How To Get Your Body Confidence Back After A C-Section Delivery

A c-section delivery can affect a mum’s mental and physical health. Hence, to speed up the recovery process and heal from the birthing experience, mums can try different wellness and lifestyle methods to get through this period and regain their body confidence. Here are some tips.

Gaining Body Confidence After C-Section

The c-section scar, cramps, and other issues after a c-section delivery can take about four to six weeks to heal. More than the physical appearance, it is important that the mum heals mentally for her overall well-being. The process of healing after a c-section procedure, is crucial and there can be other underlying health issues as well which can prolong the healing process. Hence, new mums can try these ways to cope with issues related to post-c-section delivery.

Treat Your Body Like a Baby

Giving birth needs a mum to take extra care while healing. Try these tips:

• Reduce the number of times going up and down stairs as much as possible after a c-section procedure. Keep food, supplies and everything you need including supplies for changing diapers near you so that you do not need to get up too often.
• Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. Ask for help when needed from your partner, friends, or family members.
• Hold your abdomen to protect the incision site whenever you have to sneeze or cough to make it less painful.
• Ask your doctor when you can start exercising, go back to work, and do other regular activities. Also, you will have to wait to have sex or use pads/tampons until your doctor advises you to go for it.
• Avoid any form of strenuous exercise. However, you can go for gentle walks as much as you can. Moving your body during a walk will help your body heal. It will also prevent constipation and blood clots. Plus, walks can be a great way to bond with your baby and introduce him/her to the world.

Manage Postpartum Changes

Not just during the c-section procedure, but your body will continue to undergo physical changes even after giving birth. Some changes you might experience are:

• Vaginal dryness
• Cramping as the uterus returns to its prepregnancy size
• Headache and mood swings
• Breast engorgement or swelling
• Vaginal discharge called which is mostly made of blood
• Separation of abdominal muscles known as diastasis recti
• Hair loss
• Acne, loose skin or other skin changes
• Bond with your baby through skin-to-skin contact
• Night sweats

While some of these conditions like cramps and lochia, will normally go away on their own; there are treatments for some of the others.

Here’s what you can try-

• Try lubricants or doctor-prescribed vaginal creams that contain estrogen for vaginal dryness
• Do some exercise for loose skin or diastasis recti 
• Consume supplements and go for topical treatments for hair loss
• Try topical treatments for acne
• Wear lightweight cotton or comfortable clothes for night sweats
• Talk to those who have had a c-section and know that you’re not alone. Seek support as much as you can
• Get medications prescribed by your doctor for headache

A c-section delivery can be a traumatic birth experience for those mums who were not prepared for it. If you feel sad and your mood seems to be constantly low, and if you get thoughts of hurting your baby or yourself, talk to your doctor.

You must also avoid comparing your c-section delivery experience with others. Remember that every person’s experience with childbirth and c-section is different. Focus on your healing and give your body the time it needs to get back to normal for you.

Cover image source – Canva