c. Care after a Cesarean Birth
After a cesarean, your care in the hospital will be a little different. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.
You may also find that you have feelings that you didn't expect, especially if you had planned a vaginal birth. These feelings are normal. Talk about how you feel with your partner, your health care provider or someone you trust.
1. Physical Care
After a cesarean birth, you will likely experience pain from your incision. Don't hesitate to ask if you need pain medication.
For the first 24 hours after the birth, you will have an IV to make sure you get enough fluids and a bladder catheter to help you urinate. You will be offered fluids and will slowly be encouraged to eat if you feel like it.
To make it easier to have a bowel movement after surgery, drink plenty of liquids and walk as much as possible. Your health care provider may suggest a stool softener or mild laxative. When you have a bowel movement, support your incision with your hands while you push gently.
After a cesarean, limit your activities such as lifting, hauling, and pushing for four to six weeks to allow the incision to heal.
2. Care of Your Incision
For two to six days your incision will be covered with a dressing. During your stay at the hospital the nurse will clean and change your dressing. You will be able to shower the day after delivery. You can remove the dressing while you shower. . If you are not sure that you can take a shower, ask the nurse for help.
Depending on the kind of stitches in your incision, they will either dissolve or be removed a few days after the surgery. Some doctors use metal clips or staples to close the incision. These will also need to be removed a few days after surgery.
Your incision will be sore at first and, as it heals, may feel numb, itchy, tight, or tender. This is a normal part of healing.
Your health care provider will tell you how to take care of your incision after you leave the hospital. Usually, your incision won't require any special care after you go home.
During feedings, place a pillow between your baby and the incision. You will both be more comfortable.
3. Rest
After a cesarean birth, your body must recover from both childbirth and surgery. Give yourself time to regain your strength.
Rest is an important part of recovery. Try to rest when your baby sleeps. Accept help when it is offered. Limit visitors. Try putting a sign on your door - "Mother and Baby Are Sleeping."
4. Vaginal Birth after a Cesarean
What about the next time?
If you had a cesarean birth, you may still be able to have a vaginal birth with future babies.
A vaginal birth after a cesarean is usually considered if
- your next pregnancy is uncomplicated.
- the incision runs from side to side rather than up and down.
- you are carrying only one baby.
- the reason for the previous cesarean doesn't happen again.
Even though a vaginal delivery after a cesarean is safe, there may be a small chance that the uterus could tear along the old incision during labour. Talk with your health care provider if you would like more information about a vaginal birth after a caesarean.