Your Body After A Cesarean BirthEven those areas that were untouched during the surgery will momentarily pause and need to be restarted. Knowing how long those "pauses" should take can greatly lower your stress level. Some side effects of your surgery are minor (itchiness and nausea) and have simple solutions (meds). Others are more complicated (constipation) and may lead to less pleasurable solutions (an enema). Your body's journey back from a cesarean starts at the hospital, the moment the baby is delivered. You will be measured, assessed and evaluated several times before you're discharged. The recovery at the hospital is important, yet vastly different than your recovery at home. Here are some symptoms or issues you may experience after having a c-section:
Breastfeeding after a C-SectionOnce the baby is delivered, released hormones will cause your uterus to start to shrink and your breasts to produce colostrum (baby's first milk). You can breastfeed as soon as your surgery is finished.The Football HoldMake it easier on your incision by using this hold while breastfeeding (or bottle feeding).Place the baby resting on your forearm, facing up, tucked under your armpit (like you're carrying a football). The baby's tummy should be wrapped around your side, providing skin-to-skin contact. If your baby is too sleepy to eat (anesthesia can have that effect), introduce him to your touch and smell. Offer your breast every few hours and he'll start getting interested. If breastfeeding is painful or he seems to struggle with latching on, get tips here on improving your technique. Breastfeeding is a skill that is developed over time. For more information learning to breastfeed, visit this page.
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Having Constant Urination After a C-SectionOne possible side effect to your body after a cesarean is constantly having to urinate. This is usually caused by bladder trauma during surgery and will heal itself after a few months.
Stress Incontinence![]() {Photo by Delgoff} Nerves, ligaments and muscles on your pelvis normally work together to stop your bladder and close the urethra. Overstretching or injury here can cause incontinence. Stress incontinence is more frequent among mothers who had vaginal births, but it is not unheard of as a consequence to your body after a cesarean. Women who smoke or are obese are 4 times as likely to struggle with this form of incontinence. Avoid embarrassment by...
If you feel a burning sensation or pain while urinating, call your physician. Sometimes incontinence can be caused by an easily treated urinary tract infection. The leaking should correct itself within a few months. If you're still struggling with this problem 6 months later, speak with your doctor.
Other Bladder ProblemsOther bladder injuries are not uncommon after multiple cesareans. The obstetrician may encounter scar tissue (or adhesions) that attaches the bladder to other structures. Cutting through these adhesions may further weaken the bladder walls.If bladder problems have plagued your previous c-sections, the doctor can make an incision slightly higher on the uterus and avoid the bladder altogether. Unfortunately, sometimes bladder trauma is inevitable. A recognized bladder injury may require using a catheter for a week or so after delivery, but is not usually a long-term side effect.
![]() {Photo by Andy Wright} Decreased Bowel Function |
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