New moms, follow these do’s and dont’s if you’ve had a C-section delivery
April is observed as the International Cesarean Awareness Month, and that makes it a perfect time to talk about this common baby delivery procedure. Pain, soreness, and even bleeding are some common occurrences after having a baby through cesarean surgery. Your body needs time to recover after having this major abdominal surgery. C-section has a significant impact on the mother, and it is essential that you are fully aware of the procedure of C-section, the recovery time, and the side effects.
Recovery from C-section
Everyone is different, so the time for mothers to get back on their feet after a C-section differs from person to person. Experts suggest that the usual time to recover fully from a cesarean is 4-6 weeks. However, you should wait for an extended period of 6-8 weeks or even longer if you wish to get back to more intense activities like sex and exercising. You should focus on taking care of yourself and the baby during this period to heal quickly. Here are some tips on what activities to avoid post C-section delivery!
Physical activity after C-section
Some physical activities that mothers should avoid after a C-section include lifting objects heavier than the baby. It is recommended to avoid using tampons, exercising intensely, taking stairs, or having sex until you have your doctor’s permission. Moreover, you should shower normally instead of baths until your postpartum bleeding and incision have healed. Although one should avoid doing heavy workouts, walking every day can be beneficial during such times but remember to rest when you’re tired. Since you are allowed to do a lot of activities, it might be a good idea to take this time to bond with the little one.
Diet after C-section
Similar to physical activities, there are a lot of restrictions on diet after a C-section. Since there is a lack of physical activity, it is vital to control your diet and avoid consuming food that may be hard to digest and increase fatigue. Eating nutritious food and minerals is also a must to help heal from physical and emotional stress.
Here are some food items that should be avoided after delivery!
1. Spicy food: It causes gastric issues, and the baby might also taste the spicy flavor in the milk.
2. Carbonated drinks: Carbonated drinks and citrus juices also cause gas and should be avoided post C-section.
3. Caffeinated drinks: Drinking coffee should be completely avoided during and post-pregnancy for the baby’s healthy development.
4. Alcohol: Alcohol should be avoided post c-section. During pregnancy, alcohol can increase the risk of miscarriage, and after giving birth, it can interfere with the mother’s ability to breastfeed, further harming the baby’s growth and development.
5. Cold, uncooked, fried and fast food: Cold and uncooked food is difficult to digest and should be avoided post-surgery. Fried and fast food can also cause complications.
6. Foods that cause gastric troubles: Some foods that produce gas include pickles, cabbage, cauliflower, peas, beans, legumes, ladyfinger, broccoli, and onions.
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PERSONALISE NOW7. Ghee: Ghee should be avoided for at least one week after C-section.
Incision care after C-section
A C-section is a surgical procedure where incisions are made in the abdomen and uterus to deliver the baby. Specific steps that are necessary to take care of the incision post-surgery are;
* Keep the area surrounding the incision dry and clean
* Wash your incision with warm water daily but do not leave the area wet for long.
* Do not use cleansing products with chemicals that can worsen your wound.
Also Read: Had a C-section delivery? These 5 precautions will help you heal better
Takeaways
Remember that taking care of yourself after C-section is necessary to prevent any complications. Give yourself time to heal and focus on your physical activity, diet, and incision care. It is recommended to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about your health.