An open letter to all mothers and mothers-to-be

Dear Moms-to-be all over the world,

You are amazing! It is cliche, but I could not think of a better way to start this. You are on a journey to dedicate your life to that tiny human living inside your womb. You are selfless yet strong and beautiful.

I know nobody says such soothing words when you are going through a tough path like pregnancy. Having a baby can be taxing on your body regardless of the method you deliver via, but if doctors have advised cesarean delivery, commonly referred to as a C-section, you’ll need more time to recover as opposed to the normal vaginal delivery.

Fret not; this is not the end of the world. We live in 2022, and there is absolutely nothing impossible now. Here are some suggestions to help speed up the recovery process for mommies who have undergone a C-section to spend less time tired — and more time bonding with your new baby.

1. Don’t – Rest

The key to recovering from a C-Section is to be as patient as possible. It usually takes about six weeks to recover from the surgery, but it depends on your situation as well. If you have had any problems during or after your c-section or looking after other children at home, you may feel you need more time to recover.

After a cesarean, the average stay in the hospital is around 2-3 days. You may be able to go home sooner if you and your baby are well.

While in hospital:

• You’ll be given painkillers to ease your pain
• You can start breastfeeding, don’t worry about the low milk supply. It all gets normal after some time.
• You’ll be encouraged to get out of bed and move the next day after the delivery
• You will feel dizzy when you first set your feet down, but it will all get smooth after a while.
• First few hours, you can only take water or light meals.
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• A thin, flexible tube called a catheter will remain in your bladder for at least 12 hours
• Your wound will be covered with a dressing for at least 24 hours

2. Your wounds are your best friends – Don’t shy away
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Your scars are your medal, ladies. Your doctor will advise you on how to look after your wound.

You need to:

• Clean and dry the wound every day
• Wear loose clothes and cotton underwear to avoid rash
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• Take the prescribed painkiller when needed
• Watch out for signs of infection
• Non-dissolvable stitches or staples will usually be taken out by your doctor after a week or so
• Follow up with your doctor a week later to check if everything is alright

3. Take your time before returning to your normal daily routine

Don’t exhaust yourself and don’t rush, take it easy and tackle one day at a time! There might be days when you will feel fine, but then there will be days when the memories of going through the delivery procedure will haunt you. But not to worry, all is a part of life, and you will recover very soon. Try to do gentle activities, such as a slow walk, to reduce the risk of blood clots. Don’t overexert yourself.

You should be able to hold your wee one once you get home. But you may not be able to do few activities straight away, such as driving, exercising, carrying anything heavier than your baby, or having sex.

4. Postpartum changes are real – Don’t ignore them

Your body will undergo few physical changes even after your baby is born. Changes you will experience are as follows:

• Most common: Afterpains, a type of cramping that occurs as your uterus returns to its size
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• Breast engorgement
• Dryness diastasis recti, or the separation of your abdominal muscles
• Severe hair loss
• Skin changes such as loose skin or acne
• Night sweats
• Headaches
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Afterpains will eventually go away with time. For other physical changes, if you feel something that doesn’t seem right or feels uncomfortable and awkward, don’t stop yourself from discussing it with your doctor.

Mental health is equally important. Many females go through post-partum depression and it takes time to get out of the condition. If you feel like expressing and crying, do that as it is also a part of the recovery.

Final Verdict: Your husband will be your best friend

I just can’t agree more with this; your husband will play a major role in your recovery. For ladies, who have loving husbands, you are in good hands. There will be days when you won’t be able to move, stop crying, or eat your favourite food, in all those moments you got to have that special person to help you do life.

Happy recovering!