Going through the recovery period after a cesarean section is indeed quite difficult. However, there are some simple steps you can take to make the recovery process faster and smoother.

Mothers who give birth by caesarean section need a longer recovery time than recovery after a normal delivery. After a cesarean section, new mothers also usually need to be hospitalized for a few days and are not allowed to do strenuous activities for several weeks. However, you don't have to worry. There are some simple steps you can take to speed up recovery after a cesarean section.

Recovery After C-section

There are several things you need to do so that the recovery process goes fast and the results are good, namely:

1. Doing light physical activity

A few hours after surgery, you do need to lie down and rest in bed. This is important to do so that your energy recovers, while waiting for the effects of the anesthetic to wear off. However, about 12-24 hours after surgery or when it feels strong, you can start getting out of bed or walking around the hospital room.

You can also do some post-cesarean exercises that are safe to do. The sooner you get up and move, the better for your blood circulation and digestive system. If the body is not moved immediately, then you are at risk of constipation and blood clots in certain body parts, such as the legs and lungs. But remember, try not to get out of bed or walk alone without the help of others, okay? Don't force yourself to move a lot if you feel your body isn't strong enough.

Read Too : Caesarean Section Wounds and Their Treatment

2. Manage emotions well

The period after giving birth, both vaginally and by caesarean section, is a difficult time. Not even a few mothers who experience stress and depression because of it. Therefore, it is important to manage emotions well. The method is as follows:

If you're feeling sad, disappointed, or frustrated after your C-section, don't ignore those feelings. Discuss the emotions you are feeling with your partner, family, or doctor.
Do not hesitate to express your feelings to your partner or closest person, about what can make you happy and comfortable.
Ask others to help you with activities that are difficult for you to do, such as preparing food, looking after your newborn, or simply accompanying you.

Do not hesitate to seek help from a doctor or psychologist if you experience postpartum depression, which is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, frequent crying, hopelessness, or even wanting to hurt yourself or your baby.

3. Treating surgical wounds

Surgical wound care is very important because it has a big impact on the recovery process. Your doctor or nurse will usually give you instructions on how to care for your cesarean stitches while you are recovering at home. Some things you need to pay attention to are:

Gently clean the wound and change the bandage regularly.
Do not bathe or swim for at least 3 weeks after surgery.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and cotton underwear.
Use a heating pad or heating pad to relieve discomfort in the surgical area.
Take painkillers prescribed by your doctor if the wound is painful.
Avoid having sex for at least 6 weeks after

4. Get enough rest

Always take time to rest whenever your little one falls asleep, including during the day. Don't hesitate to ask your husband or family members for help to change your baby's diaper or do housework, so you can sleep even for a while. During postoperative recovery, it is recommended that you sleep in a comfortable position, such as on your side.

In addition to getting enough sleep, you are also advised not to do activities that cause pressure in the abdominal cavity to increase, such as frequently going up and down stairs or lifting heavy objects. Therefore, prepare all the necessities for you and your little one, such as food, drinks, and diapers, in an easily accessible place.

5. Meet the nutritional intake of mothers and babies

Meeting nutritional needs after giving birth is very important. It not only speeds up the post-cesarean recovery process, but also supports milk production. Breast milk is the main nutritional intake for babies, especially babies born by caesarean section, because they lose the opportunity to be exposed to good bacteria in the vagina that can affect their immune system.

Well, to overcome this, you can give breast milk regularly to your little one. Breast milk contains complete nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, to synbiotics which are a combination of prebiotics and probiotics. The synbiotic content is known to balance the number of microbiota or good bacteria in the digestive tract so that it can optimize the little one's immune system.

6. Recognize the signs of danger

Immediately go to the doctor or the nearest hospital if after a cesarean section you experience the following:

Fever.
Severe pain in the surgical area.
Pain when urinating.
Severe bleeding from the vagina or surgical wound.
Redness and swelling of the surgical wound.
Discharge of pus or foul-smelling fluid from the surgical wound.
Hard to breathe.
Swelling in the legs.

Every woman who undergoes a cesarean section has a different experience. This will also affect how you feel during the recovery period and the length of recovery time. By doing the things above, recovery after caesarean section can take place more quickly. But remember, the key to going through this recovery period well is to be patient and don't push yourself.