7 things you should avoid after having a c-section
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When I found out that I was having twins, I knew that I was most likely going to have a C-section. And I did! Since I know that you’re here to know more about what to avoid after having a C-section recovery tips and what are the don’ts after having a C-section, I’m here to help you!
Having a Cesarean section is a very delicate and major abdominal surgery, as many surgeries are. Knowing what you should avoid after a c-section will help you recover quickly from it. The recovery period of a C-section is longer than a vaginal birth and it also makes taking care of a newborn a little more difficult.
I had the glue put on to close my C-section incision, which is the “new” method as I was told. There are also two more options like having staples or stitches to close your incision. Giving birth via C-section has its pros and cons. Some of the cons are having to stay in the hospital for 4 or more days (depending on your medical needs) and the time that it takes for the incision to heal which takes about 6 to 8 weeks.
How long does it take to heal from a c-section?
It typically takes about 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover from a cesarean delivery. Your ob-gyn will give you the green light when they feel you are fully recovered and your incision has completely healed.
When can I start bending after a c-section?
“The typical recommendation is two weeks to bend at the waist,”But this could be much longer for women experiencing delayed healing or if this is her second C-section.” (source)
What to eat after a c-section for fast recover:
Having a healthy diet is key to help you recover quickly from a c-section and avoid complications. Make sure that you stay hydrated, eat food rich in fiber, protein, calcium. you want to eat food that will increase your energy and makes you feel better. Take your vitamins and iron.
That’s why I am sharing with you the things to avoid after having a c-section. This is going to help you have a faster recovery. Because I’ve gone through it, I promise you avoiding these things will make for a faster, smoother and pain free C-section healing.
7 things to avoid after having a c-section
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1.Bending down
The risk of bending after having a a c-section is that you may put strain in your c-section incision. Also the risk of accidentally separating or removing the stitches from your skin closure. This is a precaution to take if you want your healing process to go smoothly and faster. Always ask your hubby, family members or friends to help you pick up anything that you need.
Quick tip:
Have your baby’s wipes, diapers, clothes at reach and not somewhere that you have to bend down in order to get. Your baby’s health and well being is very important and you know what? So is yours.
2.Lifting heavy objects
You just had major surgery and lifting heavy object is a big no no! Please, rest as much as you can and ask someone to help you with anything that you might need help with. Lifting heavy objects can cause your incision to open and this will only result in a painful experience for you. Also, depending on whether you had staples or stitches, you will run the risk of your doctor stitching you up again or placing more staples on your incision. Be careful and take care of yourself!
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3.No sex
Please avoid having sex while your C-section incision is still healing and even a couple of weeks after that. You can never be too sure and remember you do not want to cause your incision to open. Explain to your hubby why you can not have sex and the importance of resting and letting your incision heal properly. I am 100% sure that he will understand!
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4.Tight clothes
I know that sometimes we are just in a hurry to wear our pre-pregnancy clothes and forget how important it is to take it easy and let our bodies heal. Even though you might be wearing a postpartum girdle, it is crucial that you wait at least 6 to 8 weeks for your incision to heal completely. Avoid wearing tight clothes, whether it’s a shirt or pants, or any clothing that might rub on the incision.
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Quick tip:
Try wearing flowy dresses or pajama dresses for the first couple of weeks, like I did! This will ensure a proper healing process and will also provide air and “breathing space” for your incision. Dresses are also so comfortable!
5.Laughing
Oh, I know what you might be saying to yourself ” This women have lost her mind telling me not to laugh” and maybe you’re right. But! you have to believe me when I say that laughing is painful when you just had a C-section and are trying to recuperate. I remember when I visited my aunt at the hospital right after she gave birth to her son via C-section. My dad was telling her a funny story and all I could hear was “stop, it hurt, it hurts” while still laughing and holding her stomach. When you laugh, your stomach moves and puts pressure on your abdominal, imagine putting pressure on an incision that is not yet healed?
6.Coughing
This may sound silly just like “not laughing” but trust me, every cough is painful. Again, when you cough you are putting pressure on your stomach, Even though we obviously can’t avoid it, I still wanted to give you a heads up.
Quick tip:
Before coughing or sneezing, make sure to place your hands on top of your C-section incision to protect it and for you to feel less pain.
7.Touching your incision
Another thing to avoid after having a c-section is touching your incision while it’s still healing because you can get it infected. Your incision is fresh and it’s practically still opened, so you want to avoid any contact to the incision. I know it may be itching, but you must take care of your c-section scar. When you are taking a bath, use a cloth and lightly wet it with warm water and just dab it on top of your incision very carefully. Also, make sure to completely dry the incision area with a dry towel.
quick tip:
Call your doctor if you notice, any redness or swelling around your incision area. Also, do not hesitate to contact your doctor for any other questions or concerns regarding your C-section and your healing process.
Breastfeeding after a C-section:
I know that it can be difficult or rather uncomfortable to breastfeed your baby while you’re trying to recover from a C-section. Getting help early on is the best way you can go about it. Ask your nurses and doctor in the hospital to show you how to breastfeed correctly after a C-section. If there’s a lactation consultant in your hospital, she will most likely pass by your room and help you with any questions you may have
Milkology is a fantastic resource for moms who want to successfully breastfeed their baby on their first try! Have an enjoyable breastfeeding experience!
Okay mamas! I hope you found these tips helpful and I wish you a fast and painless recovery. Remember to comment below if you have more tips on what to avoid after having a C-section.
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