If you have a cesarean birth, either planned, or not, there are some things you can do to manage the...
If you have a cesarean birth, either planned, or not, there are some things you can do to manage the pain. A cesarean birth is major surgery; cutting through many layers of abdominal tissue is necessary and the abdomen muscles get spread apart. It can be a painful recovery process.
- To cope, be sure to take the prescribed medication your care provider gives you – even if you're nursing, it's safe. It's less safe for you to be in pain and unable to care for yourself and your baby. Take the medication at the first sign of discomfort. Waiting until hard-core pain sets in won't do you or your babe any good.
- A major point regarding pain medication after a cesarean is that it can help you avoid moving about in discomfort. When you move a lot after a cesarean, you're far more likely to develop blood clots – also, less moving can mean less gas pains.
- As the incision heals, keep it clean and dry and report any weirdness (bleeding, puffiness, much redness) to your care provider. It shouldn't look great – it's a big cut – but it also shouldn't look too bad or infected.
- To easily get off a couch or bed with less pain try hanging your legs over the side (ah, gravity), use your arm strength to push your body up, putting less pressure on your legs and belly.
- While nursing, try a boppy-like pillow so that your baby is held away from your abdomen.
