Childbirth is a rewarding but taxing experience, and you need to give yourself time to heal afterward. Take care of yourself with these recovery tips.
Nothing in the world can compare to childbirth. Along with your new baby comes all the joy and reward of parenthood. Giving birth, however, can also be a challenging experience, and it’s important to take good care of yourself throughout the recovery process. This is especially the case if you had a cesarean delivery, also commonly known as a C-section. We provide some top tips for recovering from a C-section to start life with your new family on the right foot.
Rest
Rest is a key ingredient to any recovery process. Go easy on your body, and make sure you get plenty of sleep after you leave the hospital with your newborn. Avoid lifting things (other than your baby), walking up stairs, and generally straining yourself. It’s okay if you find yourself moving gingerly throughout the first few days. The most important thing is to be patient and let your body heal.
Focus on Emotional Health
Giving birth is an emotional event. It’s perfectly normal to have intense feelings and mood swings surrounding the birth—even ones you never expected to have, such as frustration or disappointment. Let yourself process these emotions. Talk to a loved one or a doctor about it. Don’t feel afraid to reach out and ask for help, either. Support groups can offer a great way to connect with other mothers who understand your situation and experiences.
Manage Pain
Talk—and listen—to your doctor about pain medications and other recovery prescriptions. If your pain medications don’t cut it, ask about how you can change your prescription. There are other ways to help relieve pain as well, such as heating pads and abdominal compression binders.
Activity and Diet
One of the biggest tips for recovering from a C-section is to keep up with a healthy diet. Nutrition is especially important if you breastfeed, but in general, you should get plenty of fluids, fiber, and vitamins to keep up your energy. You should also take light walks as soon as your doctor says it’s okay to do so. Being on your feet and getting a little bit of activity boosts blood flow, which prevents blood clots and will aid in your overall recovery.
