Pregnancy is a whirlwind event and something most women really enjoy. I know I did and I wish that happiness for every pregnant mama.
One thing we don’t like to think about is something going wrong. It’s the silent thing we worry about. All the ‘ What ifs ‘.
One of the most common issues that can occur is Preeclampsia. It can be very serious and devastating.
The best thing you can do to prevent this is seeing your doc and getting great Prenatal Care.
They monitor your symptoms and health at every appointment for a variety of reasons, but very specifically for this.
You should know the symptoms yourself because sometimes it shows up out of know where suddenly.
Taking your blood pressure daily will go a long way in keeping you aware if something shows up. You can get a blood pressure cup here.
Read the list of symptoms below so you can keep an eye on your health in between appointments. You want to catch this as soon as it starts happening if it occurs.
****Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
By the way, this post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Serious Signs Of Preeclampsia
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High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, especially during pregnancy, can be a warning sign of bigger issues; such as Preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy, in the last trimester, and often presents as a sudden increase in blood pressure.
One of the major problems that occur with high blood pressure in pregnancy is a decrease in blood flow to the placenta. It’s very bad news.
When the placenta doesn’t get enough blood, the baby doesn’t get enough oxygen or the essential nutrients it needs to thrive.
High blood pressure is dangerous for both you and your baby and should be taken seriously.
When you have high blood pressure you have a greater risk of infection, and can lead to prematurity and the potential for future breathing problems.
Vision changes during pregnancy can be another serious sign of preeclampsia.
The most common visual changes are blurred vision, flashing lights, light sensitivity, auras, and spots.
Vision changes can be an indication of cerebral edema (or swelling of the brain) and should be taken very seriously.
**Have You taken a prenatal birth course yet? Don’t have time? Here’s the best Premium online birthing course and the first part of it’s totally free! You will learn absolutely everything you need to know and it will help tremendously so make sure you sign up. A Class is a must and I think the online ones are the best. Here’s a free Birth Planner Too!
If you are experiencing vision changes during pregnancy I recommend you seek medical attention right away; DON’T WAIT.
Swelling
It’s not uncommon during pregnancy to experience swelling, especially in the feet during the last trimester.
However, severe swelling of any kind or swelling that occurs in the hands, face or around the eyes could be a sign of preeclampsia edema or a warning of other complications.
If you experience a rapid onset of fluid-retention, pitting or discoloration of the skin, it’s important to contact your provider right away.
Because of the complications associated with preeclampsia it’s important that you know the signs and symptoms and seek out care as early as possible.
Shortness of Breath
Experiencing shortness of breath can be a sign of elevated blood pressure or fluid collecting in the lungs, a rare but serious condition known as pulmonary edema.
Both of these can be a symptom of preeclampsia and should be discussed with your provider.
Combined with mental confusion, heightened anxiety, and a racing pulse, shortness of breath can be a sure sign of something going on.
Abdominal Pain
Mild stomach pain, cramps or discomfort is common during pregnancy especially during the first 12 weeks while your body is adjusting.
Most of the time mild pain is nothing to worry about. However, persistent abdominal pain or a sudden increase in pain should be checked out.
Preeclampsia can present as abdominal or stomach pain that usually occurs on the right side.
Vomiting combined with abdominal pain can be another serious sign of preeclampsia.
If you are experiencing any pain that is severe or outside the norm talk to your healthcare provider right away.
Other signs of preeclampsia include sudden weight gain, low back pain, protein in the urine, increased reflexes, and nausea or vomiting.
Delivery is not the cure. Preeclampsia can occur after delivery too and puts Mom at risk.
Postpartum preeclampsia can lead to seizures, stroke, organ damage and even death.
Even after delivery, if you are experiencing high blood pressure or other symptoms, please get care right away.
You should take your health very seriously while pregnant and prenatal ( and postnatal ) care are an absolute must.
If you are at greater risk of preeclampsia having a blood pressure cup at home is a good idea. You can find one right here on Amazon.
I wish you all the best mama!
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Labor is so exciting! You’ve finally made it and you’re about to meet your baby!
I remember it well ( I’ve had three ) and there’s nothing like that feeling. I miss it so much.
But it is also pretty terrifying and even when you feel prepared it can seem very overwhelming.
So below I have created a list of things for you to do and keep in mind right after your labor starts. There’s also a list of resource posts about labor somewhere down there too. I suggest you read all of them.
This will help you feel like you have it all under control ( and you do mama, you do..)
Keep scrolling to learn more!
****This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you that help us keep our blog up and running. Thanks.
Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
Labor just started: What You Need To Do Now
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Stay Calm:
I know it’s easier said than done but it’s important that you stay calm and don’t panic. Labor isn’t going to stop no matter what you do so it’s important to stay focused and conserve your energy.
Before you go into labor practice deep breathing exercises that will help you when the big day comes.
It’s the first thing you can do to center yourself when you realize what’s happening.
If you’re really worried about labor, take a look at the post ” How to take the fear out of Childbirth “. It will really help you get perspective on labor and what it’s like.
Monitor Your Contractions:
During labor your contractions will come regularly and get closer together, they will also get stronger and more intense.
It’s important to monitor it so that you know it’s real labor. If the contractions are irregular it could be Braxton Hicks. Learn more about that here.
Monitoring your contractions can help you, and your doctor, determine if it’s time for you to head to the hospital.
You’ll want to know how far apart they are and how long they last.
***Have You taken a prenatal birth course yet? Don’t have time? Here’s the best Premium online birthing course and the first part of it’s totally free! You will learn absolutely everything you need to know and it will help tremendously so make sure you sign up. A Class is a must and I think the online ones are the best. Here’s a free Birth Planner Too!
Every woman is different and there is no way to predict how long labor will last or how quickly the baby will come.
It’s important to listen to your body during this time.
Call Your Partner:
You may want to hold off calling everyone you know but call your spouse or birth partner right away.
Call them early on so they can be there in case labor escalates quickly.
Remember, not only will you need their support during this time, they’ll want to be there.
This is going to be a memorable moment for your relationship.
Other important Labor Resources you should definitely read:
When contractions become regular, contact your doctor and let them know you are in labor.
Your Doc will want to know how far apart and how long your contractions are.
Once they decide how close you are they’ll let you know when the best time to head to the hospital is.
However, if you are leaking amniotic fluid, have vaginal bleeding or decreased fetal movement it’s important to head to the hospital right away and contact the doctor’s office in route.
If at any time you are uncertain or sense something is wrong, call your doctor.
Get Ready To Go:
Check to make sure you have everything you need. Your bag should be packed but you’ll also want to make sure you have car keys, money for parking, your phone charger, and your doctor and insurance information.
Remember That You Are In Control:
Take a few minutes on the way to the hospital to enjoy the silence, collect your thoughts and get into a good headspace.
Once you arrive at the hospital things can get noisy and sometimes happen very quickly.
It can be overwhelming especially if it’s your first time giving birth.
Make sure that your doctor knows your expectations ahead of time. This can be done by providing a birthing plan. You can find a free one right here.
The doctor and nurse are there to help you but you are the one in control. Communicate your needs clearly with your nurse but always be kind and respectful.
It’s important to develop a good rapport with the hospital staff. Respect ensures that your voice gets heard when it matters the most.
I hope this helps you feel more prepared for your labor and I wish you all the best!
Make sure you read the labor resources I listed above. They will make you a labor expert and you’ll definitely be ready for what’s to come!
One more thing… Don’t get caught unprepared for Postpartum. A lot of women forget to prep for this part of their journey and it causes unnecessary pain and struggles during a time when they should be enjoying their new baby. I know because It happened to me.
For some reason, postpartum preparation is left out of most education and conversation.
Check out the two posts below so you’ll be completely ready for what’s to come!
Having a baby can seem super scary the first time, or even the second time.
Just the idea of it and all the stories we’ve all heard are enough to scare anyone half to death.
But for the most part, childbirth is pretty easy. That’s right.
Sure there’s pain involved but most of the time birthing goes smoothly.
Your instincts will kick in and between that and the medical staff guiding you, you’ll be a birthing warrior with one agenda in mind.
But for now, I know there’s a lot to think about and you may feel worried.
Below is a list of things that will help you feel more prepared and it will really take the fear out of having a baby.
Check it out below!
By the way, this post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
How To Reduce Your Fear Of Childbirth
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Taking A Course
Childbirth classes are the absolute most effective way to take the fear out of the experience.
A Labor and Delivery Nurse will tell you exactly what to expect and how to get through the whole ordeal as easily as possible.
If you don’t have time to go to a class you can take one online. It’s convenient and you can take your time or do it in one sitting.
Here’s the best prenatal class online and the first parts of it are totally free! You will learn absolutely everything you need to know and it will help tremendously so make sure you sign up.
A Class is a must and I think the online ones are the best because you can do it whenever you’re ready.
Want FREE BABY STUFF? I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
Set Up A Birth Plan
Setting up a birth plan will help you feel in control of your situation. This is a good thing. You will let the staff know what you expect and your preferences for the birth and your environment.
Reading a book about giving birth will help put your mind at ease. It will give you an idea of exactly what happens and that will make you feel more prepared.
Being fit and ready for birth will go a long way when it comes to making the experience easier.
Fit mamas have shorter and less painful births.
You can take a pregnancy fitness program like the Belly Only Program. This program was created by a fitness expert that specializes in pregnancy so take a look!
Talking to a friend or even your mother about your fears can help tremendously. They will tell you they’ve been there and it all turned out just fine.
Because it will.
You’re Were Made For This
Women are made for giving birth. Your body is a birthing machine. The fact that millions of women that came before you have successfully given birth should bring you some comfort.
Your body will take over and it will do its thing so try not to worry and trust in your body’s natural ability to lead you.
Choose The Right Practitioner Because It Really Matters
Finding the right doctor or midwife will mean so much.
Read reviews and meet them before you decide. Make sure it’s someone who puts you at ease and seems really empathetic.
You’ll want someone who is in line with your beliefs about birth. That way you know you’ll have the right support.
Possibly Consider A Doula
A Doula is someone who can give you added, expert support during pregnancy and childbirth.
Women have been serving others in childbirth for many centuries and have proven that support from another woman has a positive impact on the labor process.
They can help provide emotional and Physical support during the birthing process and many women find their presence invaluable. They often provide pain relief and comfort to the mama in the way of massage, breathing and relaxation techniques and help with positioning.
Having your hospital bag and belongings packed well in advance will lend you some comfort. Knowing you’re ready when it does happen can help keep your mind at ease.
Having a good support system is key inside and outside of the delivery room.
Make sure you surround yourself with friends and family that are willing to listen and comfort you when you have questions before the big day.
But the ones you bring in during labor and delivery matter the most. You’ll likely want your partner and maybe your mama { I Did! } to be present to help and comfort you.
Make sure they know your fears ahead of time and that they have a calm and cool attitude.
If they become a nervous wreck then that will only stress you out more so they need to know to keep their cool no matter what and be a support system for YOU.
Just Breathe
It sounds simple enough. But when we are nervous or absolutely panicked we often hold our breath. This will make you that much more scared and it will make giving birth harder too.
So being conscious of your breath and practicing before the big day is a good idea. You need to really give it some thought and give it a little time each day during the third trimester.
Sit down for at least 10 minutes a day and just take deep breaths and clear your mind. Maybe count as you breathe so you’ll have something specific to do if your stress or fear starts to take over.
The main take away here is to educate yourself with a Prenatal class, Set up a birthing plan, be fit and ready for the big day and have the right support in all four corners.
You’ll feel so much calmer and prepared if you take these simple steps.
I wish you all the luck in the world!
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Being pregnant is an exciting time but it’s hard to enjoy it when you are about to vomit constantly. And the problem with Morning sickness for many women is that it’s often all-day sickness.
Aversions are usually a part of the picture as well, meaning you have no appetite for foods you once loved. When the only thing that will really prevent you from vomiting is eating, yet everything grosses you out you’ve got problems.
But there are some really good ways to deal with morning sickness and that’s what we’re gonna talk about now.
This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
8 Ways To Slay Your Morning Sickness So You Can Enjoy Your Pregnancy
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Vitamin B6
Studies have suggested many times that taking vitamin B6 for morning sickness greatly improves nausea for many pregnant women. There has been no sign of harm to the fetus with vitamin B6 use.
Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
Sea Bands
These Sea-Bands have been specially created to help soothe and calm your tummy during your pregnancy so that you can start enjoying your special time again. They use acupressure points to relieve nausea. They do seem to work well. I used them during all three of my pregnancies. You can find them here.
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea homemade or bought is one of the single most effective remedies for Morning Sickness. Ginger relaxes your stomach muscles and calms the whole system.
Eating as soon as you get up will help regulate your blood sugar and fill your tummy so that nausea can subside quickly. Eating protein and fat during the day are the best choices and they will really help settle your stomach.
Eating frequent small meals throughout the day will also work wonders for you.
Fresh lemon juice with a bit of salt is an effective remedy for morning sickness. You can also use ginger to the lemon water to knock that nausea right out.
Science says just the scent of citrus fruits helps with nausea somehow too so don’t forget to cut the lemon yourself and take in that fresh layered scent.
Try Different Prenatal Vitamins
Take it from me ( I’ve had three babes ) some prenatal vitamins will make morning sickness so much worse than others. For some, they are even the sole source of the trouble to begin with, and changing vitamins remedies the problem completely.
Some vitamins are just way too heavy on ingredients and iron and will cause the worst nausea ever. You can buy a prenatal that is specially formulated not to make you sick. These Pink Stork Liquid prenatal are an excellent choice.
***Have You taken a prenatal birth course yet? Don’t have time? Here’s the best Premium online birthing course and the first part of it’s totally free! You will learn absolutely everything you need to know and it will help tremendously so make sure you sign up. A Class is a must and I think the online ones are the best. Here’s a free Birth Planner Too!
Suck On Preggie Pops
Preggie pops are an awesome way to knock out your morning sickness too. You can carry them around and grab one as needed. They are infused with ginger so they relax the GI tract as I mentioned earlier. Pink Stork makes a great one.
Ask Your doc about it
If you try all the remedies above and nothing is really working it’s time to talk to your doc. There are several very safe meds you can take for morning sickness that the doc can prescribe to you if necessary.
Don’t feel bad about this. If you need medication, you need it. Ideally, no one wants to take medicine while pregnant but sometimes it’s the only choice.
If you loved this post and found it helpful it would be awesome if you could share it or save it on Pinterest! You can use the special images below that I created for you! Thanks!
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Having a C-section is much more complicated than a normal delivery. It’s a major abdominal surgery where they have to cut through skin, fat, and muscles to get your baby out. They move your organs around in the process then sew everything back up.
It’s some pretty rough business and the first thing women think of in the aftermath is how they’ll get their body back. They worry about the dreaded tummy shelf that is often left behind when everything is said and done.
Many women will tell you that nothing will help this bulge except for surgery. But this is not necessarily true.
There are some things you can do to get it flat that really work and if your situation is very bad they will at least work to minimize it greatly. The key is to be determined and consistent.
***By the way, I just wrote a post on C-Section recovery that you should read too because your recovery period has a lot to do with how things turn out in the long run. You can see it here.
So let’s talk about what really helps and make sure you read all the way to the bottom because I have some unconventional little-known advice that really works!
***Taking a prenatal course is the single most proactive thing you can do to prepare your body and mind for what’s to come. Here’s a quick online course that is really popular. It covers everything you need to know.
**Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear!I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
By the way, this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
How To Get Rid Of Your C-Section Tummy Pooch
Let’s start with the most obvious and then I’ll get to the good stuff.
You Absolutely Must Wait!
Many mamas want to jump right into exercise to get that ball rolling but you have to wait until you are truly and completely healed. Your scar may be looking great but you have to remember that all the tissue underneath has to heal too and your body has a lot of work to do.
If you rush back into exercise you can do permanent damage to your muscles and create more scar tissue on the inside. That will not help you on your path to getting your body back believe me.
You need to give your body time to rest and heal properly. But that doesn’t mean staying in bed.
Get up and move around and even do some walking just don’t get into the targeted training until your doc says you’re ready for it.
Eating Healthy To Reduce The Fat Bulge
If you want to get rid of the bulge you’ll have to get rid of the fat. So eating a clean diet is an absolute must.
Make sure you find a plan and stick to it, Like this one made especially for postpartum moms.
But let’s get serious now, what does it REALLY take to move the bulge? Read on to find out what you have to do..
An Exercise Program Just Made Just For Postpartum Mamas
I know you’ve heard that none of this will help much and that even skinny girls with C-sections have the bulge. This is true to an extent for several reasons. Because there are problems that come with having a c-section that involves your abdominal wall and muscles.
You must correct these problems to get rid of the bulge and you need to know exactly what you’re doing so you don’t cause more damage than good.
First, you need to address your Diastasis Recti. If you haven’t heard of this before it’s the gap that forms between the abdominal muscles as they stretch during pregnancy.
This means your belly will stick out because the space between your left and right belly muscles has widened. It’s especially common when you’ve had a C-Section because your muscles have actually been cut. Bummer Right?
And there are certain ab exercises that will make this problem so much worse like crunches, situps, planks, and bicycles.
You really need an exercise program geared especially toward postpartum moms that will address this issue firsthand with specific exercises. This is absolutely one of the main keys in minimizing your tummy shelf after a Cesarean.
The program I used to fix my Diastasis Recti after my third pregnancy was The Postpartum Cure. It’s a program to heal your separated abdominal muscles and your pelvic floor in general.
It also has the clean eating dieting plan I mentioned above so that you can lose weight without losing your breast milk ( if you’re nursing ).
Some believe that abdominal girdles can help close separated abdominal muscles and it does seem to help. My OBGYN recommended that I use one when I ask her about it.
They also help the uterus shrink by putting everything back in its place. A girdle will provide support and reduce pain as well.
You can get a great one right here and they are recommended even if you’ve had a vaginal birth.
Massaging That Scar
Massaging your scar is very important. Scar tissue doesn’t form in an even fashion. It’s sorta all over the place and it can cause serious issues like adhesions in your fascia ( one of the main reasons for the fat shelf ), poor muscle recruitment in the abdominal wall and misplaced organs.
I’m no expert at this so I have a video for you to refer to below that will show you what you need to do.
Using An Ice Belt
You’ve heard of Cool Sculpting, right? You know where they freeze your fat cells and they die and shrink over several months. Well, that’s an expensive option but a great way to get rid of some of the fat in that overhanging pocket.
But many can’t afford such expensive procedures. There is an alternative option that you can do at home. It’s a product you can buy on Amazon and it works great.
I know because I own it and I have lost several inches without changing anything. It’s a belt you wear that has pockets where Ice gel packs go. You wear it tightly and it works just like Cool Sculpting.
I have some friends who have used the belt and done the Cool Sculpting treatment and they agree that they both work just as well as the other. You wear it 5 times a week for up to an hour and you will see a difference.
Here’s a picture below:
I just love this thing and I think every mama should have one! You can buy it here and it’s worth every penny!!
Breastfeeding your baby exclusively for 6 to 12 months will help greatly reduce your tummy bump especially while eating a healthy diet. It will also help shrink all your organs and get them back into place.
Here’s a breastfeeding course I recommend to all new mamas. It’s an online course that only takes a few hours to get through and it costs a whopping $19. It’s called Milkology and it’s the best of its kind. Breastfeeding is not nearly as easy as you’d think and taking the course will teach you how to help your baby get a proper latch quickly so that’s one thing less you have to stress about. Here’s the course if you want to take a look. She has a pumping class too if you’re interested.
You can have the post-baby body you have always hoped for, you just have to be determined, motivated, and consistent. Don’t make excuses. There are plenty of women who shrink it back down to the way they were before even after C-Section and then there are those who simply give up. Don’t be that mama.
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Most women don’t want to have a C-Section. Natural birth sounds so much easier and better but sometimes things happen. Sometimes the Doc will schedule a C-Section for medical reasons. Or something goes wrong during the natural birthing process and you have no choice.
In any case, C-Sections are not fun. After all, it’s a major abdominal surgery. It can be really unexpected when you planned to have a nice natural birth.
When it does happen the pain and recovery can be a nasty surprise.
But there’s plenty you can do to make things easier on yourself and that’s what we’ll discuss today. Better to be prepared and educated than entirely clueless and scared, am I right?
If you have a scheduled C-Section Coming up or if you’re just worried it can happen to you, then read on to learn how to recover quicker and handle this baby thing like a queen.
There’s a lot of great info in this article and some of the last tips are the best so make sure you read the whole thing so you can get the most out of it.
***Taking a prenatal course is the single most proactive thing you can do to prepare your body and mind for what’s to come. There’s a great online course you can take in the comfort of your home that was created by a labor and delivery nurse named Hillary. It’s very popular and the first part of it is totally free. You can sign up for free right here.
By the way, this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
18 Lifesaving C-Section Recovery Tips
First Let’s Talk About What To Do While In The Hospital:
Before They’ll let you leave the hospital you’ll need to get up and walk around a bit. Pass Gas And Poop. Gross I know but they want to make sure your body is going to function properly before they let you go home.
So get up but be gentle on yourself. You just went through major surgery.
Now let’s talk about home life and what you can do to recover faster.
Keep Your Incision Clean
Obviously, you know this but it’s important to say it again. It needs to stay really clean to avoid a major infection.
If you go home with a dressing (bandage), change the dressing over your cut once a day. Keep the wound clean by washing it with mild soap and water. Often, just letting the water run over your wound in the shower is enough.
DO NOT soak in a bathtub or hot tub, or go swimming, until your provider tells you it is OK. In most cases, this is not until about 4 weeks after surgery.
An excellent abdominal binder will help everything shrink back into place nicely.
Some even claim that abdominal binders can help close separated abdominal muscles, a condition called diastasis recti. I wore them after pregnancy and it definitely helps in my opinion. Many other women feel that they helped them as well.
Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear!I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
Or Get C-Section Underwear
If you don’t want to wear an abdominal binder for whatever reason then you should invest in some good C-Section underwear.
They won’t help as much but they will help keep things in place and keep the fabric from rubbing constantly on your tender tummy. You can find the best ones here.
Make Sure You Take Your Medications
You will need your medications. C-Sections hurt so keep them close and your prescriptions filled.
You have to remember that they had to cut through layers of your body to get to your little one, so it’s not just a scar on the surface of your tummy. Your body has a lot of healing to do and that causes inflammation. So those meds are a necessary evil.
Many women who have a Cesarean grieve over it. They have a vision of what birthing their baby will be like and they really want that experience.
They hear all the stories and watch Birth videos and that’s what they expect. But when things turn out completely different they often fell cheated and sad.
They mourn the fact that they didn’t get to push their baby out or if it was a scheduled C-Section, that they didn’t even get to experience what labor was like.
I get it. Take your time. Grieve over it but know that you did what you had to do and that making sure your babe was ok was the most important thing. You’re one tough mama.
Get Plenty Of Rest
This goes without saying. You need a lot of rest. Try to take naps when the baby sleeps and make sure you have someone helping you.
You’re Still Gonna BleedA lot
I once talked to a gal who had a C-Section and she said that she didn’t know she would bleed like she did after her baby was born. She assumed that with the C-Section her womb would be cleared of lining and other biological material.
But instead, she bled really heavily for at least a week and if you have a C-Section you will too. You can read more about bleeding after a Cesarean here.
You’ll need some large pads and you’ll need a lot of them. These Poise ones are perfect and you can get them by the case at a great price. Check for yourself here.
Use A Lovely Healing Ointment
Once your scar is completely closed you can begin using an ointment to help it heal better and smoother. I know you want to minimize your scarring as much as possible and a good healing ointment formulated just for your C-Section Scar will make a big difference. I love the Earth Mama Organic Skin And Scar Balm.
Take Collagen Powder
By now I’m sure you’ve heard of Collagen Powder. Everyone is taking it and it’s really trending right now.
It’s so popular because it’s great for your skin, joints, and everything else. It’s also awesome for postpartum mamas, especially those who’ve had a Cesarean because it can help you heal faster and better.
It will also give you more energy and make you look better and what postpartum mama doesn’t need that? Vital Proteins is the leader in the industry creating quality products that you can trust. It’s what I use and I think it will help your body recover much more efficiently. Have a look here.
Massage Your Scar
Massaging the scar after it’s on its way to healing will also help bring vital blood flow to the area. This will help minimize the scar once it’s healed completely. Gentle massage is a must.
Eat Well For Recovery
Eating well will help your body heal quicker and you’ll feel better too. It will also help keep things moving in your plumbing department. That’s super important for a mama who’s had a C-Section which is what I will talk about next.
Moving on…
Drink A Lot Of Water To Avoid Constipation
You need to stay on top of your water intake. Aside from eating a healthy, fiber-rich diet, this is one of the most important things you can do.
Because the last thing you want to do is get really backed up. This will cause pain and a whole lot of discomfort. Drinking plenty of water will keep things moving well.
Take A Stool Softener
This would be your next step in keeping things comfortable. You will avoid unnecessary pain and grief if you keep a stool softener on hand and take it for the first 6 weeks.
One more thing you’ll need to keep your tummy happy during this stressful time is a gas medication like GAS X. It’s a common and unfortunate side effect to have a lot of gas trapped in your abdomen after a cesarean.
It can really be painful and reach all the way up into your neck and shoulders. Not fun. That being said, gas medication is a must. Get one here.
Get Probiotics Too
After a surgery like this, your body is very out of whack. A good probiotic will help rebalance you after all those pain meds and antibiotics.
It will help keep you regular and you’ll feel like your old self again sooner. Good Stuff. Here’s the best Probiotic you can get.
Refrain From Sex For Awhile
You may be wondering when to have sex after a C-Section and if you can sooner than if you’d had your babe vaginally. Well, it turns out you should still wait.
Although you may experience a little less bleeding with a cesarean section, it will still take about six weeks for your cervix to close completely. Some women may feel ready to resume intercourse sooner and that’s fine, but make sure you talk to your doc beforehand and see what they say.
Get Ready To Heal Your Core Walls
Once you are healing well and feeling strong your doctor may give you the OK on exercising. I know you may be thinking about how to get your stomach back in shape and as flat as possible compared to what you looked like pre-pregnancy.
This is one of the biggest worries mamas that have this procedure think about. You’ll have scar tissue and cut muscles so it’s important to train right with a program that addresses your exact concerns.
The Postpartum Cure is a plan that helps you fix and heal your core region. It also helps you lose the baby weight without losing your milk supply.
It’s the best program of its kind and many, many women find great success with it. It’s all online so you can do the program at your own pace at home. Find out more about the Postpartum Cure right here.
Breastfeeding Can Be Difficult
C-sections definitely make breastfeeding more difficult. Women often find that their milk comes in a little later due to the stress of the surgery and perhaps because of not having that skin-to-skin contact right after birth.
But there are ways around these problems. Getting the right breastfeeding position is key as well to avoid pain.
I highly recommend the breastfeeding course MIlkology. It will teach you how to breastfeed like a pro and it goes over all these situations too. It is especially useful if you end up getting a C-section and you really want to breastfeed. You need to know what you’re doing so that there’s no more added stress.
You can click the banner below to check it out. She’s also got a great pumping class you can check out here for $19.
If you have a scheduled C-Section or you are worried you may have to have an emergency one then I hope this was helpful. If you loved this post or think it could help another mama it would be awesome if you’d share it with your friends. You can save it to Pinterest below with the special images I created or you can share with one of the buttons to the left, top, or bottom.
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Hey, I’m Toni and I’m the mama of 3 Little Birds. I love Writing about all Things Mama. Learn more about me here. Grab a Tea or Coffee and come see what you find.
