Abdominal Birth Recovery: Essential Tips and Tricks for a Healthy Healing Journey
Abdominal birth
An abdominal birth, or caesarean section, is a common delivery method in the UK, but recovery from it requires a unique approach compared to a vaginal birth. Healing after a C-section involves caring for your incision, supporting your physical and mental recovery, and gradually returning to normal activities. Here’s a guide to help you navigate your abdominal birth recovery, with practical tips to ensure a safe and smooth healing process.
Understanding Abdominal Birth Recovery
A caesarean section involves a surgical incision through the abdomen and uterus to deliver the baby. This surgery is a major procedure, and it’s important to give your body the time, rest, and care it needs to heal effectively. The recovery journey can vary for each person, but it usually takes around 6-8 weeks for the body to fully heal from an abdominal birth.
If you’re interested in learning about how to prepare for an abdominal birth and its recovery, you can join our abdominal birth class in Tunbridge Wells, UK.
1. Prioritise Rest and Allow Time for Recovery
Rest is crucial in the initial days and weeks after an abdominal birth. The body needs time to heal the incision and internal tissue while also adjusting to the postpartum period. In particular, cells need time to recuperate and slowing down and resting is the only way to do this.
Tips for Rest and Recovery:
Avoid Heavy Lifting: For at least the first six weeks, avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby to prevent straining your abdominal muscles.
Take Frequent Breaks: Allow yourself to rest whenever you feel tired. It’s normal to feel more fatigued than usual, as your body is using energy to heal.
Accept Help: Let friends, family, or your partner help with household tasks, older children, and meals. Focusing on rest will support a quicker recovery.
Bleeding: Vaginal bleeding will still happen for around 2-6 weeks after a caesarean birth as the body will be getting lochia.
It is also important to note that you should keep moving – intermittently. It’s vital to not lay down for too long to allow blood to flow properly and avoid blood clots. You most likely would’ve been sent home with anticoagulants – an injection that is to be self-administered which are to reduce blood clotting.
2. Care for Your Incision
Proper care for your incision is essential to avoid infection and ensure it heals well. Many people find that their incision is tender for several weeks, but it gradually fades over time.
Tips for Incision Care:
Keep the Area Clean and Dry: Gently pat the area dry after a shower. Avoid soaking in baths until cleared by your healthcare provider.
Air the Incision: Wherever possible air the incision and follow the midwife’s advice on how to avoid infection.
Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothing: Opt for clothing that won’t rub or press against the incision, such as loose trousers or maternity leggings. You can purchase special caesarean birth knickers, which are breathable around the incision area and are more supportive than regular knickers.
Watch for Signs of Infection: Look out for signs like redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge. If you notice any of these, contact your healthcare provider.
Oil & Massage Your Scar: Nadaya Skin offer a wonderful Scar Saviour treatment which can be applied daily to the scar, once healed. Bio Oil is also a very popular choice.
Scar Tissue Release: Once the skin is full healed, seeing a specialists for a treatment called scar tissue release is advised. It is a very light form or massage on the scar area to release tension caused by the hardened tissue. It can also be done at home. View video here.
Additional Treatments: After you have completed your recovery, there are additional treatments that can be offered to help with scar damage – these include, Polynucleotides.
3. Manage Pain Comfortably
It’s common to experience some discomfort and pain around the incision area. Managing pain is key to feeling comfortable and allowing yourself to rest.
Pain Relief Tips:
Take Prescribed Medications: Your healthcare provider may recommend painkillers; follow their guidance and take these as needed.
Apply Heat or Cold Packs: A warm compress can relieve muscle aches, while a cold pack can reduce inflammation around the incision. Avoid applying heat directly to the incision.
Move Carefully: Avoid sudden movements. Hold your abdomen when coughing or sneezing to reduce strain on the incision.
Lactulose: Medication can cause you to feel rather constipated, so something like Lactulose will help keep things moving, particularly with the first few bowel movements. Remember to consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Arnica Tablets & Creams: This can help with bruising .
Natural Pain Relieving Endorphins: Make sure your bedroom is calm, cosy and comforting to increase endorphins and help relieve pain.
4. Focus on Gentle Movement and Gradual Exercise
Gentle movement helps improve circulation, aids in preventing blood clots, and supports a faster recovery. However, avoid any intense exercise until your doctor has cleared you, typically after six to eight weeks.
Tips for Movement and Exercise:
Start with Short Walks: Walking at a slow pace helps with circulation and can reduce stiffness. Gradually increase the length of your walks as you feel stronger. We recommend having a high energy snack before you to attempt get up and walk to avoid feeling faint.
Avoid Core Exercises Initially: Skip abdominal workouts until cleared by your healthcare provider, as they can place pressure on the incision.
Try Gentle Postpartum Stretches: Basic stretches can relieve tension in the neck, back, and shoulders, areas that may feel tight from holding and feeding your baby.
Slider Sandals or Slippers Rather than Flip-Flops: It is common to have to wear compression socks to prevent blood clotting so we suggest wearing slip-on sliders or slippers rather than flip-flops.
5. Support Recovery with Good Nutrition
Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports wound healing and provides energy for your postpartum recovery. Nutrients like protein, vitamin C, and iron are especially important for tissue repair and recovery.
Nutritional Tips:
Avoid Gas Inducing Foods: The last thing you need on top of having a large abdominal wound is to feel gassy in the first few days, so try and avoid foods that might trigger this ie. beans, fizzy drinks and lentils.
Focus on High-Protein Foods, Whole Carbohydrates and Fibrous Foods: Protein aids in tissue repair. Incorporate lean meats, eggs and nuts into your diet. Alongside, whole carbohydrates for energy - think root vegetables! After a few days, incorporate fibrous foods into your diet to help keep those bowels moving!
Hydrate Regularly: Water is essential for hydration and helps reduce swelling. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Add Fibre for Digestive Health: Abdominal surgeries can slow digestion. Include fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to avoid constipation.
Peppermint Tea: This tea will help trapped win that unfortunately comes with most surgeries.
Probiotics: These wondrous things can really help replenish your gut bacteria if you have needed to take antibiotics leading up to the birth. We love the Wild Nutrition Pregnancy & New Mother Biotic, available at Bubba & Me. The formulation is made with matching natural bacteria in gut and vagina, this formulation is FOS-free (Fructo-oligosaccharides) for digestive ease.
6. Use a Supportive Pillow or Binder
A supportive pillow or binder can provide comfort and protect the incision area, making it easier to move around.
Tips for Using Support:
Abdominal Binder: Your healthcare provider may recommend a supportive abdominal binder to help hold your muscles in place and reduce discomfort.
Pillow for Support: When sitting up or lying down, a soft pillow held against your abdomen can offer added comfort and protection.
7. Address Postpartum Mental Wellbeing
Recovering from an abdominal birth can sometimes be emotionally challenging. A C-section birth can lead to feelings of isolation, unexpected disappointment, or stress. Caring for your mental health is just as important as physical recovery.
Tips for Emotional Wellbeing:
Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay to feel a range of emotions after a C-section. Talking to friends, family, or a support group can help you process these feelings.
Take Breaks for Self-Care: Even a few minutes each day to relax, breathe deeply, or engage in an activity you enjoy can help reduce stress and boost your mood.
Seek Support: If you feel overwhelmed, consider speaking with a counsellor or joining a postpartum support group. Many mothers find that talking to others with similar experiences can be incredibly comforting.
8. Know When to Seek Medical Advice
Recovery can vary, but it’s essential to monitor your progress and know when to seek professional help. Common symptoms to watch out for include severe pain, fever, and any changes in the incision site.
Signs to Seek Medical Help:
Fever or Chills: These may indicate an infection.
Sudden or Severe Pain: Intense pain that doesn’t improve with medication should be assessed by a healthcare provider.
Excessive Bleeding or Discharge: This may signal a complication and warrants medical attention.
Final Thoughts on Abdominal Birth Recovery
Recovering from an abdominal birth requires time, patience, and self-care. Every step you take toward healing, from resting and nourishing your body to moving gently, contributes to a stronger and healthier recovery. By following these tips, you can support your body’s natural healing process and enjoy this precious time with your newborn.
Abdominal birth recovery is unique, and it’s okay to take things at your own pace. Reach out for support, give yourself time, and remember that with the right care and patience, your body will regain strength and resilience
