C-section Postpartum Essentials
As a first-time mom, I remember being simultaneously intrigued and overwhelmed by the amount of after-baby items on the market. There seem to be infinite products for infinite issues, and how do we truly know what we will need post-birth? As a DONA certified postpartum doula, I hope to answer some of these questions for you below.
When it comes to birth, we often don’t know how things will end up going. And for about 30 percent of moms in the US, their birth will include a planned or unplanned cesarean (March of Dimes).
With c-sections being so common, it is still an area many moms do not plan for, and figuring out what essentials they need for recovery afterward can be difficult!
What C-Section Essentials Will I Need Postpartum?
Depending on the hospital you deliver at, some of these items may be provided to you right away, and others you may want to have on-hand at home.
Belly wrap
Usually, your provider will supply you with a belly wrap shortly after your c-section. However, when visiting moms in the hospital as a postpartum doula, I have seen some moms need to ask for one. Having light pressure on the incision area can provide some pain relief, and make getting up and moving around more manageable.
You may even have purchased a belly band during pregnancy, and this can work to provide pressure on your belly as well. However, I still recommend asking your hospital for at least one belly wrap to bring home with you, ideally two, to allow for washing. Remember, you are paying for your hospital delivery, and these items are included in that cost! So make sure to get everything you need while still in the hospital.
Mesh underwear and pads
Some moms are surprised to find out that they will still bleed vaginally after a cesarean. Regardless of the type of delivery, all new moms experience lochia bleeding, which is the body’s way of releasing tissue, mucus and blood from pregnancy as the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size.
Mesh underwear are super helpful post-cesarean, as they can be adjusted to cover your incision in the most comfortable way possible. The hospital should provide you with lots of pads, and it is handy to stash as many as you can in your bag to bring home! You will be surprised how often you need to change your pad in the beginning days, and you certainly don’t want to run out!
High-waisted underwear and leggings/pajamas
Along the same lines as a belly wrap, many c-section mamas feel relief from light pressure on the incision area. High-waisted underwear and bottoms can provide this, in addition to the belly wrap.
In addition, the shifting of organs back to their pre-pregnancy positions can be uncomfortable, and some moms describe it as feeling like their organs are “loose”. Providing that extra security of light pressure can help with this discomfort!
Epsom salt for foot soaks
After birth, light swelling is common, but especially following a cesarean. After any type of surgery, the body produces extra cells to assist in healing, and this can often cause swelling. Your body also has an excess of fluids from pregnancy and fluids given during the surgery, which can build up and cause you to swell. This swelling can be felt more acutely in areas like our feet and ankles.
Although you will want to alert your provider to any major swelling, relief for minor swelling can come from a warm Epsom salt foot soak. If you have a foot soak tub, have a helper fill it with hot water and about a cup of Epsom salt. Adding in a few drops of your favorite essential oil is also wonderful!
If you don’t have a foot tub, a bucket or large bowl can work, too! You will not be able to take a bath in a tub for quite awhile post-op, but soaking your feet is completely safe, provides relief from swelling, and can be quite relaxing as well!
Help from a partner, family member, friend or postpartum doula
Help after birth, especially a c-section birth, CANNOT be stressed enough. As with any major surgery, your body will need time to recover before you can perform even basic tasks. Assistance using the restroom, getting up and down (especially if stairs are involved), lifting baby, showering, and preparing meals amongst other things will be necessary in the first weeks post-surgery.
After having a c-section, not only will you be charged with caring for yourself in new ways, but also caring for your newborn baby! It is easy to see how this could quickly become overwhelming without assistance.
I highly recommend setting up a meal train if possible, or politely asking everyone you know who is able to drop off a meal on your porch after a c-section. Another helpful tip is to leave a list of simple tasks on the counter for guests who stop over to choose if they are able to help with something! This will remove some of the mental strain of thinking of what you need in the moment, and having to communicate those needs to visitors. Some items to put on your list may include:
- Throw in a load of laundry
- Walk the dog
- Ask if a grocery pickup is needed
- Wipe down the counters
- Prep the coffee pot for the next morning
- Refill diaper stations
- Pick up takeout…
Or whatever else would be particularly helpful for your situation! Oftentimes, visitors are more than happy to help, but don’t know how to do so.
Give Yourself Grace
Most importantly, please mama-give yourself grace. You have just gone through the transformational journey of birth, AND a major surgery- all in one!
Whenever possible, share the load with whoever is willing to help. Never feel bad or guilty for asking for help during this time, and know that those who care about you will be so happy to do so.
Before long, you will be taking your sweet new bundle for walks, enjoying the sunshine with an iced coffee in hand! But for now- rest.
