How to Heal after a Caesarean Birth
The information given for healing after a cesarean birth can vary hugely. You might be having a planned caesarean, in which case there’s a little more time to prepare for your postnatal recovery. However it’s worth considering what your potential needs might be in the event of an unplanned caesarean birth too.
The fourth trimester is the term given to the immediate postpartum period and can be considered to be an extension of the pregnancy. It’s a time for slowness, nurturing and promoting recovery. Wherever possible, keep the home environment calm and quiet and minimise visitors. It’s a time to focus on you and your new family.
Consider your provisions for meals. Nutrition is essential for recovery, mental health and nourishing your baby (if you are breastfeeding). You might have been able to fill your freezer with nourishing meals that can be put in the oven to warm up. Or have 3 or 4 quick recipes at your disposal for lunches and dinners. Cook enough for leftovers the next day. And call on friends and family or local doula services for food deliveries.
Make sure that you have adequate medication for your needs. Many people feel the need to scrimp on pain medication, only to suffer more later.
Spend time lying down on your back (with a pillow under your knees) and side-lying (with a pillow between your knees). Often clients tell me that they can’t sleep in the day, and if this applies to you too, try doing yoga nidra, or listening to an audiobook or guided relaxation. It’s an important skill to learn for recovering and also helping to regulate your baby’s nervous system.
Speaking of doulas, a postnatal doula can be invaluable to support you and your family. She can prepare meals, carry the baby so that you can rest, support with food shopping and housework so that you don’t strain yourself and give advice for breastfeeding and newborn care.
Your partner may have limited parental leave, but see if there are options for working from home or adjusting working hours so that you have support.
Wear a rebozo (traditional Mexican shawl), sarong or scarf firmly around your pelvis to protect your body. Or you can also wear a postpartum support belt. Alternatively, consider a traditional practice such as belly binding to assist the abdominal muscles.
Listen to some episodes of ‘Speak From the Body’ that are about/ related to the postpartum period.
When the scar has healed well, start doing scar release work. You can use gentle strokes across and up and down the scar. And organic oils such as vitamin E or rosehip oil are good for tissue recovery. We can work on the scar during osteopathic treatment.