Did you know that April is C-section awareness month? A whole month focused on spreading information and facts on what a c-section actually is and the impact it can have on a woman’s body.
On a basic level, a c-section is a major abdominal surgery, with an incision that goes through 7 layers of tissue. Most of the time, the mom is discharged within 48 hours, and told to rest as much as possible, and not lift anything heavier than 10 lbs for 6 weeks. They are given a set of instructions on how to care for the incision and when to seek medical help.
Now what does a c-section feel like? Well, I can tell you that on a personal level. In January, I gave birth to my son via a c-section, so I know first hand what some moms go through. Initially, it felt like any other major surgery would – raw, weak and incredibly sore. I am so lucky to have a great husband and support team around me, so I was able to rest appropriately over those first few weeks. And rest was SO important, because those first few weeks were incredibly hard. It hurt to even sit up on the couch – I had to use my arms to pull me up from any laid back position. It took 3 weeks for me to start feeling a bit normal.
Thankfully, as a chiropractor who focuses on pre- and post natal care, I knew how important proper recovery and rehabilitation was for the female body after birth and c-section. That’s why I wanted to write this article. To let any mom who has ever had a belly birth know that there is help out there for you. You can get back to all of your previous activities, you just need to lay the proper foundation first. Work on your scar, rehab your core and pelvic floor, and get back to doing what you love.
If you are a mom who has had a c-section and want to learn more, please reach out! We would love to help.
~ Dr. Richelle