You just had major abdominal surgery. Give yourself time to heal and rest. Yes, you will be overwhelmed and probably frustrated that you can’t do as much as you think you should for your little one. You may have trouble sleeping and struggle to manage your emotions after a C-section. But this is normal, and things will get better soon.
Allow yourself some time to recover. If this is your first C-section, you may be unsure what to expect. If you’ve had a previous C-section, you may be eager to make a quicker recovery. Either way, you will need to take steps to properly care for yourself and your body to help the healing process along. You can do this. It’s important to follow the guidelines your doctor has set for you during your postpartum recovery.
Complete C-section recovery is different for every woman, but there are steps you can take to help ensure a proper recovery without complications.
20 Things A C-Section Mom Should Avoid
Here is a complete list of 20 things a C-section mom should avoid during the postpartum period.
20. Lifting Heavy Objects
Do not lift anything heavy after a C-section, especially in the first few weeks of recovery. This includes heavy bags, large containers, and even your baby if they are too large or difficult to manage.
Your abdominal muscles, tissues, and incision are all still healing, and lifting heavy objects can stress the area.
This could lead to complications such as pulled stitches or the reopening of the incision. In extreme cases, you could even experience internal bleeding. In the first few weeks, it’s best to limit lifting to your baby and lightweight objects only.
Related:15 Things I Wish Somebody Had Told Me About C-Sections
19. Skipping Postpartum Checkups
Follow up with your postpartum care after a C-section. It can be easy to forget or skip these appointments, but your doctor needs to check on your recovery and your incision.
In addition, you may experience pain or discomfort, infections, or other medical issues that need to be diagnosed. Always attend your postpartum checkup even if you are feeling great, and be sure to get approval from your doctor before returning to regular activity.
18. Driving Too Soon
Wait at least six weeks before driving after your C-section delivery. It’s crucial to wait until your body is comfortable, you can move freely, and you can operate a vehicle without straining your incision site. Your doctor will also need to give you the okay before you get behind the wheel.
Related: What To Expect In First Period After C-Section
17. Ignoring Pain or Discomfort
You can expect some degree of pain and discomfort during your C-section recovery. However, do not ignore pain that is more than you can handle or if it continues for more than a few days. Your doctor needs to know about any sharp or lingering pain you experience, especially if the pain is located around your incision area.
16. Doing Intense Physical Activity Too Soon
Be patient with your body. Just because you were in excellent shape before pregnancy does not mean you will be able to jump right back into your normal routine after a C-section.
Lifting weights, running, and high-impact activities can increase your risk of developing issues like hernias and can also delay the healing of your incision.
Exercise options are limited after a C-section, so while you may be itching to get back to your usual routine, it’s better to focus on pelvic floor exercises, light walking, and any doctor-approved movements that don’t place too much stress on your abdomen.
Related: Safe Sleeping Positions During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy
15. Straining While Using the Restroom
Getting constipated and straining when you have a bowel movement can cause problems during your C-section recovery.
Post-surgery, the combination of your changing hormones, medications, and recovery can cause constipation. Straining and pushing on your abdomen when you have a bowel movement can place stress on your healing incision. To reduce the risk of straining, drink plenty of fluids, eat fiber-rich foods, and use a stool softener if your doctor approves.
14. Ignoring Your Emotional Well-Being
Aside from the physical recovery process, it’s also important to focus on your emotional healing after a C-section. Many women experience a range of emotions from disappointment to guilt and even trauma, depending on their experience and why they needed to have a C-section.
You may be prepared for a C-section to happen, but if it wasn’t part of the birth plan, you may still have feelings about the change. You may even be at risk for postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety, which can negatively affect your mental health.
If you feel you need to talk about your experience, speak to a loved one, friend, mental health professional, or anyone who will listen and help you work through your emotions.
Related: Crying During Pregnancy: This Is How It Affects the Baby
13. Wearing Tight Pants or Clothing
Do not wear tight pants or other clothing that sits on your waistband during the first few weeks of your C-section recovery. Tight waistbands and pants that press against your incision can be irritating and cause discomfort and pressure on your abdomen. Choose loose-fitting clothes or those with a soft waistband.
12. Overdoing Household Chores
You may feel the need to clean and get back to normal around the house, but your body needs time to recover.
Do not overdo housework, including heavy cleaning, bending over to do laundry, or other activities that could put a strain on your body and delay healing. Ask a family member or friend to help out, or even consider hiring someone to take the load off.
Related:10 Types of Housework Pregnant Women Should Avoid
11. Taking Long Hot Baths
Baths can be a great way to relax, but do not take long, hot baths after a C-section. Hot water can increase your risk of infection. Submerging the area around your incision site can be irritating and make the area hot and uncomfortable. Take short, lukewarm showers or baths until your incision heals, which is usually after six weeks.
10. Putting Off Kegels
Do not put off Kegel exercises. Kegels help rebuild strength in your pelvic floor muscles and can be weakened during a C-section. You should gently start doing Kegel exercises as soon as you feel able and make it a habit of doing them regularly for proper recovery.
9. Not Drinking Enough Water
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially water. Proper hydration will help in your recovery, as it helps your milk supply, keeps your skin clear and hydrated, and aids in digestion, and can help reduce constipation. Aim for eight or more glasses a day, or even more if you’re breastfeeding.
Related: Why Is My Breast Milk Watery? Reasons and What To Do
8. Doing Too Much Physical Activity (Running, Jumping)
It can take months before your body completely recovers from a C-section, and you can do damage by running or jumping too soon. High-impact activities can cause a lot of stress to your abdominal muscles and cause pain around the incision site. Slow and gentle activities are a much better option at first.
7. Taking Medications Without Consulting Your Doctor
It’s important to avoid taking any medications that may interfere with your recovery process without speaking to your doctor first.
This includes pain medication, herbal supplements, and laxatives. Many over-the-counter medications are not safe for new mothers, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Talk to your healthcare provider about which medications are safe during your recovery period.
6. Sleeping on Your Stomach
Sleeping on your stomach will be uncomfortable after a C-section, so it’s best to avoid this sleeping position until your incision has completely healed. Sleeping on your back or on your side with a pillow for support will be more comfortable and allow your incision to heal properly.
Related: How To Take Care Of Yourself As A Mom
5. Sex Too Early
Sex after a C-section is a big no-no too soon. Many women want to get back to a normal routine, but you need to give your body time to heal first, and this includes intimate activity. In general, it takes at least six weeks to recover before you can have sex again. Make sure to get the approval of your doctor before you begin having sex again.
4. Ignoring Your Diet
Pay attention to what you eat after a C-section. The recovery process is hard work, and your body needs proper nutrients to heal. Avoid processed, sugary, or fatty foods that won’t provide much in terms of nutrients and instead opt for a healthy diet. Include lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in your daily diet.
3. Rushing Recovery
With so much pressure on new mothers to “bounce back,” it can be hard to feel good about yourself during the recovery period. Remember to take things slow, get plenty of rest, and don’t rush to jump back into your pre-baby life. Bond with your baby, and your body will get back to normal in time.
2. Not Asking for Help
You may feel you need to do it all after a C-section, but your body needs time to heal. Do not be afraid to ask for help from your partner, loved ones, or even close friends. Help around the house or with caring for your baby is a great way to allow yourself to rest and recover.
1. Ignoring a Strong Support System
In addition to asking for help, it’s important to build a strong support system. Support is crucial for new mothers, especially those who have just had major surgery. Make sure you have people around you who are willing to listen, help, and support you during your recovery from your C-section.
Conclusion
You will have many restrictions for your C-section recovery and limitations as to what you can and can’t do. These 20 things a C-section mom should avoid will help ensure a good recovery and should allow you to spend the first few weeks getting to know your new baby without unnecessary issues or complications.
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