What Comes After C - everything you need to know about post C-section care

The postpartum period or the days following the delivery of your baby can be very challenging, especially after a Caesarean delivery. In order to hasten your recovery process, help yourself with these post C-section care tips.

Hospital care
Within the first 24 hours after surgery, try to get your blood circulation going - wiggle your toes, rotate your ankles and stretch your legs. You may be encouraged to get out of bed, but do not attempt to do this by yourself.

Do breathing exercises to expand your lungs and clear them of accumulated fluid. This is particularly important if you had general anesthesia. This will reduce the risk of pneumonia.

On the second day, avoid gas pain, bloating and blood clots by moving around - like walking to the bathroom with the help of a nurse. On the third or fourth day, your doctor will probably remove your sutures or staples. This takes only a few minutes. You may feel a small pinch, but no pain.

For the first 3-4 days, expect vaginal discharge called lochia. This happens as the uterus shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size and sheds off tissue. You will need to have extra absorbent menstrual pads. Do not use tampons during this time.

Home care
Keep your activity low. Avoid doing housework or lifting anything heavier than your baby. Make sure changing stations and feeding supplies are nearby to save you from getting up too often. Get plenty of fluids to keep you hydrated and eat healthy meals to restore energy and prevent constipation.

Look out for fever or pain, which can be a sign of infection.

Your lochia bleeding will change over time and can increase with activity and position changes. Use this as a gauge to make sure you are not doing too much. Lochia will change to a pale pink or a dark red color, and then eventually to a yellowish or light color. Do not hesitate to call your doctor should you experience anything unusual.

Baby care
If C-section moms need special care, the same is true for their babies. Various studies have shown that compared to vaginally-born babies, immune systems of C-section babies are different. C-section babies are more prone to infections and allergies. This is because they bypass the birthing process which promotes early activation of their immune systems by exposure to bacteria.

During the birthing process, the baby comes into contact with the mom's own bacteria. This triggers the spread of good bacteria in the infant's intestines where 80% of the immune system is located.

The more good bacteria an infant has, the earlier his/her immune system can be stimulated and trained to be strong. Compared to babies born via vaginal delivery, C-section babies experience a delay of up to six months in acquiring good bacteria because they miss out on this process. But not to worry, there is a solution: breast milk. Colostrum, the first secretion from mom's breast is rich with antibodies. Breast milk is also rich in good bacteria or probiotics.

By breastfeeding, you can give your baby the best protection in order to boost his resistance against infections. When you know how to take care of yourself and your baby, you can look forward to the joy of being a mother.

Source: HealthToday KidsCare


From my experience, it is hard for the first few days especially when I was still in the hospital. The day after my delivery, I've to get out of bed on my own. It is so damn hard to get up, just using the string that attached to my bed. I think they forgot to give me the pain killer as I only got 2 pills that morning. And as far as I remember, later that evening I got 3 pills and 1 of them is the painkiller. No wonder I felt the pain so much, so hard for me to get up and walked ( it took me about 2 hours to get out of bed and walk to the toilet to pee). When it was time to pee, Oh GOD!! I just dun want to remember it anymore.

However, Alhamdulillah, I managed to breastfeed my baby till now. Eventho it was hard at the beginning, I managed to go through all the challenges and difficulties. Thanks hubby for the support and help that makes me so strong. :-)

For all C-sect mommies out there, be strong!! InsyaAllah, all the pain will gone when you hold your precious one. :D