The process of recovery from delivery after a cesarean is slower. Here we tell you the care you need after this intervention
Although there are no discomforts derived from an episiotomy, the process of returning to normal is longer than in natural childbirth because it requires the care of abdominal surgery. Especially in the first 15 days, the body is very resentful, that’s why you should regain your usual rhythm of life in a slower way. To better face this period it is important that you follow all the guidelines set by the doctor and, above all, that you arm yourself with patience.
THE FIRST BATH
Take a bath before being discharged, whenever you are accompanied. The ideal time to do this is before healing, taking care to dry the wound well.
FOOD
After a cesarean section, performed under epidural anesthesia, it is normal for transient paralysis of the intestine to occur. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not eat for at least 6 to 12 hours. Then, after undergoing a liquid tolerance test, you will be given an infusion or broth. Later, food will be incorporated progressively: first a light diet and, after two days, a normal diet.
THE ANNOYING GASES
Aerophagia is one of the most annoying side effects. The best way to avoid it is not to eat food too soon. You should also not talk too much because doing so enters air into the stomach and it cannot fluently eliminate it due to the recent intervention. If the gas makes you sore, moving from front to back, similar to what occurs when sitting in a rocking chair, can help relieve them.
THE SCAR
It is normal that the first weeks after delivery the wound causes itching, pulls in and the entire area around it is numb: it is because the layers of the abdominal wall on which the incision is made recover at different rates and throw each other. Although the scar does not heal completely until six months, it already looks better at three.
As for the stitches, they are generally resorbable and are usually removed around 40 days after delivery. It is essential to hydrate the injured area daily. Gels and creams markedly decrease the inflammatory process, aid in healing, reduce discoloration, prevent the formation of a keloid (bulky scar on the skin) and improve the texture of the lesion.
HOW TO PROTECT IT
- Try to rest a lot and not carry weight during the entire quarantine, because if force is applied to the abdomen, some point may be released.
- It is common for stitches to pull and hurt when you cough or sneeze. Protecting the scar with your hands by placing your thumbs above the wound reduces discomfort.
- When sitting or getting up from a chair, it is advisable to flex your body well forward, keep your knees bent and protect your abdomen with your hands.
- When breastfeeding put the baby on a cushion to protect yourself.
HYGIENE
The guidelines for healing the cesarean section are the same as for any wound: you should wash it with soap and water and keep the dressing clean and dry. You should avoid antiseptics that contain iodine, especially if you are breastfeeding. If you have any questions, you should consult your doctor.
LACTATION
To breastfeed your baby without the incision area suffering, you should adopt the position in which you feel most comfortable. At the beginning, the most appropriate posture is usually in bed, lying on your side, but you can also do it sitting, with your back well supported and putting a nursing cushion or, failing that, a pillow under your arm that supports the child to don’t overload your neck and shoulders. The most important thing is that you are relaxed, comfortable and in a calm environment.
BELT
Yes or no? If the suture has been made with non-absorbable staples or stitches, you should avoid putting it on while these are not removed, since the girdles are made with a series of synthetic fabrics that do not allow transpiration of the wound. Once the injury has healed, and if you feel more comfortable with the girdle, you can use it the first month to reduce the tension produced in the wound (it should be clear that this garment does not favor the recovery of the muscles). Then it is not recommended. Regarding the type, most specialists suggest using the tubular type, with velcro.
HABITS YOU MUST ADOPT
- To get out of bed, the ideal thing is to put yourself on your side first and then support yourself on the elbow to incorporate yourself.
- When coughing or sneezing, hold the wound with both hands, placing your thumbs on top of the scar and the rest below.
- To change the baby’s diaper or clothes it is advisable to use a high table. If you don’t have one, you should do it in bed; it is best to sit facing him and avoid waist twists.
- When you put your baby to bed, arch his back keeping him close to your chest, flex his knees a lot and place him in the crib, stretching his arms as much as possible.
- Important: monitor and take care of your body’s reactions. Go to the doctor with any questions.