Ways to Optimize Your & Your Baby's Health If You Have a C-section
When I had my homebirth transfer to csection, I was concerned that all the years of healing would have been for nothing. That my back pain would be more severe, my gut health would be noticeably worse again, and that my chronic fatigue would again be a dark cloud glooming over me. I had done everything I knew of to have another homebirth and heal from a previous traumatic birth but there I was... I found myself in a necessary csection.
Most of all I was nervous about my mental state. I was nervous that I would be in this heartbroken, dark, gloomy place and not be able to enjoy my baby. I was nervous to see and feel my scar. I was nervous to return home to where I worked for months to prepare for my homebirth.
I was convinced I would die because I believed my body was too weak for a c-section. I thought that my baby wouldn't cry. She was in there in a very odd way including face presentation so I couldn't wrap my head around her being okay.
Finally when they got the last part of her out of me, she let out a cry that I was so thankful to hear. The tears and relief rolled down my cheeks. The only time I ever cried in my own births. "She's crying, she's crying!" I told my husband. She quieted down until they brought her to me and placed her cheek against my cheek. She then cried more, telling me all about it. Releasing.
I could imagine her saying, "Oh mama... I'm so thankful you are here."
As I healed, I focused on what I knew would help me mentally and physically. This is what I knew then or have learned since:
1. Stay on top of pain meds. I didn't want to take more medications than I already had, but I also didn't know if I would be in pain. I decided to take care of the now and heal as needed from them. I stayed on top of the pain meds, I hoped I wouldn't need them soon. I encourage mamas to do whatever they need. It is major surgery and our bodies have the capacity to heal more than we know so do what you need to get through. It was only a couple of days for me but listen to your body.
2. Get up and walk as soon as you can. I did about 12 hours later. I was wheeled to the sink where I wiped myself off with a wet washcloth. Best. Feeling. Ever! I went to the bathroom. Even though I rested as much as possible, I was often up changing baby’s diaper.
3. Rest
4. Eat and drink well. Warm, nourishing foods and postpartum teas is very important to balance after pregnancy and especially belly births.
5. Belly Binder
6. Acupuncture
7. Massage
8. Block out the naysayers
9. Have someone you can talk to, process the birth with as needed
10. Probiotics
11. Yoga when it's safe to resume physical exercise
Healing After C-section for Baby
Ways to Optimize Health & Well-being for Baby
Delay cord clamping if possible. We were able to get 40 seconds.
Research Vitamin K injection, we opted for oral vitamin k and had it ahead of time.
Skin to Skin, with no hat separating you and baby.
Research Hepatitis B vaccination. We skipped it.
Seed baby's gut with your gut flora.
Craniosacral therapy
Chiropractic care
Breastfeeding or breastmilk donated if possible
Probiotics
Attachment/Aware/Conscious Parenting