I had planned to have a natural birth. But like many women in this country instead my daughter’s birth was an emergency c-section. As the days stretched on past her due date I knew it could become a possibility but held out hope to try for labor to start naturally. When it did not I wish I would have been more prepared.
Here is what I wish I’d known for c-section recovery. Please consult you doctor before starting any supplements, routines, or exercise. I am not a doctor and this should not be taken as medical advice.
1. Probiotics
If you are not currently taking a probiotic when you give birth, start one as soon as you can. It will help your gut recover from the antibiotics that you are given for surgery. And hopefully prevent candida (or other opportunistic fungus) from taking over like it did for me. I like the Smidge sensitive probiotic as a good starting spot. Use a directed, starting with once a day. I would also recommend their Yeastbiotic.
2. Castor oil
I did not learn about castor oil for healing until around 2 years after my c-section. Castor oil can help break up scar tissue and heal wounds. It also acts as a laxative so it a great natural alternative to get things going. Castor oil packs that you wrap around your abdomen are the easiest and best option. Heat helps with absorption. Start slow to see how your body reacts. Before bed is a great time as it also helps with relaxation.
3. Cold Showers
Full disclosure my daughter was born in the summer when turning the shower cold was doable. In the dead of winter I am not so sure I would have been brave enough to give it a try. At the end of my normal shower I turned the shower cold letting the water run down my belly and incision. Some showers I didn’t make it long and others it felt so good I swear it was a full minute or two. Either way I think this helped significantly with swelling and bruising (I had significant bruising).
4. Walking
From the moment we got home we made it a point to take a daily walk. The first few days it wasn’t far but fairly quickly I was making it around the block. Not only was it helpful in getting my mobility back but the fresh air and sunshine was great for my mental health. And it was great for our newborn, she was typically snug as could be in a carrier on her dad for those walks. Eventually our walks led to moderate hikes and nursing out on the trail.
