Postpartum period after cesarean section

The postpartum period is an extremely emotional period: a mixture of joy, pain, fatigue and emotion. There is already a long-awaited child in the world, and you do not seem to be in control of your body and your emotions.

How you feel and how long you recover will largely depend on the type of labor you have had (vaginal or cesarean section, with or without complications), and what your lifestyle was like before and during, pregnancy.

In addition, each organism regenerates at a different rate. However, from this thicket of addictions, some common features inherent in every mother can be distinguished. Including – common for childbirth through a cesarean section.

The postpartum period after cesarean section – how long does it last?

The first week is the hardest. Weakness and fatigue are accompanied by intense bleeding (the body gets rid of the so-called postpartum bowel movements – at this time, change the bath to a shower), as well as swollen and painful mammary glands (the so-called food load).

However, the time it takes to feel pain may be slightly longer in the case of a cesarean section than in the case of a natural vaginal delivery, because in addition to natural postpartum discomfort, there are consequences of surgery.

Cesarean section – what to expect after?

When the anesthetic wears off, you will feel pain with every movement. This way, you will receive pain relievers throughout your hospital stay. For your own comfort, it is worth taking them. What else can you expect? You may feel a burning sensation around the urethra, but do not worry, it is just the result of the catheterization.

When can I get out of bed after a cesarean section?

It is recommended to try the first steps 6-8 hours after the operation. Start moving your legs in bed before walking down the hallways of the hospital. Use them to make circles in the air to stimulate circulation.

The way of standing up is important: first roll onto your side, resting on your arm and elbow, then lift your torso. Then sit with your legs down. Thus, you eliminate the work of the abdominal muscles.

This rule is worth remembering and applying constantly. This is especially important when the body returns to what it was before pregnancy.
Only then, if you do not feel dizzy, try walking a few steps. This will help to avoid the formation of blood clots and vascular embolism. If you feel dizzy, ask someone to join you. Avoiding a bent posture will not protect you from possible pain, but it will put stress on your spine.

When can I go to the bathroom after a cesarean section?

You can use the restroom immediately after the urinary catheter is removed. You should not have problems urinating. Defecation can be more challenging. Therefore, it is beneficial to enrich the hospital diet with fiber-rich foods such as millet or chia seed desserts. In addition, to relieve pressure on the cut wound, you can use a step or a child platform to keep your feet on it while using the toilet.

Breastfeeding after a cesarean section

Do not let anyone tell you that breastfeeding after a cesarean section will be more difficult or even impossible. If the cesarean section occurred after the natural onset of labor, the appropriate hormones took care of the fluctuation in milk production.

With a planned haircut, this happens a little later, but soon enough so that the baby can give milk on time. Remember that in the beginning your baby needs as much milk as you can put in a thimble, and the need gradually increases every day, as does the amount of milk in your breast.

Caring for a Cesarean Section Wound

As soon as you feel ready, you can take a shower. A bandage will be applied to the wound. Do not worry if it gets wet. Dry with a towel. After removing the dressing, which usually occurs three days after giving birth, wash it with laundry soap and dry it with a paper towel.

It is worth disinfecting the wound. Wear loose underwear whenever possible. If there are no contraindications, the stitches will be removed in about a week. Then just wait for the scab to peel off, and you can start massaging the fresh scar and moisturizing it with special collagen preparations (such as silicone ointments). Massaging the wound will be unpleasant and even painful, but the formation of keloids must be avoided.

The postpartum period after cesarean section and intercourse

Paradoxically, sex after a cesarean section can start earlier than after a natural birth. Your perineum is not harmed during labor, so your return to sexual activity is usually faster.

The situation is different when the incision occurred after many hours of trying to give birth naturally. Then the pain in the perineal region can be felt as after a normal childbirth. However, some opportunities are not enough, you still need desire, and this is more difficult with constantly stabilizing hormones, general exhaustion and implantation into the role of the mother.

Just because your body is ready does not mean you need to rush. It is worth making you both feel comfortable.
In the postpartum period, contraception should not be forgotten. Although breastfeeding produces the hormone prolactin, a high concentration of which causes amenorrhea and ovulation, you should never rely on this form of protection against unwanted pregnancy. Contraception should be selected individually, and its appropriate selection should be preceded by a conversation with a gynecologist and a gynecological examination.

When will you get back in shape after the postpartum period?

Rest is recommended for the entire six weeks of the postpartum period (Ha! Good joke), avoiding strenuous exercise and physical activity. Your body has changed in 40 weeks, and new life has formed in your belly, so do not expect to return to your pre-pregnancy shape in a month. It is estimated that a woman’s body recovers about a year after giving birth.