Recovering From Caesarean: Physical and Emotional Healing

Copyright Samantha Cambray 2009

With around a third of babies currently delivered via caesarean section, many women will experience the recovery from this major operation. Whilst many women may experience little physical discomfort, or have little trouble with the emotional material surrounding having a caesarean, or both, the reality is that recovery from caesarean will pose a big challenge for many of us- at a time when stress and emotions can already be running high.
This article will detail a number of practical measures to assist in recovery from caesarean section, both from a physical sense, and from a deeper, emotional perspective.

Physical Healing
Very soon after delivery, the uterus will begin to contract back down to the original size. This may be experienced as strong menstrual like cramps, and is most severe in the first forty eight hours. The first time you sit and stand after surgery will almost inevitably be very painful. Hunching over can be counterproductive in terms of pain, some women find clasping their hands together behind their back aids proper posture, a relief in pain and more core strength when standing. In any case, each time you stand, it will get a little easier. Walking within 24 hours will help a quicker and more complete recovery
Also normal after caesarean are numbness around the scar (which may last forever); achiness around the site as the nerves and muscles heal; sharp pains from time to time and itchiness . If you are concerned whether what you are experiencing is normal or not, or if you experience fever, chills, heavy bleeding, dizziness or pain that isn’t consistent with your recovery so far, consult your GP.
Infections and reopening of incision, whilst rare, are possible. Infection can be treated with antibiotics and topical medications. Reopening of incision may occur if normal activities are resumed to soon (a good reason to rest up!), or due to faulty suturing. The wound may be resutured, or special dressings used
Many actions may assist in managing pain. Whilst in hospital, utilise the help of midwives and nurses, and try to obtain a private room if at all possible. Rest as much as you can. Take short, slow walks. Avoid fatty foods, carbonated drinks and pain relief that contains codeine. The surgery will slow the digestive tract, and these foods and medications can contribute to more discomfort, gas and constipation. Use a pillow to support your stomach when breastfeeding, or when coughing .
Susun Weed, as leading authority on herbal remedies, says the following herbs may be useful, best taken as an herbal infusion :
* Nettle for increased breast milk and replacement of blood loss
*Oatstraw for improved sleep and strengthening of the nervous system
* Comfrey leaf for assistance in incision healing and prevention of scarring
*Red clover for improved breast milk production and hormonal sanity
*Linden soothes and heals mucus surfaces and incisions
*Raspberry leaf to tonify uterus.
*Aromatic mints - rosemary, lavender, and lemon balm- for digestion.
*Astragalus strengthens immunity, prevents infection.
*Motherwort to ease after-birth pain and prevent post-partum depression.
*Echinacea to increase macrophages; counter bacteria.
*Yarrow against all gram-positive and -negative bacteria.
*Usnea to counter deep infection.
Before you go home, ask someone to ensure the house is surgery-friendly. For example, put healthy snacks and water, a favourite book or magazine, hair brushes, toiletries, nappies and baby items and so on in places where they do not need to be reached or bent over for.
Enlist a support network that can assist with household chores- have a list ready so that people are able to know exactly what it is that would best help. It’s a good idea though, to have boundaries to protect your space with your baby whilst you are babymooning so that you are not disturbed or imposed on during this bonding time by people wanting to “share’ your baby.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to resuming normal activities, such as housework and exercise.
Whilst a four to six week figure is often discussed, the most important thing to do is listen to your body. All women will recover at different rates, and similarly, we all have different demands as new mothers. Very few babies will sleep or settle “easily” at this age- and it could be argued that the four to six week mark applies more to a generic stereotype, rather than a person who is suddenly getting little sleep, having to wake often, establish breastfeeding, and undergoing the huge shift in identity and responsibility that comes with having a new baby.
Be gentle, and increase activity gradually. Every mother’s priority should be bonding and getting to know their baby, and nurturing both baby and self. In the case of someone who has undergone caesarean, this is even truer. You deserve it!

Samatha Cambray is the owner of Birth Healing, a community for support, healing, growth and action after birth trauma