Whether planned or unexpected, C-section recovery can be a bit harder than recovering from a vaginal birth. After all, a cesarean is a major surgery! However, recovery can be smooth sailing with a handful of simple tips. In this article, we will explore seven key tips for recovering from a C-section.
7 Tips for a Smooth C-Section Recovery
Here are some ways to help you have a smoother C-section recovery:
1. Have Everything Organized at Home
Having everything as organized as possible for when you get home can make your life 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 a place to supervise playtime and relax as you recover and take care of 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.1
2. Do Some Meal Prep
This tip is for all pregnant mamas, 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. This also ensures you have nourishing meals to feed yourself and your family. Try to prep two weeks’ worth ahead of time if possible!
3. Ask for Help
If you don’t usually ask for help, now is a great time to learn how to reach out 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 mama can receive! After a cesarean, these activities are not appropriate and not conducive to healing quickly.2 So, don’t feel strange about asking for help. And if you can, try to get the reinforcements lined up before your C-section if it’s planned.
4. Postpartum Pants and Undies Are a Must!
Investing in some postpartum high-waisted pants and undies before delivery can be super helpful, and they are 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
This is another essential tip for recovering from a C-section. Even if you’re feeling great after your surgery, take things slow! Please don’t overdo it too quickly, as this could slow your recovery process.3 Instead, take this time to rest, relax, and enjoy your new little bundle of joy.
6. Focus On Your Diet
You would be surprised at how a healthy diet can support a smooth C-section recovery. When your body is recovering from major surgery, it will naturally need additional protein, and adding some healthy fats won’t hurt either! So, make sure you feed yourself even if you feel like you don’t have time in between feeding 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.
We hope these tips will be helpful when you’re recovering from a C-section! 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 you are taking care of yourself after your cesarean. If possible, try to prep as much as you can ahead of time so you will have everything you need. The better you take care of yourself, the faster you will heal and return to feeling like your usual self!
