How to speed up your Caesarean Recovery

Do you know you're having a caesarean? or think you might be at risk of needing one? Then these tips are for you. Researching while you're pregnant means you can maximise your recovery.

​So here it is; The quickest and most effective ways to recover from your caesarean. Who doesn't want that? Read these tips to ensure you’re looking after your body after a caesarean so it can heal properly.
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​There is a reason why doctors don’t want you lifting anything heavier than your newborn after a caesarean, that’s because you have had major abdominal surgery!

Multiple layers are cut through to get to your uterus. Your stitches are holding you together while collagen repairs the abdominal and uterine incisions. This takes time for the collagen to knit together and heal. Lifting things that are too heavy puts you at risk of the deeper wounds not healing, and general abdominal muscle weakness.
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Try these tips to help you get through the initial phase

1. Support your wound when you're getting in and out of bed. Always roll to the side and put your legs over the bed before using the opposite hand to push up from the bed. Use your free hand to add pressure to your wound with a folded towel. You may need to do this for 6 weeks or more.
2. When getting in and out of the car use the folded towel for compression and your arms for support. The towel can also be used in between your wound and the seatbelt for added comfort. 
3. Do your pelvic floor exercises as soon as possible within the first 24 hours. It can be common not to feel much happening initially, it can take a bit of time for the muscles to start working even if you've had a caesarean. If it hurts, stop, try again the following day and gradually increase the amount of breaths you hold your pelvic floor muscles for. Always ensure your pelvic floor muscles are on before lifting your baby.
4. SRC recovery shorts are my number one recommendation to anyone who has given birth - They can really help support your stomach when you feel like everything is going to fall out.
5. You can still get vaginal blood loss after a Caesarean so be prepared.
6. To reduce your pain, place a maternity pad over your stitches by sticking it to your knickers to prevent them rubbing on your wound.
7. Gently moving around upright can help remove the wind from your body which can also be painful initially. Passing wind is a great sign after surgery as it means the intestinal muscles are working to move the gas out of the body. This might be hard with the catheter in but do your best.
8. If you do need to cough  - place your palms over your wound,  your 3rd and 4th fingers around your pubic bone and pushing both your elbows into your sides when you cough. Ensure your pelvic floor muscles are on before coughing also. This can help protect your stitches. 
9. Regularly check your wound for signs of redness, a horrible smell and oozing. If you find this see you doctor as you may have an infection. 
10. Gentle wound massage can help break up the scar tissue underneath the surface and can help reduce the appearance of your scar. Always start gently with the following technique: Cross frictions or small figure of 8’s going across the line of the scar in a perpendicular position, with gentle pressure and using whatever oil or cream you like. Always get approval from your doctor first to ensure there is no infection. The earlier you touch the scar the less likely you are to become sensitised around the area but this must be done with clean hands.

You may have reduced sensation or numbness which can take up to 12 months to go back to normal. Avoid waxing around the area until your wound is fully healed and pain free. Remember you have just had a baby and major abdominal surgery, listen to your body.

Not sure about the SRC shorts? here's what Amanda had to say "Mel I got my compression shorts on today… Amazing! I feel a million times better so much easier to get up and down. My small victory for today” (Amanda mum of 2)

References: Hold it Mama