Whether planned or unexpected, C-section recovery can be a bit harder than having a vaginal birth because, after all, a cesarean is a major surgery! However, recovery can be smooth sailing with a handful of simple tips. Here are 7 tips for a smooth C-section recovery.
1. Have Everything Organized at Home
Having everything as organized as possible for when you get home can make your life so much easier! This is even more important if you have other young children at home. Try to set up an area where you have everything you need for the day. So, if you have a toddler at home, set up an area where you can supervise playtime and relax as you recover and take care of your baby. Having everything within arms reach will be a total lifesaver for the first week or two when lifting and moving around a whole lot is out of the question.
2. Meal Prep
This tip is for all pregnant mommas, whether you have a vaginal birth or a C-section! Prepping some freezer meals that you can have on hand to reheat after returning home from the hospital will save you so much time and effort, and then you know that you will have a nourishing meal to feed yourself and your family. Try to prep two weeks’ worth ahead of time if possible!
3. Ask for Help
If you never ask for help, now is a great time to learn to reach out and ask in a time of need! Bringing home a new baby requires a village when you have a vaginal delivery, but pair that with a C-section recovery, and now is really a time to ask for much-needed help. Getting help with laundry, housework, and cooking are some of the most cherished gifts a new momma can receive! And after a cesarean, these activities are not appropriate and not conducive to healing quickly. So don’t feel strange about asking for help, and try to get the reinforcements lined up before your C-section if it’s planned.
4. Postpartum Pants & Undies are a Must!
Investing in some postpartum high-waisted pants and undies before delivery can be super helpful and the most comfortable things to wear after having a C-section. The last thing you want is to have your pants making your incision more uncomfortable, so get some comfy clothes washed and ready before baby comes! I also recommend C-panty to my post-cesarean clients.
5. Take it Slower Than You Think You Should
Even if you’re feeling great after your C-section, take things slow! Please don’t overdo it too quickly, as this could slow your recovery process. Instead, take this time to rest, relax, and enjoy your new little bundle of joy.
6. Focus on Diet
You would be surprised at how a healthy diet can support a smooth recovery. When your body is recovering from major surgery, your body will naturally need additional protein, and adding some healthy fats won’t hurt either! So, make sure you are feeding yourself even if you feel like you don’t have time in between feeding the baby! You will feel so much better with a full belly and a nourished body.
7. Nap Often
And last but certainly not least, nap often! Nap when baby naps, and then nap some more if needed. You are recovering from massive surgery, and your body will heal best when you can rest, so get as much sleep as possible.
Having a baby is amazing, but it can cause us to feel depleted if we don’t take care of ourselves, especially if we have a C-section. So do everything you can to make sure that you are taking care of yourself after your cesarean, and try to prep as much as you can ahead of time so you will have everything you need, if possible. The better you take care of yourself, the faster you will heal and get back to feeling like your usual self!
