The Complete Guide to Physical and Emotional Recovery After a C-Section

A caesarean section is a surgical procedure allowing the birth of a child when vaginal delivery is not possible. And how should it be considered? It is an important surgical procedure (very simple for obstetricians and very often performed), but keep in mind that the first days and even weeks can be complicated.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that postpartum medical care be an ongoing process and not a single postpartum visit. Therefore, the follow-up that needs to be done after a caesarean section is not limited to a single visit. You should check as many times as necessary.

We offer you a guide with the most important points to consider for a full physical and emotional recovery from a C-section.

We recommend getting up and going as soon as possible

24 hours after delivery, we recommend that patients get up, start sitting in chairs and gradually walk. It is hard to think that in the first 24 hours we have to be moving, when the pain can be very limiting. But as long as the mother tolerates it, it should start moving. Gradually, as there is no rush, but starting from the beginning will promote a faster recovery.

Do not use the pregnancy belt regularly

This is one of the most common questions we get at a consultation after a caesarean section.

We do not recommend using garter belts because our “belly pipe” You should be working. If the girdle holds us, we may be fine, but the muscles are not working as they should. So the general recommendation is: if you’re going to make a little effort, go for a walk or go shopping and want to be more comfortable, wear it, but the rest of the time, most of the day, let the muscles do the work

Keep points clean and dry

The stitches or staples are usually removed about 10 days after the C-section. The only thing you need to do is to keep the scar clean and dry, it does not even require any specific antiseptic. We generally recommend neutral soap and water.

Check the scar level for signs of infection (redness, discharge or excess, local warmth, induration of the area) and consult your doctor or midwife if you have any questions.

Pay attention to your diet

It is important that you stay well hydrated and that your diet is varied and balanced to avoid gas or constipation. These discomforts can increase the discomfort at the level of the abdomen.

Any excessive effort may cause scar dehiscence or suture separation.

Use the correct positions when breastfeeding

Breastfeeding with abdominal discomfort after a C-section is quite a challenge and has incredible merit. Look for positions that are most comfortable for you, such as lying on your side. Find breastfeeding support whenever you need it.

Continue physical exercise as soon as possible to strengthen the abdomen

Exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important at all stages of our lives. After a caesarean section, it will help a better recovery, although we have to adapt the activity to the needs of each stage.

When can we resume physical exercise after caesarean section?

Another of the most frequent questions after a caesarean section. Walking or strength training in arms and legs can be practiced practically from the beginning. However, to begin slightly more intense exercise, it is generally recommended that a woman wait four to six weeks before re-exposing her body to physical activity. But it will depend, as always, on each woman’s circumstances.

In the first weeks, exercise should be focused mainly on strengthening the pelvic floor. Subsequently, and always on the recommendation of an expert, adjust the training procedures.

Normalizes caesarean section

It wasn’t always an idea how your delivery would end up. Sometimes they talk about the emotional scar after a cesarean section. And it is because there are women who suffer a lot after a caesarean section, because they consider it a failure of childbirth. And that’s not the case at all.

C-section must be normalized. It is an escape route for cases where the baby cannot be born vaginally. You don’t have to be cold, you don’t have to be alone, you don’t have to have a bad memory of her. Fortunately, more and more centers are getting involved in humanizing the C-section process and making it a joyous event and as beautiful as the vaginal journey can be.

Feel free to pamper your scar

At my consultation, some moms who have had a caesarean section tell me that they can’t see their scar. She is the brand woman your body will have. It will remind you that it was the gateway to your baby’s life. But for that we need to be sure and convinced that a caesarean section is completely normal. If you need it, seek help from specialized psychologists as well.

to feel strong and brave

When you face surgery to accept your baby, you should feel strong, brave and strong. It is never an easy or quick way. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise. It is the only practice where you have to be awake, nursing a baby and without rest in less than 24 hours.

Enjoy the new stage. A lot

We hope these tips will help you recover quickly from your C-section and enjoy motherhood.