The 10 key points of the post-cesarean section

Cesarean: and after?

Back in our room, still a little stunned by what we have just experienced, and we wonder why we are left with all these tips. This is normal, they will assist us for a few hours, while our organization is fully operational again. Thereby, the infusion nourishes and hydrates us while waiting for our first meal, probably in the evening.

The urinary catheter allows urine to be evacuated ; it will be removed as soon as they are sufficiently abundant and of normal color.

In some maternity hospitals, the anesthesiologist also leaves the epidural catheter for 24 to 48 hours after the operation, in order to maintain a slight anesthesia. Or when the cesarean was difficult (bleeding, complications) and the surgeon may have to intervene again.

Sometimes, finally, a drain (or redon) is inserted on the side of the wound to evacuate the blood which could still flow from it, but it is increasingly rare.

Relieve pain due to cesarean section, a priority

All women dread when the pain will wake up. There is no longer any reason: in a growing number of maternities, they systematically receive a analgesic treatment as soon as they get to their room and even before the pain wakes up. It is maintained at regular hours for the first four days. Beyond that, it’s up to us to ask for analgesics from the first unpleasant sensations. We do not wait not that we are offered it, or that “it just happens”. You may also have nausea, itching or rash in reaction to morphine. Again, we talk to midwives, they can relieve us.

You can breastfeed after a cesarean

Nothing prevents you to put your child to the breast from the recovery room. The important thing is that we are both comfortable. For example, we lie on our side and ask that we put our baby with the mouth level with our chest. Unless we are better on the back, our child lying across under our armpit, his head above our breast. We may feel some unpleasant contractions during the feed, these are the famous “trenches”, which allow the uterus to regain its initial size.

Cesarean section: preventing the risk of phlebitis

In some maternity hospitals, women who have given birth by cesarean section systematically receive an injection of anticoagulants for several days to prevent phlebitis (formation of a clot in a vein in the legs). In the others, this treatment is only prescribed to mothers with risk factors or a history of thrombosis.

Slower transit after cesarean section

The anesthesia, certain gestures performed during the intervention and the immobility made our intestines lazy. Results : gas has built up and we are constipated. To promote the resumption of transit, we will be entitled to a drink and one or two rusks the same day. If that’s not enough, we massage our belly clockwise, by inhaling for a long time and pushing, as if to expel the gases outwards. No worries: there is absolutely no risk of the wound opening. And we don’t hesitate to walk, because exercise stimulates transit. Everything will be in order in a few days.

First steps … with the midwife

Torn between the fear of being in pain and the desire to hold our baby in our arms, it is difficult to find the ideal position. During the first 24 hours, however, there is no doubt: we remain lying on our back. Even if it is very frustrating. This is the best position to promote blood circulation and healing. Patience, in 24 to 48 hours, we will get up, with help. We start by turning on our side, we fold our legs and we sit down while pushing on our arm. Once seated, we put our feet flat on the ground, we lean on the midwife or on our companion, and stand up looking straight ahead.

Cesarean section: more abundant discharge

As in any childbirth, bright red bleeding accompanied by small clots will flow through the vagina. This is the sign that the uterus sheds the superficial lining that was in contact with the placenta. Only difference: these lochia are a little more important after a cesarean section. By the fifth day, the losses will become less abundant and will clear up to become pinkish. They will last several more weeks, sometimes two months. If suddenly they turn bright red again, very abundant, or if they persist for more than ten weeks, consult the doctor.

Caring for the scar

At no time will we have to worry about it. During our stay in the maternity ward, a midwife or nurse will clean the wound every day before checking that it closes properly. After 48 hours, she may even remove the bandage from us, so that the skin heals in the open. This rarely happens, but the wound can become infected, become red, oozing and cause a fever. In this case, the doctor immediately prescribes antibiotics and everything is quickly back to normal. If the incision has not been stitched up with absorbable suture, the nurse will remove the sutures or staples five to ten days after the procedure. Then nothing more.

Coming home after a cesarean

Depending on the maternity wards, we will go home between the fourth and ninth day after birth. In the area where you had the surgery, you probably won’t feel anything, and that’s normal. This insensitivity is temporary, but it can last for five or six months. On the other hand, the scar may itch, tighten. Only recommended treatment: massage it regularly with a moisturizing cream or milk. By promoting blood circulation, healing is also accelerated. However, we remain cautious. At the slightest unusual sign (vomiting, fever, pain in the calves, severe bleeding), the doctor is contacted. And of course, we avoid carrying heavy things or getting up suddenly.

Cesarean: allowing the body to recover

Our muscles, ligaments and perineum were put to the test. It will take them about four or five months to regain their tone. As long as you make them work smoothly. This is the whole point of ten physiotherapy sessions prescribed by the doctor during the postnatal consultation, six to eight weeks after childbirth. We do them, even if it’s a bit restrictive! Then, when we have the desire, and several months have passed, we can start a new pregnancy. In about one in two cases, we will have a new cesarean. The decision is made on a case-by-case basis, it all depends on our uterus. But now, even giving birth like this, we will be able to give birth … five or six children!