If you’ve had a c-section or scheduled for one. Pain is inevitable and you'll need to lie in bed for a few days while your incision heals. I’ve had two and it’s the same experience of intense pain and crawl movements for both. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first, second, or third, c-section is major surgery. And with all major surgery, there’s tons of pain and discomfort. I couldn’t move anywhere for the first twenty-four hours and I was happy I didn't. The next twenty-four was a struggle to just change position while in bed. Our bodies are all different and so is our recovery. Most doctors and literature you read always say rest for 6 – 8 weeks nothing more. But during that resting period, there are a number of things you can do to speed up your recovery, help your scar heal which adds to your mobility later on.
Here are 5 things you can do:
1. Get out of bed as soon as you can. If you can get out of bed for a very slow walk, which basically means down the hallway from your room and back. Walking stimulates your organs and prevents blood clots. I made sure to support my abs with my hand. Don’t forget to do so as well.
2. You’ll need to wait 6-8 weeks before you can work out so get clearance from your doctor or whomever you saw during pregnancy. In the meantime, you can start with deep core breathing exercises also known as diaphragmic breathing while in bed. Here's how: drawing in your abdominal walls to your spine is 100% safe and actually sends oxygenated blood flow to the c-section area which speeds up healing. The first few times will hurt a bit because your incision is still new. Don't overdo it, just a few deep breathes the first-time round.
3. Your SCAR! Keep it DRY AND CLEAN. Don’t scrub it in the shower; I just took a bath when I was able to and simply let the soap water wash over it. That’s it.
4. Scar Massage, it's never mentioned. Ask any doctor about it and they’ll tell you there’s no literature that supports it. But talk to a PT and you’ll hear something different. After your c-section, you’ll be left with scar tissue on the inside. Research supports massage therapy aids loosening up the muscles and tissues surrounding your pelvic floor, hips, and abdominals. Some c-section moms complain of numbness, back pain, pain when they stand, pain when they sit too long. Talk to any PT and they’ll tell you scar massage is the best thing to help relieve these types of pains. You’ll need to do light touches around your scar to test sensitivity. If it doesn’t feel sensitive to touch. You can start daily massages around your scar. Use CODDLE postpartum massage oil to get started. Use two fingers to massage your scar in a circular, horizontal, or vertical motion.
5. Rest, rest, rest. No SUPERMOM life required. If you're used to doing things yourself, lying in bed will feel like a waste. But it’s exactly what’s needed. Plan for help or once home call a few friends/families- the ones who promised they would come over. Schedule and let them help as much as possible, so you can get as much rest as possible.
What did you do to help you with healing and recovery? Share with us.