Cesarean Birth
WebsitesCesarean Birth After Care
American Pregnancy Association The Do's and Don'ts of Healing from a C-Section Intermountain Healthcare Your recovery after childbirth: Physiotherapy, exercises, and advice Oxford University Hospitals - NHS Breastfeeding after a Cesarean Birth KellyMom Cesarean Birth Postpartum Recovery The Birth Hour - A Birth Story Podcast Cesarean (Podcast Birth Stories) The Birth Hour - A Birth Story Podcast |
Post Cesarean BirthThis video has simple instructions for how to move your body, get out of bed, and breastfeed while recovering in the first days after a c-section.
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Helpful Postpartum Supplies
Your doctor or hospital will provide you with after care instructions when you go home. Follow their directions for pain management and to care for your incision. Some additional helpful supplies may include:
- Abdominal Binder
- Research shows that the use of an elastic abdominal binder can improve pain during recovery after a cesarean birth (Gustafson, J. L., Dong, F., Duong, J., & Kuhlmann, Z. C. (2018). Elastic Abdominal Binders Reduce Cesarean Pain Postoperatively: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial. Kansas Journal of Medicine, 11(2), 1.)
- Breastfeeding pillow/small pillows/towels
- Use these to support your baby while breastfeeding and reduce pressure on your abdomen
- Menstrual pads
- People who have cesarean births will still have vaginal bleeding in the first few weeks postpartum. Disposable pads are generally recommended over cloth in the first few weeks due to ease of use and the ability to change them often to stay clean
- Most people need the largest size for at least the first few days after giving birth. After that it's common for your bleeding to get lighter, and regular pads are generally sufficient.
- Mesh or loose, high waisted panties
- Avoid wearing underwear with a waistband that sits at or near the level of your incision as it heals.
- Mesh panties can be washed in the laundry and worn again and again until you don't need them!
- Loose, Comfortable Clothing
- Choose clothing that fits loosely and does not press or otherwise bother your incision as it heals