Recovery from a c-section is tough on a new mother’s body.
A c-section is major surgery, and the recovery process can take weeks (sometimes months) to heal & can occasionally come with complications.
Seven months ago, I had my 3rd c-section. It was unavoidable as I’d had two previously. My first baby was breech and did not want to turn.
My second baby was head down, but I had contractions and my doctor wasn’t available, so I opted for another c-section out of fear. Unfortunately I had an infection and spent 7 weeks following the birth at Wound Care weekly.
My scar was reopened and my husband was tasked with packing my wound daily, which pushed my recovery back significantly.
This time around, my pregnancy and delivery went off without much of a hitch, and for that, I am thankful! Here are a few ways that I recovered quickly this time around:
Rest
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not great at this. Most moms probably aren’t.
Even while we are resting, our minds are thinking of things we should be doing. The day after I was discharged from the hospital, I was diagnosed with Bells Palsy. The right side of my face went numb and from the research I did, I found that the onset is due to stress on the body.
I really had minimal intent on resting after birth. I now have 3 kids (2 in school) and my son was born in harvest season (the busiest season for a farmer!).
Being diagnosed with Bells Palsy was a wake up call for me. I realized that getting stuff done was not more important than my health. So now when I’m tired, I rest.
If I feel compelled to do something, I make a to do list while resting.
Minimize stress to your midsection
My bed sits up high, so after having the baby, I found that I experienced pain when I got on and off the bed. There were many nights that I slept in the recliner until it was comfortable enough to return to my bed.
When you are caring for a newborn, it’s inevitable that you have to get up off the bed frequently.
While your wound is still fresh, try to find a comfortable spot that doesn’t require you to put stress on your midsection.
Keep your scar clean
If you notice anything unusual, consult your doctor immediately (bleeding at the sight, etc)
After my 2nd baby, I experienced my scar turning to keloid and I had endometriosis in my scar. I had to get it cut off. I was concerned about having to do this again after baby #3, so I researched natural methods of recovery after a c-section.
I turned to Young Living essential oils. I applied Frankincense oil directly to my scar (if your body isn’t use to applying oils neat, I would suggest mixing with a carrier oil first like coconut, sweet almond or jojoba).
Why Frankincense? Well because it has so many great properties! Like:
- antidepressant
- anti-infectious
- anti-inflammatory
- antiseptic
- expectorant
- immune-stimulant
Just to name a few! Trust me, there’s a reason why the wise men brought it to Jesus. There are over 52 references to it in the bible.
Are you interested in investing in nontoxic options for your family?
Stay Hydrated
If you are nursing, this is a must. In order to replenish what you are giving your baby, you must stay hydrated.
Even if you are not breastfeeding, staying hydrated after a c-section will eliminate excess fluid and help your body return to normal.
Staying hydrated, even if you don’t have an appetite can reduce gas–which can be very painful while you are recovering.
A full recovery could take up to six weeks.
Just know that your c-section recovery may look different from someone else’s, so don’t get discouraged if your recovery looks different! Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your newborn!
If you experience severe pain, have a fever more than 100.4, or are experience depressing, self harming thoughts, contact your physician immediately.
[…] having 3 c-sections, I decided I don’t want to get cut anymore, so with this pregnancy, I hired a doula, which is […]