Know Your Own Female Body

Whether it is planned, an emergency, or a result of the natural course of labor, a Caesarean section, or C-section, is a major surgery. Just like any other type of major surgery, your doctor will provide you with a set of aftercare instructions that will help ensure you heal as quickly and efficiently as possible. While you are recovering from your C-section and enjoying being a new parent, here are a few common mistakes you need to avoid.

Forgetting to Monitor and Care for Your C-Section Incision

The whirlwind of having a new baby can often cause a new parent to forego their own personal care routine. However, it is critical for your health and to prevent an infection to properly care for the C-section incision. Here are a few simple tips to help you properly protect and take care of an incision:

• Take pain medication when necessary. Even if you are breastfeeding, you can still take a pain medication that is recommended by your physician.
• Change your bandages regularly. Clean the incision site and change the bandages as directed by your doctor. Make sure the incision is clean and dry before covering the incision with a new bandage.
• Wash your incision site carefully. Carefully clean the incision site with lukewarm water and soap.

Watch for signs of an infection, such as fever, redness, swelling, and any unusual discharge. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.

Not Experimenting with Different Breastfeeding Positions

You will experience discomfort for a few weeks after your C-section, which can make breastfeeding uncomfortable. Try different positions until you find a spot that is comfortable for you and your newborn. For example, try lying on your side in bed with your baby lying next to you. If you prefer sitting up, try placing a pillow at your side and lying your baby on the pillow while breastfeeding.

Not Taking It Easy Once You Get Home from the Hospital

Finally, even though you will feel compelled to get back to normal as quickly as possible, it is critical to take it easy after your C-section. Ask friends or family members to tackle your household chores and care for your other kids for the first couple of days after you get home from the hospital. Eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, and do not start exercising until you are given the okay by your doctor.

From ignoring your incision to being too active after you get home from the hospital, there are several mistakes you need to avoid after your C-section. Talk with your OB doctor for more information.