Nutritional Needs
After a cesarean section, you will be able to have ice chips
and clear liquids. When your diet is advanced to a regular
diet, eat foods from the four food groups-especially those
with iron (meat, beans, green leafy vegetables, dried fruit,
enriched breads), calcium (milk, yogurt, cheese), and protein.
These foods are important in the healing process of your incision
and general well-being. Avoid carbonated beverages, citrus
juices, and any foods known by you that may cause gas pains
that can be very uncomfortable after a cesarean section. Continue
taking your prenatal vitamins and any iron supplements ordered
by your health care provider. Drinking orange juice with your
iron will enhance its absorption. Drink enough fluids to satisfy
your thirst. Do not diet to lose weight during this postpartum
period. Discuss weight management with your health care provider
at your six-week appointment. Some babies are sensitive to
some of the foods you eat. Be aware that dairy foods, onions,
broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, tomatoes, chocolate, and caffeine
drinks can possibly affect your newborn.
Restarting Normal Activities
After delivery, you will be dangled at the bedside within 8 hours.
After 12 hours, you will be assisted in walking short distances.
Gradually increase your activity as tolerated while in the
hospital as long as you are not dizzy or light-headed. Ask
for assistance as needed. After 2-3 weeks, you may begin to
resume light housework. Avoid car driving for at least 2-3
weeks until you are no longer fatigued, are not taking narcotics,
can tolerate a seat belt over your incision, and your pain
is significantly reduced. You may walk up and down stairs carefully,
but avoid lifting anything heavier than the baby for at least
a month. Bend at your knee when squatting to pick up something.
At your six-week appointment, discuss with your health care
provider when you can resume a regular exercise program.
Bladder/Bowel Function
Bladder function
Now your bladder muscle has room to stretch with the extra fluid
your body needs to eliminate, but you do not always feel like
your bladder is full. This sensation will return in a few days
as the bladder muscle is exercised and regains tone. You may
notice a heavier flow in the first few days at home when your
bladder is full. Therefore, empty your bladder every two hours
even if you do not feel full. Use your peribottle with warm water
after each urination or bowel movement before you place a new
pad on.
Bowel function
Most moms will have their first bowel movement within 3-4
days after delivery. When your diet is advanced to regular,
eat foods
high in fiber (whole grains, fruits, vegetables), drink
plenty of fluids, and take a stool softener beginning in
the hospital
twice a day if ordered by your health care provider. Milk
of Magnesia or Metamucil may also be used.
Swelling/Fluid Retention
It is normal to see an increase in swelling in your legs during
the first week or longer after delivery. The body cannot quickly
remove the extra fluids of pregnancy so it is temporarily stored
in the tissues. As your body works to eliminate the extra fluids
of pregnancy, you may notice an increase in perspiration, urination,
and, ultimately, swelling. Elevate legs, avoid canned foods,
and avoid adding extra salt to you meals.
Pain Management
Incision Pain
Your nurse will be monitoring your response to pain management
frequently. Inform your nurse if your pain relief is not adequate.
You will be using medications via your intravenous site and then
later medications will be administered by mouth. Changing positions
and walking are effective in relieving pain. When changing positions,
walking, and coughing/deep breathing, support your incision with
a pillow or folded blanket. When getting out of bed, roll on
your side and use your arm muscles for assistance.
Afterbirth Contractions
These contractions signal your body to return the stretched uterus
to its pre-pregnant size and muscle tone. They may be stronger
after each succeeding pregnancy, while nursing, and with
a full bladder. A heating pad or hot water bottle may help provide relief
from cramping along with prescribed oral medications.
Gas Pains
Avoid foods and drinks as noted above to lessen the occurrence
of gas pains. Walk the hallways as tolerated. Talk to your
nurse about medications that may also help to eliminate gas pains.
Care of the Abdominal Incision
The incision should be kept clean and dry. You may shower and
wash the incision with soap and water after the dressing is
removed. Air drying for 15 minutes, 2-3 times/day is recommended.
This is especially true if the incision is in a fold of skin.
Also, wear cotton underwear and no tight fitting clothing.
The skin from the incision will heal in several days, but it
takes 6-8 weeks for the complete healing of all the layers
of the abdomen and uterus that were cut. The staples will be
removed by day 4-5 post-delivery and replaced with steri strips
by the visiting nurse. These strips will fall off within 7-10
days. After that time, if they do not fall off, then remove
them gently during a shower.
When to call your Health Care Provider
See "postpartum
warning signs" link.
