Clear dressing after c section

[JackMummy12]

Had a baby via c section on Wednesday night, I was told to take my dressing off on day 5 but it’s really starting to irritate my skin and have already had to remove some as they’d stuck it awkwardly over my leg and tummy sticking skin together with skin trapped underneath (hard to explain, but basically couldn’t stretch my leg properly)

Am I ok to remove the rest that is covering the actual wound or do I need to wait till day 5? I feel it’s the one thing really slowing my recovery down now as it’s just uncomfortable on my skin. My midwife is meant to be out today but as it’s not nearly 4.30pm I’m unsure if she will be?

Wounds need a slightly higher temperature than skin normally is, for optimal healing. And obviously they need germs kept out. So I would keep it covered for 5 days. But that doesn’t mean to say you can’t change the dressing.
Is there anyone you can send down to the chemist? They do sell proper wound dressings ( doesn’t Need to be clear) , just measure it and make sure they get either a big enough one or two that can overlap.

Don’t take it off.

Eek, mine were removed within 24 hours which felt absolutely brutal, I'd check with your midwife as it's causing issues.

Had 2. EMCS and ELCS.

After EMCS midwife advised me to remove it in the bath on day 5. Warm (not hot) water, let it soak, gently peel it off. If you know about your healing stuff you can add that to the bath too, otherwise just water (no bubble bath/soap) and to remove once it got to the itchy unbearable stage. They can always redress it. Use a sterile maternity pad yourself in the meantime if you’ve no dressing.

After ELCS the midwives took the dressing off the next morning and got me into the shower. This healed remarkably well.

Basically, listen to your body. If it’s too painful, you’ll know. It may be a relief.

Congratulations too

But, every woman, birth and recovery is of course different, so perhaps consult with your midwife for peace of mind. If they’ve advised you day 5, it may be for a reason.

Call her. Might be fine to take it off. I’ve had 3 and it was dressing off before hospital discharge (2-4 days) and stitches out day 5 (except the last one which was dissolving ones).

I would definitely try to contact the midwife to check. I'm allergic to the Tegaderm material that they make those dressings from.

I have called and waiting for call back but it’s been quite a while now so I’m thinking I won’t be seen today.

Also, I had a normal delivery with my first and my bleeding this time seems very light seeings as I’m on day 3 postpartum - is this normal? Getting a bit worried as don’t want to be taken back in over Christmas

Yes it can come off .