Some mothers are opting for a C-section instead of a natural birth
Births through the caesarean section have been on the rise
for the past few years.
More women are choosing to have a C-section maybe because of
preference and for the sole purpose of avoiding the struggles that come with
natural birthing.
Usually, a C-section is recommended when there are
complications involved such as an STD or a breach. And recent research and
exposés show that some hospitals could be pushing for unnecessary caesareans
because of the financial incentives they receive.
Right here in Kenya, there has been a trend of rising
caesarean section births and you could find yourself healing from one.
And speaking of healing, not everyone is a fan of medication
which you have to take as part of the recovery process. You could be more
interested in knowing natural recovery alternatives that actually work.
i. Listen to your doctor
You’ll be told that you shouldn’t do any rigorous activity
for some time. Even when you think you should start living life as usual, wait
until you get approval from your doctor. Keep the area clean and dry to prevent
infections and spend your time resting so that the area doesn’t tear. Stay away
from intense exercises for a while and only walk around to reduce soreness.
ii. Build a good support system
This is part of your emotional recovery, which is just as
essential as physical recovery. You need support from the people you love. You
can also join support groups. Support reduces the risk of and/or helps manage
postpartum depression which can happen unexpectedly. Try as much as you can to
surround yourself with family and friends as you heal.
iii. Drink lots of fluids
Drinking a lot of fluids will help to replace the amount of
blood lost during the operation. Have water and fresh fruit juices by your side
so you can recover faster. This will also prevent constipation which is a huge
problem after surgery. Drinking bone broth is also a good way to heal the scar
so you should have plenty of it. It also contains minerals that could
significantly fade the scar.
iv. Eat fiber rich foods
This will help reduce constipation discomfort post-surgery.
Eat enough fiber rich foods like oats, legumes, fruits and vegetables. They’ll
also relieve gas and get your digestive system to operate normally. Be careful
not to eat too much fiber though. It can worsen the constipation.
v. Probiotic foods
During surgery, a lot of the healthy bacteria in your gut
gets depleted. Probiotic foods will feed your gut with healthy bacteria and
improve your immune system. This is a step you should actually take before and
after delivery because it’ll also have health benefits for your baby. Probiotic
yoghurt is one of the best options.
vi. Get enough sleep
A good night’s rest is beneficial for your emotional
recovery. Surgery can be a traumatic event especially if you underwent other
complications like the loss of a baby. Lack of adequate sleep will increase
stress hormones which will cause your scar to take a longer time to heal or
trigger depression. Your emotional wellbeing is essential for recovery and you
need to prioritize it by getting enough rest.
vii. Massaging
Start massaging the area only after the scar has closed to
prevent tearing. There are many post-delivery massaging techniques to increase
blood flow and enhance recovery. You’ll also be less sore when you practice
good massaging techniques but you should consult your doctor for the most
effective methods first. You should massage other areas like your feet with
massaging oils like lavender mixed with another carrier oil to reduce numbness
and for therapeutic benefits.
Generally, you need to follow key instructions from your
doctor, eat a balanced diet and incorporate activities that feed your emotional
health. All these combine to boost healing with little to no medication.