Post C Section Tips

[Buglife]

I have just found that DS2 is breech at nearly 38 weeks, going to have a scan and discuss with doctors later today what to do. Obviously one choice will be C Section. I haven’t had a C Section before, and hadn’t contemplated needing one this time so I have stuff in to aid recovery from a vaginal birth, but no idea what would help recovery from a C Section. Anyone have any great tips for improving healing/pain management or just things that really improve comfort in the first few days?

Keep the incision clean and dry. A hairdryer on the cool setting is brilliant to make sure that any moisture is whisked away. I also cut up a clean muslin cloth into squares to protect against sweat, I have an apron tummy so I just tucked it under. Replace as necessary.

Stool softeners. That first poo can be unpleasant. Take a rolled up towel with you to hold against the incision when you do go, it helps.

Peppermint tea in case you get trapped wind.

Take the painkillers. Don't wait until you need them.

Keep moving. Get up as soon as they will let you afterwards. Don't push yourself too hard but do get up and potter around, it helps.

Get a changing table as you won’t be changing the baby on the floor for a while.

Ask to speak to physio for advice about how to get in and out of bed

Yes to keeping the incision site dry especially in this warm weather. Keep moving and get up and about as soon as you can, but equally don't put too much pressure on yourself - it's major surgery .