As you prepare for the C-section birth of your baby, you are probably wondering how you are going to recover from this surgery and still be able to take care of your newborn (or, if you're having twins or multiples, newborns).
Having a baby is taxing on the body. Cesarean-section (C-section) births are particularly difficult to recover from since they involve a surgical incision. To feel a bit less sore and more up to spending time with your new bundle of joy, here are six tips for a faster C-section recovery.
Get A Lot of Rest
As is the case with any major surgery, your body requires a lot of rest to heal. C-sections require a brief hospital stay of about 2-4 days after delivery, and your body could need about 6-8 weeks to heal.
But staying in bed 24/7 isn't realistic when you have a newborn. If your friends and family say, "Sleep when the baby sleeps," this is sound advice. That is when you rest. And there is no shame in asking those people for help with cooking, cleaning, doing diaper changes, and so forth so that you can rest.
Prepare For Your Delivery
Take It Easy
Building on that previous tip, don't push yourself to do all the things you normally do. Keep the things you need most closest to you, such as diaper-changing supplies and food. And avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. You will need to ask your partner or loved ones for help with lifting things. It's a good idea to reach out to your gynecologist in Doylestown PA and ask when you can drive and exercise again.
Pain Relief From Your Gynecologist Doylestown PA
Pain medications are iffy when you're chestfeeding/breastfeeding. If you're experiencing discomfort, your female OBGYN Doylestown PA might recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) painkiller containing ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Using a heating pad on your abdomen can help with pain relief.
Establish Good Nutrition
As a new parent, it is easy to lose track of your nutritional needs. You're more concerned about your baby's nutrition than your own. But you need to keep your eating and drinking habits in check, too.
If you're chest/breastfeeding your baby, their nutrition depends on yours. Eating fruits and veggies will add some flavor to the breast milk, which will make your baby more eager to consume it.
Drink plenty of water. Your body needs to replenish all the fluids it will have lost.
Have Your Female OBGYN Doylestown PA Help You Monitor Postpartum Changes
You and your female OBGYN Doylestown PA should work together to monitor physical postpartum changes. These can include headaches, hair loss, night sweats, and afterpains.
You can combat vaginal dryness with lubricants and creams, and supplements like biotin can help with hair loss. Wear lightweight PJs for night sweats, and use OTC meds for headaches.
Attend All Postpartum Checkups
Attend every postpartum checkup with your gynecologist in Doylestown, PA. Your first assessment should ideally take place no more than three weeks postpartum, and your comprehensive final exam should occur no more than 12 weeks postpartum. Your mental and physical health will be evaluated and a management plan developed if needed.
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Make sure you have your postpartum check ups scheduled with your female OBGYN in Doylestown, PA. Your doctor will work closely with you throughout the entire process. Your health - and your baby's - matter a great deal.