*Please consult your provider before pursuing the below suggestions. Not all supports are the right supports for your recovering body.
Recovery from a cesarean birth (cesarean section or c section) requires some special attention, due to the fact that it is major abdominal surgery, and as such, your range of motion and flexibility will be affected and you will need a lot of rest. Parents experience varying levels of discomfort, but often similar issues. Here are some of the most common things are families find useful following a cesarean birth:
What kind of pain relief can I use in postpartum?
Typically your provider will write you a prescription for oxycodone. Having your preferred OTC pain relief on hand, as well as some alternatives, is very helpful for both after pains (caused by the uterus returning to its pre-birth size) and incision pain. If you are looking for something other than ibuprofen or acetaminophen, consider arnica gel or cream and/or tablets to relieve bruising, muscle-pain and swelling. A hot rice pack is also helpful for soothing afterpains.
For parents interested in adding herbal support. Please consult a local herbalist. Dr. Aviva Romm’s book Natural Health After Birth has a good section on this subject.
Keep in mind that pain medication will mask the sensation of pain to your brain. Use the time directly after you’ve taken pain medication to rest. It’s common to feel like you have more mobility after taking pain medication and you may end up overdoing it.
Should I use a belly wrap or a belly binder for c section recovery?
A supportive PostOp Panty or a belly wrap will help to support you and reduce swelling as you heal. Relaxin continues to circulate in your body long after birth, and the site of your incision will need extra support--especially during sneezing, coughing or laughing. These tools can be a great comfort during the postpartum time, but need to be used correctly (not too tight) in order to be effective and safe.
Tasha, Emily, Jenna and Ariana also provide belly wrapping as an add-on service. These services can be used in conjunction with the support mentioned above.
How do I get relief from constipation?
It may take a few days for your digestion to return to normal. Your care provider will likely ask you if you have passed any gas, as this is a sign that things are working--occasionally you may experience pain in your abdomen, back or shoulders from gas getting trapped during your procedure. Taking a stool softener or laxative can help get things moving. Magnesium can be a great help for digestion, Natural Calm is a great supplement, and fiber and magnesium rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains and bran, legumes and seafood. Dried fruits such as prunes, Black Mission figs and unsulphured apricots can be of great help--especially when soaked for 15 minutes or so prior to eating. And, as with many common issues of pregnancy and postpartum, hydration is of utmost importance with regards to digestion. Keep drinking!
Will I bleed vaginally after a cesarean birth?
Postpartum bleeding, or lochia, occurs no matter how you birth, so you will need some pads for this time--usually about 6 weeks. You can start out with the postpartum size pads and gradually decrease the size you will need. Organic cotton is best for everyone. Natracare and Lola are two non-toxic brands. Reusable pads and/or period panties are also a great option, check out these from GladRags--these options are best after the first 10 days to reduce the possibility of infection. Having a couple of padsicles made up in your freezer will also be helpful, especially if you’re experiencing hemorrhoids or if you pushed for any length of time during labor prior to your cesarean.
What will make nursing easier after cesarean?
When you arrive home after your cesarean birth, having a nursing station/basket set up is helpful--gathering some kind of hydration, snacks, a burp cloth, and pillows. For some families, using a nursing pillow can help keep your baby off of your incision. Boppy and My Brestfriend are popular options, with both having their advantages. Also, utilizing the side-lying breastfeeding position can also offer some much needed recovery. We work with Ashley Treadwell of Cascadia Lactation who would is available for all of your feeding needs.
Peri-Bottle and Sitz Bath Herbs: Cesarean birth parents can also experience sore bottoms, and a peri-bottle is your friend. Oooooh so soothing--your hospital, birthing center or home birth box will probably provide one. If not, try the Upside-Down Peri Bottle. ‘Sitz bath’ refers both to a hip level portable bath tub and also just a hip level bath used to ease sore bottoms. An herbal sitz bath is soothing to tears, inflammation and hemmorhoids, and also calming and soothing for your whole mind/body. Several Brave Birth doulas offer pre-packaged herbal sitz baths, and you can also find recipes online. If you are able to prepare the herbs ahead of time, all the better, but if not, it is not difficult and is mostly like brewing a big bunch of tea, fear not!Incision care: Your care provider will instruct you to keep your incision site clean and dry. After the stitches have dissolved, a skin salve such as this Skin & Scar Balm will help your skin to heal more quickly.
Castor Oil Pack: A castor oil pack is several layers of wool or cotton flannel soaked in castor oil. It is used by placing it over a part of your body and applying heat. In her book, The Fourth Trimester, Kimberly Ann Johnson says, “Castor oil packs are the most effective way to begin to reorganize scar tissue.” Using your castor oil pack with a hot water bottle for 20 minutes a day and then massaging the oil into your skin daily for three weeks will help tremendously.
Massage and Bodywork: Most kinds of massage and bodywork are very helpful following birth. Not only are they helpful to your physical body, but they also help to ground and comfort your spirit and emotions, and heal your energetic body.. Some people even put bodywork on their registry for loved ones to contribute to before birth. Along with Swedish, Hot Stone, Mayan abdominal or Ayurvedic massage you may want to consider other modalities such as craniosacral therapy, acupuncture, Feldenkreis technique, chiropractic care, reflexology and in particular some kind of pelvic therapy such as holistic pelvic care or pelvic physical therapy. The muscles, bones and tissues of your abdomen and pelvic bowl are deeply affected by birth and will likely need help finding a new normal. Current practitioners we recommend are: Emily New, Brodsky, Xenana Spa
Warmth: Postpartum traditions across the globe recommend keeping a recent birthing parent warm throughout the weeks following birth. These practices include keeping the environment warm, using a hot water bottle or hot rice sock, wearing warm clothes or staying under the cover of warm blankets, taking sitz baths, or having a vaginal steam, drinking herbal infusions and teas especially those made with ginger, cinnamon, black pepper and cardamom (chai), eating soups and stews, avoiding raw foods, and avoiding drafts.
