Recovery
Our culture has done a great disservice to people who give birth. The idea of a bounce back, unrealistic recovery timelines, limited resources on information, and a measly 6 week check up. It can be very hard to honor the heroic effort it is to grow and deliver a baby into this world when once you give birth your care feels almost invisible. You deserve proper 4th trimester care, here is my wishlist for you.
Pelvic floor therapy, I believe, is critical support for postpartum, even with a cesarean birth. You carried a heavy baby and many things shift and change over the course of your pregnancy. You have heard the stories of people peeing their pants when they sneeze and its always shrugged off as- yeah you had a baby! I am here to tell you thats not normal and you don’t have to accept that. Pelvic floor dysfunction is not something you have to or should live with. I would even suggest seeing a pelvic floor therapist before and after your baby is born if its feasible for you.
I also suggest bodywork, massage, acupuncture, etc. Whichever one calls to you. Its so beneficial to feeling good and taken care of. The benefits of bodywork are endless in supporting the demands of parenthood and healing.
For the care down there-
Most recommended items are the peri bottle, the disposable underwear, the healing foam, witch hazel pads, and ice packs. They also offer cesarean healing items- recovery belly band, higher waisted undies, silicon patches for scar treatment.
If you are giving birth in the hospital they may provide one of these for you. Add a couple tablespoons of epsom salts and soak once a day.
This makes sitting anywhere but the bed so much more comfortable while you are healing.
The hospital may also load you up on pads but if you need some back up this brand is widely used.
Belly bands are an option to help support your core, especially after a cesarean. However bands that offer a lot of compression can do more harm than good. When you create a lot of pressure on your stomach it forces that pressure down on your pelvic floor which can exacerbate support issues. If you are interested in using one, opt for one that is soft and gives light compression until you speak to a provider to see if something more structured is right for you.
Cesarean Scar Mobilization Timeline
There is another aspect to recovery that isn’t spoken about enough. It can be boring! It is very difficult to sit still and let your body recuperate. Many of us are used to being “productive” and busy and stimulated, especially in New York. Now is the time to binge watch tv, listen to lots of audiobooks, podcasts, anything that engages you and keeps you mostly horizontal. It can be helpful to plan small outings for the future to look forward to. Its so important that you take it slow, slower than you would like. The effort that you put into your healing now will pay off in the future. If you push it, you end up delaying your recovery process in the long run and risk chronic issues. A good rule of thumb is 7 days in bed, 7 days on the bed, and 7 days near the bed. You may need to shift some priorities around- let someone else worry about cleaning the house, cooking, or grocery shopping. I can’t stress enough how important it is to take it easy for these first several weeks and how difficult doing that might be. You are recuperating from pregnancy and delivery, vaginal or cesarean on limited sleep! Now is the time to honor your body’s effort and allow yourself the time you need to truly heal. It can really be a mental game, listen to your body and keep your mind busy as best as you can.
It is common to experience a multitude of feelings once the baby is born. Hormones and lack of sleep may cause some less than pleasant feelings. Its totally normal to feel stressed, sad, worried, or even guilty. Its important to know when its more than just the baby blues and something else is going on. PMADs (perinatal mood and anxiety disorders) effect 15-20% of people who give birth, and the true percentage is probably a lot higher. Many people may not seek help because of lack of education, resources, or fear of judgement. There is support and it will help. As your doula I am hear to listen objectively and help you process. Some may find healing in a parent support group or with a therapist. Please be open with your feelings and gentle on yourself.
While you are preparing for everything baby, take some time to prepare for yourself too. What makes you feel cared for, spoiled, and happy? We know the transition may be difficult but there is opportunity inside this time to shower you with the love and care you deserve. I am a big believer in “treats” maybe its fresh flowers, nice pajamas, an overpriced body lotion, whatever it is please treat yourself!
