Seven natural ways to help with c-section recovery

Births through the caesarean section have been on the rise for the past few years. 

More women are choosing to have a C-section maybe because of preference and for the sole purpose of avoiding the struggles that come with natural birthing. 

Usually, a C-section is recommended when there are complications involved such as an STD or a breach. And recent research and exposés show that some hospitals could be pushing for unnecessary caesareans because of the financial incentives they receive.

Right here in Kenya, there has been a trend of rising caesarean section births and you could find yourself healing from one. 

And speaking of healing, not everyone is a fan of medication which you have to take as part of the recovery process. You could be more interested in knowing natural recovery alternatives that actually work.

i. Listen to your doctor

You’ll be told that you shouldn’t do any rigorous activity for some time. Even when you think you should start living life as usual, wait until you get approval from your doctor. Keep the area clean and dry to prevent infections and spend your time resting so that the area doesn’t tear. Stay away from intense exercises for a while and only walk around to reduce soreness.

ii. Build a good support system

This is part of your emotional recovery, which is just as essential as physical recovery. You need support from the people you love. You can also join support groups. Support reduces the risk of and/or helps manage postpartum depression which can happen unexpectedly. Try as much as you can to surround yourself with family and friends as you heal.

iii. Drink lots of fluids

Drinking a lot of fluids will help to replace the amount of blood lost during the operation. Have water and fresh fruit juices by your side so you can recover faster. This will also prevent constipation which is a huge problem after surgery. Drinking bone broth is also a good way to heal the scar so you should have plenty of it. It also contains minerals that could significantly fade the scar.

iv. Eat fiber rich foods

This will help reduce constipation discomfort post-surgery. Eat enough fiber rich foods like oats, legumes, fruits and vegetables. They’ll also relieve gas and get your digestive system to operate normally. Be careful not to eat too much fiber though. It can worsen the constipation.

v. Probiotic foods

During surgery, a lot of the healthy bacteria in your gut gets depleted. Probiotic foods will feed your gut with healthy bacteria and improve your immune system. This is a step you should actually take before and after delivery because it’ll also have health benefits for your baby. Probiotic yoghurt is one of the best options.

vi. Get enough sleep

A good night’s rest is beneficial for your emotional recovery. Surgery can be a traumatic event especially if you underwent other complications like the loss of a baby. Lack of adequate sleep will increase stress hormones which will cause your scar to take a longer time to heal or trigger depression. Your emotional wellbeing is essential for recovery and you need to prioritize it by getting enough rest.

vii. Massaging

Start massaging the area only after the scar has closed to prevent tearing. There are many post-delivery massaging techniques to increase blood flow and enhance recovery. You’ll also be less sore when you practice good massaging techniques but you should consult your doctor for the most effective methods first. You should massage other areas like your feet with massaging oils like lavender mixed with another carrier oil to reduce numbness and for therapeutic benefits.

Generally, you need to follow key instructions from your doctor, eat a balanced diet and incorporate activities that feed your emotional health. All these combine to boost healing with little to no medication.