful things you could ever do is give a life. You do not have to exchange your own life for it. Your baby needs you.
C-sections are so simple yet so delicate. Anything can go wrong: from depression to infection and even death. So it’s important to manage your mental health and practice self-care before and after your procedure.
Rest Up
Cesarean section is a form of trauma to the body. So plan to get lots of rest after surgery. You’ll need 4-6 weeks of recovery while your mind and body heal from the trauma.
Planning rest means you’ll need to plan to get help with your beautiful baby. Ask family and friends to help with tasks so that you can sleep when the baby is asleep.
Avoid lifting anything heavy. 4.5kgs (about 10 lbs) should be your maximum.
Get light exercise
Immediately after a C-section, there is a risk of blood clot especially if you’re overweight, so plan light exercise, and a healthy diet.
Exercise also helps ward off postpartum depression. But you might need more specialist care if depression is interfering with crucial tasks. So pay attention to your emotional well-being and especially your self esteem.
Watch out for infection
Be attentive to any discomforts and express your uncertainties freely. Swelling, pain, difficulty urinating, frequent headaches…observe and report if you notice any unusual symptoms post surgery.
Constipation is not an infection but could certainly lead to discomfort and illness. Lots of liquid, fibre, rest and exercise all combine to help ease your bowel movements.
Breastfeeding is your friend
Unfortunately, c-sections make breastfeeding a tad more difficult. But not necessarily if you planned your diet and self-care before delivery.
Breastfeeding contributes to contracting your uterus and helping you regain your form. Its benefits to your baby could keep you out of hospital visits for years to come.
So it’s worth it to plan a nutritious breast feeding diet and breast care routine before the baby arrives.
It’s a whole new life after the C-section. For you and your gorgeous bundle of joy. Start planning now and succeed at recovering after a C-section.
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