What to Expect After a Caesarean.
Finding time to restÉ
After experiencing a caesarean, your body has an
increased need to rest and regenerate. There's no denying this basic
need, and doing so will only extend the length of time needed to
achieve full healing.
The feeling of tiredness may continue for months,
long after the external scar of your caesarean has healed and become
a silvery reminder of your baby's birth. You need to acknowledge
the nurturing you deserve, and not feel guilty at having an afternoon
snooze (snuggled up with your little one) or leaving the housework
until you feel more energetic.
This becomes more difficult when your newest little
one has older siblings who continue to demand your attention. This
is when you need to call on/accept the offered help of family and
friends. You could even ask a friend/family member to make up a
roster, while you are still pregnant, of people who may like to
come around for a visit with a meal, or a few spare hours to help
by cleaning up around your house. You especially need this extra
support when you are recovering from a caesarean birth.
A 'Do not disturb' sign is great; both in hospital,
and at home. You can make your own personal one during your pregnancy,
with an explanation that Mum and Baby are having a nap. Take the
phone off the hook and catch up on some lost sleep!
In hospital you can ask your partner to remind visitors
to not stay too long. It can be exhausting entertaining when you
should be resting. The same applies at home, for those first few
weeks of recovery.
Keep your baby close-by, not in another room, during
the night, at least for the first few weeks. If you keep your baby's
cot near your bed, you don't have far to go to attend your baby's
needs.
If your baby's presence keeps you awake (those little
sniffling noises can be daunting to a new Mum) then organise some
time during which your partner, or someone else you trust, can care
for your baby while you have a nap all by yourself.
To find out how to obtain a free copy, or how you
can organise to distribute the booklets, please click
here.
