A C-section (or Cesarean section), in simple terms, is childbirth facilitated by surgery. It involves making surgical incisions in the mother’s abdominal and uterine walls. Post-surgical carryovers of a C-section involve grogginess, nausea, itchiness and a hospital stays for two to four days.
Considering that C-sections are surgical procedures, it is essential that the new mother receives proper care. The following steps can be kept in mind while taking care of the mother:
Plenty of rest: Like all other major surgical procedures, C-sections demand the mother’s body to heal afterward. The body on an average requires up to six weeks to eight weeks to heal completely after C-section. Resting and sleeping adequately is usually recommended. However, this can be quite a challenge with an infant. Rest during the hours the child rests. Take help from family friends, whenever possible, in taking care of the child while you sleep.
Cherish your body: Avoid doing strenuous work after the body as it could stretch and tax the surgical stitches. Keep all baby supplies such as food, diapers, clothes, etc. close to yourself so that you don’t need to move about often. Here as well, take help when possible. Hold your abdomen to protect the stitches while sneezing or coughing. Also, take care of your emotional requirements and if you feel tired, sad or disappointed, talk to your husband and your physician.
Control the pain: Ask your physician to recommend the painkillers that you can take, more so, if you are breastfeeding. In addition, you may also use a heating pad, after asking your physician.
Eat healthy and adequately: To help your body heal after the C-section, it is important that you eat properly and healthily. An ideal eating regimen after a C-section includes:
Easily digestible food items: Stay away from carbonated drinks and fried foodstuffs, which are, gas producing. Eating food rich in fiber aids proper bowel movements. Drink warm soups, as they are highly nutritious and comforting. Eating Paneer (cottage cheese) and yogurt is also great to facilitate the body healing process.
Proteins: A protein rich diet aids tissue and muscle repair post-surgery. Eating fish, eggs, chicken, dairy foods, meat, peas, dried beans, and nuts greatly help.
Vitamin C: The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of Vitamin C for lactating mothers is 2000mg/day. The antioxidant properties of Vitamin C greatly support the tissue repair process and keep infections at bay. Foods rich in vitamin C include fruits and veggies like oranges, papayas, melons, grapefruits, strawberries, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and broccoli.
Iron: Iron intake is required to maintain the required hemoglobin levels and make up for the surgical blood loss. Iron is found in dry fruits, egg yolk, red meat, oysters, figs, liver and dried beans. The RDA of iron for women is 9mg/day.
Calcium: Calcium is very beneficial for strengthening bones and teeth, muscle relaxation, preventing osteoporosis and supporting blood coagulation. The RDA for calcium for women is 1000mg/day. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, tofu, kale, and green leafy vegetables like spinach are great sources of Calcium.
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