However our clients give birth, it is often an experience mixed with joy and challenges. When a client has a c-section, navigating a c-section recovery can be difficult. As a doula, while our primary role tends to be prenatal and during labor support, we are still vital in the postpartum recovery.
Knowing about the c-section recovery is important to help support and educate clients. At times, the unexpected challenges following a c-section can negatively impact the birth and postpartum period. Our support and education can help alleviate some of the negative experiences.
Understanding a C-Section Surgery – Why C-section Recovery Can Be Difficult
The postpartum period is not simply recovering from birth, it is also recovering from pregnancy. So, even an uncomplicated vaginal birth requires healing. However, given the nature of a c-section, it makes sense the recovering is sometimes more difficult.
While common, a c-section is still a major abdominal surgery. Surgeons must cut through several layers, which include skin, fat tissue, muscle, the uterus, etc. There will be multiple layers of suturing as well. If it is an unexpected c-section, women have also experienced contractions and labor before surgery, which can require even more healing.
People who give birth via c-section are recovering from pregnancy, the placenta site, and major abdominal surgery. While postpartum cramping and involution can be uncomfortable with vaginal births too, after a c-section, the cramping can be even more painful for some due to the uterine incision site.
Early C-Section Recovery
The immediate post-operative period after a C-section can be challenging as the body adjusts to the surgery and begins the healing process. However, often the nerve blocks used during surgery or immediately after for pain management can last upwards of 24 hours. This can help alleviate the initial pain which often leaves people surprised when day two feels more painful.
Reminding clients to stay on top of pain medication can help make the early days manageable. It is also important to help reassure clients that while getting up and moving can be hard, it promotes healing. Early movement can help with blood flow and healing, reduce the risk of clots, and help get the bowels moving again.
Encourage clients to follow their provider’s recommendations for movement while also reminding them to listen to their body. Movement is important, but it should be balanced with rest.
Mothers may experience pain, discomfort, and fatigue, making even simple tasks like sitting up or walking difficult. It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding pain management, rest, and wound care during this time.
Post C-Section Pain Management
After a c-section, there is obvious pain from the surgery. However, there is also pain from post pregnancy healing, cramping, etc.
Setting alarms for pain medication before it wears off can be beneficial. It is also important to help bowels move as constipation is common and can increase pain. Pain medication can also worsen constipation. Encourage clients to talk to their doctor about using stool softeners while on pain medication or if their doctors have other recommendations. Encouraging them to stay hydrated and eat fresh produce is also helpful.
Many patients find postpartum binders and support belts helpful after a c-section and find it aids in pain management when they need to be moving.
Positions during breastfeeding and holding baby are also an important part of managing pain. If baby or a nursing pillow is applying pressure to the incision site, that can worsen pain. Help clients try different feeding positions while they heal such as the football hold or side lying.
You will also want to encourage clients to follow their providers’ recommendations for limiting lifting. Holding baby rather than carrying a car seat can be very important. Clients really should avoid lifting anything heavier than their baby until otherwise cleared by their doctor.
Emotional Healing
C-section recovery is not always just physical; it can be emotional. Some birthing parents may experience a range of emotions, including sadness, frustration, or disappointment, especially if the C-section was unplanned. However, others might feel relief and gratitude that baby was safely born.
However a client feels, It’s vital to support them in acknowledging and expressing these feelings. Remind them, every birth experience is valid, and it’s okay to seek support when needed to process the birth experience.
Long Term Healing and Gradual Return to Activities
After hospital discharge, it is important to balance rest with light activity. Encourage your clints to be mindful and listen to their body. They do not want to overdo it and prolong healing. Neither do they want to be inactive for too long.
As they heal, they will want to gradually reintroduce light physical activity. Walking is typically the start. Gradually increasing pelvic floor and abdominal exercises can be important. However, they may want to work with a pelvic floor therapist to safely introduce exercises as well as encourage scar mobilization and healing.
A c-section recovery often requires patience and self-care, along with support. It can present challenges but with the support of a doula, even the most difficult recovery can feel manageable.
Author: Aliza Juliette Bancoff
Aliza Juliette Bancoff is a well-known doula and doula trainer who has been providing doula services to families for over a decade. She is the founder of Main Line Doulas, a doula group providing doula support in the great Philadelphia area for the last decade, the International Doula Institute, which provides online doula training and lactation training and certification programs and the International Breastfeeding Institute which provides lactation training and certification. She is the co-founder of United Birth, a company devoted to increasing access to doulas across the country to make the perinatal time safer both physically and emotionally. “Every birthing person deserves access to quality doula support. And we are working to make that a reality across the country. The work we are doing to get doulas to every birthing person will decrease the black infant and maternal mortality rate significantly by 2030.” Says Bancoff. Aliza is known for her compassionate and empowering approach to doula work, and she has been featured in numerous media outlets, including United Nations Maternal Health Report, Parent Magazine, CafeMom, theBump and many more. Aliza's journey into doula work began when she gave birth to her first child and felt a strong calling...