With nearly one in every three births by cesarean , it's now the most common surgery in the United States. As with all surgeries, there are certainly risks during the procedure and recovery period. Since both my babies were born via C-sections due to high-risk pregnancies, I know how scary it can be for new moms who aren't sure what to expect.
If your doctor or midwife determines a cesarean is best for you & your baby, the best way to prepare is by getting informed! Here are some C-section recovery tips every Mama should know.
Before Your C-section: Be prepared!
- Strengthen your core muscles to help recover post-cesarean. Pilates, prenatal yoga, swimming -- and even walking! -- can strengthen your abdominals. Consult with your doctor or midwife to determine an exercise routine that will work best for you.
- During your last trimester, drink a tea with red raspberry leaf to tone and help your uterus recover after surgery. Red raspberry leaf will also help reduce bleeding after cesarean. Just be sure to pick a tea safe for pregnancy , like The Spoiled Mama's Bottom of the 9th Tea, since herbs are a useful -- but powerful -- medicine.
- You'll likely be in the hospital up to four days after giving birth via cesarean, so be sure to pack your hospital bag with all the essentials!
After C-section Recovery Tips
- Some women who've had cesareans report difficulty lactating. To encourage breast milk production, drink a tea to increase milk supply and pump regularly. Remember, when it comes to breast milk: you lose it, if you don't use it!
- Consider wearing a compression band for your post-surgery belly. The band supports your incision and can help decrease pain and swelling as you move around in your day-to-day. Additionally, a compression band can give extra support to your legs and hips, and even help with reducing scar tissue. We love the vast options at Belly Bandit .
- After care of your C-section is crucial. As your incision heals, treat the area to reduce the scarring . To regenerate new, healthy tissue, I highly recommend natural solutions, like tamanu oil featured in our bestselling Tummy Butter for stretch marks . As a bonus, its toxin-free ingredients means it's safe for breastfeeding moms...a win-win! Which ever cream you choose, make sure you religiously treat your incision during the recovery period & avoid sun exposure while it heals.
