The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson

Author:Kimberly Ann Johnson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Health & Fitness, Pregnancy & Childbirth, Women's Health, Sexuality
Publisher: Shambhala
Published: 2017-12-26T00:00:00+00:00

A Special Note on C-Section Recovery

A cesarean section is major abdominal surgery. With any other major surgery, a doctor would prescribe rehabilitation. Imagine getting knee surgery, then being sent home with some painkillers and that’s it for six weeks—no rehab or other care instructions. For some reason, no rehabilitation is considered standard for a C-section, though it is a major surge ry. You will be taking medicine to manage the pain, and therefore should underestimate your ability to do activities. The pain medication masks the feelings of pain to your brain, not letting you experience what your body is actually going through to repair itself. So wait until you are finished with your pain medications to start any of the movement plan. You will be advised to walk some, to maintain the circulation in your legs, but restrict this to walking around your house.

Always roll to your side when getting out of bed, and use your hands, rather than your abdominal muscles, to press up to sitting position. Avoid sitting up with your head first or jerking yourself up with momentum. Ask for help when getting up and sitting or lying down. Many women assume that because they did not have a vaginal delivery, their pelvic floor was not affected. This is not true. Your pelvic floor was still a support for your organs and the baby the entire time he or she was in your belly. Even if you had a scheduled cesarean, you still need to begin your post-birth healing with the breath for length and core-restoration exercises.

The belly wrap is especially important in C-section deliveries to help provide support to all the layers that were cut through, and especially to help the connective tissue weave back together. Wear it as soon as you get home from the hospital. It will also help you carry your baby with less discomfort and additional strain. Don’t lift anything heavy for the first six weeks or so.

After your scar is healed, uddiyana bandha kriya—as taught in chapter 11—is an important practice to care for your scar, together with castor oil packs and massage.

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