Every delivery comes with a risk of a C-Section. A vaginal tear can be a small or a third-degree tear. But nothing compares to a C-Section. Cesarean aftercare is mandatory for your vaginal health and fertility. Not taking proper care after a cesarean can lead to infections and uterine abnormalities.

You cannot expect to learn about the dos and don’ts after C-Section post delivery. Some women voluntarily get a C-Section. Others may end up getting a cesarean against expectations. Vaginal birth after cesarean has a risk of becoming a second C-Section. It is a bit difficult to get C-Section but not at all impossible.

What is a C-Section?

A C-Section is an incision along the uterus to the abdomen to take out the baby. When the mother becomes unconscious, or baby ejects fecal matter a C-Section is essential to save lives.

The journey of C-Section recovery is not easy. You have to take special care of the stitching and avoid bathing. Physical activity is minimal and dietary restrictions strict. When the bleeding continues for days together, and there is so much to deal with postpartum depression sets in.

Don’t feel discouraged. One of the reasons why natural birth is better than a cesarean is because of the consequences of getting a C-Section. It is not uncommon to get a C-Section, and many women get it every day. Statistics say that about 33% of women in the US have a C-Section. Every year more than a million C-Section happen around the globe.

Some of the risks of C-Section include blood loss, infections, and injury.

What happens during a C-Section?

Before every C-Section a mother gets enough time up to 24 hours to push out her baby. After pushing and trying for so long exhaustion is natural. The baby goes under stress, and it is life-threatening. Your doctor will take your consent or your birth partner’s consent to do a c section.

A pregnant woman now shifts to the operation theatre. Anesthesia specialist will judge the amount of anesthetic you need. She will give you an anesthetic injection that will induce deep sleep. Your doctor will make an incision to take out the baby. The shape of the incision can be linear or a T in severe cases. After that, the umbilical cord is cut and placenta removed.

What happens after a C-Section?

After a C-Section your doctor will not allow you to eat anything not even fluids for hours. It can be 12 hours or more. After that, you will get a glucose drink or juice. You will have a catheter to collect your urine in a bag. Walking up stairs or moving a lot is not advisable after C-Section. Bed rest for a month ensures complete recovery. You will have to wait for the right time to take a bath. The scar will take longer to heal. Do not scrub it or use any product without informing your doctor.

If your cut was put back using staples, the doctor would remove them before you leave. Generally, you have to stay in hospital for four days. You can ask for painkillers to allow yourself to sleep & ease C-Section pain.

Bleeding after C-Section

Postnatal bleeding is heavier than a normal delivery. The bright red blood coming due to involution of the uterus has a distinct smell. Involution of the uterus is returning to normal size as before pregnancy.

What is Lochia after C-Section?

Lochia after C-Section is the bright blood that comes for a few weeks as the stitches heal. Subcutaneous stitches do not leave a mark and are better. Your dressing changes after the fifth day. Unless your doctor asks you won’t need another dressing after that. Lochia smell is unpleasant, but it can get worse with infections. Be vigilant of any soreness or red patches in the area. You might not want to see the cut so you can ask your partner to help out.

How long does lochia last?

Lochia can last for six weeks or less. The amount of blood coming out reduces with time.

How long do you bleed after a C section?

If this is your first C-Section and the incision is small, the bleeding will last for a month. Bleeding for a month does not mean that you will have a flow throughout. Over time the bleeding will turn into spotting. If you breastfeed then your period won’t start after C-Section. It will give you enough time to rest and enjoy natural contraception. After a few weeks, your doctor will allow you to indulge in sex and wearing tampons.

How long does a C-Section take?

The time before you get a C-Section is long. Once you decide to get a C-Section, then the steps are quick. The process of taking out the baby is only 10-15 minutes. After that step, either your cut gets staples, glue or stitches. The reversal can take half an hour depending upon the expertise of the gynecologist.

How to recover from a C section?

It is essential that you are confident and patient for recovery after C-Section. Our bodies can heal from any injury provided we have the will power. Following a simple, healthy diet and doing gentle exercise can prevent other problems. If you don’t move enough, then you will have constipation. First postpartum poop can be as painful as another labor. That’s the reason your doctors want you to go to the loo once within 24 hours after C-Section.

C-Section pain

You can take painkillers from the same drip that conducted epidural.

How long does pain last after C-Section? The pain will not last for long on a continuous basis. But at different times you will feel the pain getting more and less. Like sneezing after C-Section can make you shriek out a cry. As the effect of anesthesia will leave your body, you will feel the pain. Doctors recommend painkillers that you can take even while breastfeeding.

Sex after a C-Section

You have to wait to have sex after C-Section because your vagina is not ready. Lowered libido is not strange when you have a lot of blood coming out of the area. Over time lochia turns darker to brown and then becomes pale as yellow or orange. Once the bleeding is over, you can have sex. Breastfeeding mothers don’t have to bother about using contraceptives. The high levels of prolactin will give you natural contraception for months to come.

First period after c section

The first postpartum period can come back within 6-7 weeks if you are not breastfeeding. When a woman nurses the levels of prolactin suppress the other hormones and stop ovulation. Thus, there is a temporary suspension of the period. Even in that case, many women get their first period after C-Section within six months.

Bath after C-Section

The wound shows like a bright red swollen bump out of your bikini line. You have a blood bath after delivering.

How long after a C-Section can I take a bath? Once the bleeding stops, you can take a shower. Until then you must avoid getting in tubs. For bathing after a C-Section merely let the water flow over the wound and wash it off. Don’t scrub the area and gently pat dry. Make sure the soap you use is for sensitive skin. Your pubic area will hurt when the hair grows again. It will become sensitive and itchy. Select the right vaginal wash for it.

Dos and Don’ts after C-Section

There are a few things that you must do after C-Section. A mother who had a natural birth can do certain things that you can’t.

Dos after C-Section

• When coughing, sneezing, or getting downstairs keep a hand under your belly.
• Wear the postpartum belt and braces to support your tummy.
• Consume lots of fibers, fluids, and energy-rich foods but don’t go overboard with the quantity.
• Walk around and take little strolls to help digestion.
• Keep your incision area dry and clean. Use a fresh pad every time you go to pee. Change pads often.
• Tell your doctor if you feel that there is soreness or redness in the section area.
• Be careful while breastfeeding your baby as your nipples can hurt.
• Relax and enjoy doing whatever you like such as reading and sleeping.
• Seek medical attention if you have any a headache or abdominal pain that is getting severe.
• Take help while standing, breastfeeding or even when you remove the catheter for urinating.

Don’ts after C-Section

• Do not douche or use tampons to control the bleeding. It is essential that the blood flows out entirely. Tampons can block the flow.
• Sexual intercourse is not safe as it can open up the resealing cut.
• OTC painkillers or laxatives without doctor’s consent are a complete no.
• Avoid going to public washrooms, swimming pools.
• Wait for having a bath until you stop bleeding.
• Don’t wear tight clothes that can rub against your private parts.
• Don’t use scented products to cover up lochia smell.
• Speak about your feelings and do not bottle your thoughts. They can cause a breakdown and lead to postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Don’t hurry for any weight loss programs and allow yourself to rest.
• Stop over thinking and worrying. Do not compromise your recovery to take extra care of your baby.

How to recover from a C-Section quickly?

Positive thinking can heal you quicker than mothers who give natural birth. You have just brought a new life on this planet. What more do you need to assure yourself of your capabilities?

Here are top 5 tips to heal quickly after C-Section

1) Rest without guilt & limit physical strain

Don’t try to work when the baby sleeps. Sleep with the baby and if you want to sleep more ask someone to assist. If you are living alone, then make sure you have everything handy. Avoid walking up and down getting things as you need. Keep diapers along and have enough stock. Do not try to get things done beyond extremely essential. Everything can wait, and your recovery is a priority. 

2) Control appetite

After the traumatic experience, your diet can voraciously increase. Don’t hog on unhealthy junk or snacks. Even if you are hungry do not eat more than sufficient portion. Take in lots of fiber-rich food to avoid constipation. What food should be taken after cesarean delivery? A healthy diet with lots of veggies, fruits, and fluids is recommendable. If you are breastfeeding, drink fresh smoothies. Make some preggo poppers which have healthy nuts. Replenish all lost nutrients and have dairy or meat products. Do not cut down on everything your body desires. Suppressing appetite can lead to severe mood swings.

3) Use OTC medicines after consultation

Some over the counter painkillers are for pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you have a lot of pain, you can ask your doctor about taking some painkillers. Similarly, do not take laxatives or sleeping pills until your doctor prescribes them.

4) Ask for help

Do not lift any heavy stuff. When you are not feeling well ask for help in taking care of the baby. Never think that you can raise something quickly instead of waiting for someone to come. You can have your MIL, mother, relative or friends cook your meals, or hire a maid. If you have a long scar, then you may need a wet nurse or babysitter to help you. More than physical pain you need to ask for emotional support. A woman can have postpartum anxiety after C-Section. Never hesitate in talking about what you feel with your doctor.

5) Maintain hygiene

Do not use tampons for lochia. Cover the wound with maternity pads. It is critical to keep the scar dry to avoid getting infections. You will not be able to bath soon after C section. Sponging with warm water and washing the incision will keep it clean.

How to clean C section incision? Never scrub the wound or use any soap for it. For cleaning the incision, use a pH neutral soap and gentle flow of water. Do not direct showers towards it. Change the dressing every day. Use a thick pad to soak sweat and postnatal bleeding.

When to call a doctor after C-Section?

After a c section tour body takes longer to heal. Healing mothers can encounter many problems. If you experience the following after C-Section consult your doctor:

1. Heavy bleeding as if there is an internal hemorrhage
2. Fever more than 100°F
3. Rashes or unbearable itching
4. Dizziness

How do I know my C-Section is healing?

You will see the scar become visibly lighter. Bleeding will stop after a few weeks. There will be no smell of lochia, and you will not feel the shrinking of the uterus. The levels of hormones will come back to normal.

 If you are not breastfeeding your first period after c section will come sooner. How long does it take for c section to heal? Usually, women take up to 8 weeks to successfully recover from a C-Section.

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After giving birth, most women feel guilty doing things they never thought they would while pregnant. She may feel guilt, regret, irritability, dread, exhausted, nauseous, angry, disconnected from the baby (and the world). Sounds like what you are going through?

About 80% of women suffer from different types of postpartum depression after delivery. The depression can manifest itself in any form such as guilt, or irritability. When the realization that the new being is here forever dawns upon you, outcomes can be opposite of what you thought. Now more than bliss it feels like a responsibility when things get real after delivery.

Baby blues and postpartum depression PPD, used interchangeably are very different. Postpartum mood disorders are of 7 different types. The forms of postpartum mood disorders include postpartum psychosis, postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder, and postpartum anxiety disorder.

Can postpartum depression come later? Any woman can experience baby blues at some point in time after giving birth. The symptoms of postpartum depression appear within four months after delivery. Case studies reveal that a patient can have postpartum depression after eight months too. However, the risk of having postpartum psychosis or postpartum anxiety disorder is not uniform for all. No longer is postpartum depression a taboo or falsely considered myth.

What is postpartum depression?

Most people are indifferent towards moodiness or sadness after giving birth as baby blues. Ironically baby blues are not of one shade. The condition can be mild and temporary as baby blues or severe and long-term such as postpartum psychosis. Crying, feeling low and detached from the baby or getting agitated with the new arrival all are signs of PPD. The timing of depression does not diagnose it to be postpartum psychosis or baby blues. The way a woman perceives her post-delivery period or behaves during it characterizes the disorder.

What does postpartum depression mean?

Postpartum depression is the mental disorder that sets within the four months period after delivery. Feeling low and sad is different from depression. The emotion of sadness becomes depression when prolonged beyond a period. Baby blues – as the name suggests, refers to the depression due to delivery. While there are physiological reasons for PPD but the kind of support you have contributes to it.

What does it feel like to have postpartum depression?

Just like any other mood disorder during postpartum depression most women are unaware of it. It is not a viral infection that you know will go with time. Depression shows you a dead end in its most severe forms. The existence of a 24 × 7 responsibility and the unnecessary guilt about anything related takes a toll. A woman having baby blues might feel low because she misses her carefree life or relationship with her partner.

You may feel overwhelmed and disconnected from the world around you and even the baby. You may suddenly feel irritated, and rage will build up inside you. Lack of appetite is also a common symptom.

If your family is not supportive enough, then it gets worse. Changes in the body and the postpartum bleeding make you feel physically sick. To add on your misery depression takes on your mental and emotional health.

Signs of postpartum depression

A woman with depression after pregnancy may or may not be aware of its possibility. Many new mothers do not receive proper counseling during and after pregnancy. There are symptoms of postpartum depression that invariably occur in most cases. Mental illness does not have clear boundaries, and so there can be variations in the kind of PPD symptoms.

Major 20 symptoms of postpartum depression

1. Constantly crying
2. Feeling worthless
3. Suicidal thoughts or attempts
4. Severe mood fluctuations
5. A tendency to quarrel or be unresponsive
6. Not being able to attach to your baby
7. Feeling guilty for no reason
8. Sleeping a lot or having insomnia
9. No sense of pleasure or satisfaction
10. Feeling of helplessness
11. Unexplained feeling of exhaustion
12. Lack of will to do any work
13. Inability to focus and remember things
14. Seeking social isolation
15. Guilt because of symptoms mentioned above
16. Feeling out of control
17. Easily getting angered for no reason or solvable issues
18. Loss of appetite after pregnancy
19. Ache in any random part of the body or feeling sick without actually being ill
20. Dizziness, blurred out vision and fainting

Postpartum depression symptoms are not much different from the normal post-pregnancy feeling. Often women unknowingly suffer symptoms of postpartum mood disorders. It happens under the impression of it being a normal post delivery feeling. The usual things experienced after delivery include vaginal discomfort and pain. Appetite loss and constipation affect nutrition after birth. Other troubles after baby delivery are sleeping difficulty and fatigued periods.

Why does postpartum depression occur?

Antepartum depression & depression during pregnancy are because of the rise of hormones. The depression after pregnancy is the antithesis. During pregnancy estrogen and progesterone rise multiple folds throughout months. Once the placenta is outside the body, there is a sudden drop in the production of the hormones. The rise of hormones which was gradual now goes an anticlimax within few days.

What causes postpartum depression?

How the fall of hormones is the reason for baby blues is not clear. The declining hormones, bleeding, vaginal tear, and emotional changes lead to baby blues. The more severe and drastic these changes are the higher is the risk of getting postpartum psychosis.

The chemical changes occurring inside the body are inevitable. Family support during the period determines the risk of getting postpartum depression. Broken marriage or lack of social contact affects your ability to deal with the changes occurring after parturition. Other things may add up such as lack of helping hand at work or financial limitations.

Other causes of baby blues are low thyroid hormone levels and low omega three fatty acids in the diet. Precipitous labor, inadequate sleep, and exhaustion are risk factors for postpartum depression. Drug and alcohol use during pregnancy increases the chance of suffering from postpartum anxiety.

Types of Postpartum depression

Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder, postpartum psychosis, and postpartum anxiety are newly discovered categories. The postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder has aggravated symptoms. Stress makes depression worse after giving birth.

There are mainly three types of postpartum mood disorders. The three levels are baby blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis.

1) Baby blues

More than half of pregnant women suffer from baby blues. Mild temporary sadness due to inability to cope up with the challenges of motherhood is natural. Baby blues can occur at any time after delivering the baby. The illness is not severe and only includes negative feelings after giving birth. After delivery, the levels of hormones come back to the pre-pregnancy period within three days. Baby blues appear at this time after 4-5 days after the arrival of the baby.

Symptoms of baby blues

• Emotional breakdown and crying without reason
• Fatigue and the inability to get enough sleep
• Anxiety and mood upset
• Overwhelming by the presence of the baby

Baby blues get over within a week after they appear. Proper care and family support can help complete quick recovery from it.

2) Postpartum depression (PPD)

Not all but some cases of baby blues become severe and lead to PPD. Even when a woman is suffering from postpartum depression, she will have mood fluctuations. Some days can be better than the rest. How long does postpartum depression last? PPD will last for two weeks or more.

Postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms

• Feeling overwhelmed, sad or guilty
• Reduced libido and loss of interest in other activities
• Getting thoughts of hurting the baby
• Fatigue and lack of will to do things

3) Postpartum Psychosis (PPP)

The most severe form of postpartum depression occurs to about 0.01% of women after giving birth. PPP is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment. The condition involves loss of touch with reality. Sudden changes lead to postpartum psychosis. Unlike other forms, it cannot occur later, and onset is within two weeks. The symptoms of postpartum psychosis are distinct. Hallucinations and hyperactivity mark the condition. Who is at risk of postpartum psychosis? Women with a history of depression or going through a dysfunctional marriage is at risk of it.

Postpartum Psychosis symptoms

• Hallucinations and loss of touch from reality
• Weird activities and hyperactive behavior
• Suicidal or getting thoughts of hurting the baby
• Unexpected mood swings

4) Postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder

The act of parturition is stressful and puts a lot of strain on the body. During incidents of prolonged labor, or rapid labor the mother can undergo trauma. Lack of support and medical supervision during delivery make you prone to postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder. Stressing about the baby being in ICU can also cause the condition. Any other trauma or flashbacks from past aggravate the symptoms.

Postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms

• Flashbacks or traumatic relapse
• Panic attacks or constant worrying
• Getting angry or feeling irritable all the while
• Getting startled or hyperactive

5) Postpartum anxiety (PPA)

Does anxiety increase with postpartum depression? In some cases, anxiety after delivery can take the form of PPA. In such patients, anxiety takes a toll on the patient. Only 1 out of 100 women have postpartum anxiety which is excessive anxiety. Some worrying and stress in normal after the arrival of the baby. When the anxiety impairs you and your routine, it is postpartum anxiety.

Postpartum anxiety symptoms

• Worrying and difficulty in calming down
• Breathlessness due to over thinking
• Can’t make decisions
• Feeling that there is a lot to do but not getting things done
• Can’t sit still and get panic attacks

6) Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder

A patient with the obsessive-compulsive disorder does same things over and over again. But you will be able to realize that the behavior is not normal. It is a rare disorder and can also cure by strong willpower. Thought of things being dirty and cleaning them, again and again, is a major symptom of a postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder. Repetition of the same action wastes a lot of time, and you are unable to do other things.

Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms

• Cleaning things, yourself, baby, again and again, washing hands for long
• Feeling helpless and scared because if the obsession
• Disturbing dreams or feeling of impending danger to the baby
• Overprotective about your baby

When does postpartum depression start?

Postpartum depression sets in within two weeks. How common is it to get postpartum depression? Postpartum anxiety happens to about 16.66% women.

About 50-85% women suffer from baby blues. It is that common!  Only about 30% of women have depression before and during pregnancy. The number of women suffering from postpartum depression is higher than depression during pregnancy. About 50% of women have depression onset after childbirth within the first weeks.

Can you get postpartum depression after 8 months?

There are cases where PPD was reported in patients after a year of giving birth.

What do you do you for postpartum depression?

Baby blues don’t require medications often. Postpartum anxiety and postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder require the use of antidepressants. Doctors prescribe a combination of psychotic drugs to treat Postpartum psychosis.

How to get over postpartum depression?

Baby blues will go away after 2 weeks postpartum. Rarely some women may continue to suffer 1 month postpartum from sadness.

Medications for PPD include:

• Antidepressants
• Suppressants or mood stabilizers

During postpartum psychosis, the doctors use antipsychotic drugs. For severe cases, the patient undergoes shock therapy. Doctors carry out the procedure utilizing electrodes to pass current through the brain.

Natural remedies for postpartum depression include massage therapy and consumption of omega 3 fatty acids. Low levels of omega fatty acids contribute to lack of hormones. Protective factors of postpartum depression are counseling and social support. The natural ways to prevent PPD include these protective measures.

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