The Complete Guide to C-Section Recovery: Everything to Know

Worldwide c-section rates have risen from around 7% in 1990 to 21% in 2022. This number is expected to continue to grow through the next decade.

C-sections are often required due to the health or condition of the baby or the mother, but they were not always as accessible as they are today. If you think you will need to have a c-section, there are some things you should be made aware of regarding c-section recovery.

Read on for more information.

Take Resting Seriously

Getting a c-section is a serious surgery, and it requires getting plenty of rest to allow your body to heal. However, this is not always easy to do with a newborn baby.

Immediately after your c-section, you will stay in the hospital for 2-4 days, depending on how your body is responding. Sometimes you may need to stay in the hospital for a week or more.

It will take around 6-8 weeks for your body to heal fully. While a newborn baby will be demanding of your attention, take the moments you have to rest and sleep.

If you can, ask friends or family members to help you in those first few weeks. Any rest you can get will help.

Be Careful With Your Body

When you aren’t resting, you must be careful and gentle with your body.

Avoid going up and down stairs as much as possible. Keep all of your essentials, including diapers, in the same room as you.

Never lift anything that weighs more than your baby. When it comes to exercising after c-sections, you must wait until your body is fully healed, so around that 6-8 week mark.

It’s best to wait until you get the okay from your doctor before doing anything strenuous, but it helps to go on short walks. This will prevent blood clots and constipation, both of which are common after c-sections.

Relieve Your Pain

After your c-section, and especially when you come home from the hospital, you will most likely experience some pain. If you are breastfeeding, your doctor will discuss what medications you can take to minimize your time in pain.

C-section pain medication can either be prescribed or over-the-counter, so make sure to plan with your doctor before the day of the surgery.

Eat More Nutrients

After your surgery, focusing on eating foods that will nourish your body is essential.

Include proteins, vitamin-rich foods, iron, fiber, and tons of fluids to help your body heal properly. If you’re breastfeeding, this is also essential so you can continue to be a nutritious source for your baby.

This also aids in preventing c-section infections, as it is common to get a yeast infection after c section surgeries.

Use This Guide for All You Need to Know About C-Section Recovery

If you are planning to have a c-section, it’s wise to know what to expect when it comes to c-section recovery. You will be a brand new parent, but you will also be recovering from surgery.

Resting, eating healthy foods, and taking your medications are all essential parts of the healing process.

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