OBSTETRICS/MATERNITY:
Caesarean Postpartum Care
Recovering from a caesarean-section (C-section) delivery will require more time to heal than a vaginal delivery, so women should take it slowly and have help arranged for when they return home. While in the hospital, with a nurse’s assistance, new mothers will be encouraged to start moving as soon as possible after delivery.
At first, simply turning from side-to-side, sitting up and leg movement will be enough. Then within a day of surgery, women will be encouraged to get out of bed and walk to the bathroom with assistance. Physicians may prescribe pain medications to help women move.
Walking helps to improve circulation, promote healing and prevent blood clots. It also eases intestinal gas pain and constipation often seen after a C-section. Women should avoid any heavy lifting, pushing or pulling until at least six weeks after surgery. Physicians will discuss when a woman is ready to exercise and what kinds of exercises are recommended to strengthen abdominal muscles.
Once a woman’s abdominal dressing is removed and she is able to walk without difficulty, a Saint John’s nurse will assist her to the shower. A daily shower will help ease muscle aches. The incision can get wet--simply pat the area dry afterwards. Sometimes, the incision is covered with small pieces of sterile tapes called steri-strips. As a woman showers, either in the hospital or at home, these tapes may loosen and fall off. They do not have to be replaced.
A woman should notify her doctor if there is any swelling and/or increasing redness, tenderness or discharge from the incision site.
Women can begin
breastfeeding after a C-section as soon as she and her baby are ready. Saint John’s has lactation consultants available to help new mothers with any questions regarding breastfeeding. New moms are also welcome to visit the health center’s
Lactation Station .