Caesarean Birth Recovery: 5 Tips To Make You More Comfortable
by Jessi Noskiewicz, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
#1: Side Lying Maneuver to Transition from Supine to Sitting
To avoid increasing intra-abdominal pressure (and pain) after a caesarean birth you want to steer clear of relying solely on
your abdominal muscles to get up out of bed. Rather than performing a "sit up" exercise motion, do the following:
1) Roll onto your side
2) Place your hand flat on the bed and push up, using your arm strength, to lift your upper body into a seated position.
#2: Pillow Assisted Cough Maneuver
This technique is also about avoiding increased intra-abdominal pressure.
Coughing, sneezing, and even laughing engages your abdominal muscles and can create pain and discomfort on your incision site in the early stages of healing.
Place a pillow over top of your lower abdomen and gently press on your belly while you cough/sneeze/laugh.
This counter pressure will minimize the internal pressure on your incision to avoid unnecessary pain.
If you find yourself without a pillow handy you can gently press your palms (flat) over top of the incision site.
#3: Pillows for Comfort in a Semi-Reclined Position
Depending on the circumstances that led you to a caesarean birth, and your body's experience of pain following the surgery, you may be on modified bed rest for a period of days or weeks.
Note: It is also important to get up and move around (cautiously) ASAP; please follow the advise of your primary care provider.
1) A large triangle wedge pillow will keep you supported in a semi-reclined position without having to keep adjusting pillows that move around and get compressed over time.
2) A well-stuffed pillow OR cylindrical bolster under your knees will keep them bent at a comfortable angle and alleviate pressure on the lower back.
3) An orthopaedic donut pillow to support the coccyx (tailbone) will reduce pressure on this sensitive area that may be painful if sitting semi-reclined for long periods of time.
#4: Incision care
Keep the incision dry
After bathing either pat the incision site dry gently using a clean, dry towel OR use a hair dryer on a low, "cool" setting (best option).
You can also use this technique if you find sweat developing throughout the day due to overhanging tissue ("apron belly") OR check with your healthcare provider about applying non-adherent gauze pads over the incision to absorb the moisture.
Avoid rubbing the incision
Wear high waisted underwear to avoid rubbing on the incision site but also find time to air out the incision. This is especially important if you have an "apron belly".
Let it breathe
Lie on your back and gently lift the overhanging tissue to expose your incision to the air. Practice slow belly breathing.
#5: Elevate Swollen Feet
Walking and moving around is an important part of recovery, and will also help to rid your body of excess fluids, but gravity may also contribute to swelling and an uncomfortable pressure in the legs / feet.
Giving your feet an (elevated) rest is important too.
It's common to experience edema (excess fluid that creates swelling) in the feet during pregnancy and after giving birth; this can be exacerbated by IV fluids that may be given during labour or caesarean surgery.
Raise your legs above the level of your heart to encourage fluid return.
Find a good bolster to support your lower legs and feet OR lie on the floor and put your feet up on a chair or couch if tolerable. Gentle movement of the knees and ankles will also help to pump fluid back towards the heart.
BONUS TIP
Pack a "to-go bag" for HOME
You know what sucks? Moving when you're in pain. But what sucks even more is realizing you forgot your [insert thing you need] downstairs and have to re-trace your steps (TWICE!) to retrieve it.
SO, pack the things you'll need throughout the day in a caddy that you can easily carry around the house!
Yes, ideally someone else does the trip for you BUT that's not always an option. Pack your bag with things like a water bottle, lip balm, lotion, your phone, a book, and whatever else you find yourself needing throughout the day.
Post written by Jessi Noskiewicz, BA, RMT
Jessi has been an RMT for several years and works part time during the week and on Sundays at Continuum Wellness in Toronto.
As a mother of two, perinatal massage is particularly close to her heart and she enjoys providing massage therapy treatment to people both during pregnancy and into the postpartum phase.
She has completed courses related to pregnancy massage, pelvic health, caesarean section recovery / scar tissue massage, and is certified as a doula / labour support provider.
Jessi Noskiewicz, RMT