Caesarean Recovery Tips; My Top
It usually takes 6 weeks to recovery from a caesarean section, but it is important to remember that this is individual for everyone. Here are my top caesarean recovery tips.
1. It’s ok I am wearing really big knickers.
If you have not already converted to the Bridget Jones style pants then now is the time to hop over. Larger pants that you can pull over your scar will stop the elastic rubbing across your scar. If you do find clothes are rubbing you can pop a sanitary pad across your scar.
2. Keep it dry
It is ok to bath and shower as normal just keep it to just water and ensure that the area is dry after (pat dry with a towel). Keeping the area dry will prevent any infection.
3. Watch out for signs of infection
When you get discharged home contact your GP or tell your midwife if you feel feverish or fluey, if you notice your scar is red, smelly, really painful or is oozing as these can all be signs of infection
4. Family, friends & hospital staff
Accept peoples help while they are over. Let them make the cups of tea and don’t be afraid in asking someone to pass the baby up to you or to change a nappy as bending over may be painful. In the hospital your partner will go home whilst you stay the night on the ward. Your ward midwives and maternity care assistants will be happy to help you, you will have a call bell that we (as midwives) encourage you to use on your first night after a caesarean. You will need help changing the nappy and having baby passed up to you after your caesarean. It is there for YOU so make use of it.
5. Move around
By the following day you should be able to get out of bed into the chair. Take it slow but getting out of bed will help get your blood circulating, even if it is just from the bed to the chair. Stay on top of your pain relief by taking it at regular intervals.
For an honest story about one mamas caesarean section experience from Gloucestershire hospital see the birth story from local girl Kate: Too posh to push..? You can decide.
