C Section Recovery | Southern Africa

AbdoMend™ abdominal binding products are designed to reduce c-section pain, while giving you support and security. After c section recovery isn't something to take lightly, using binding and self massage will help reduce pain and future complications.

Use abdominal binding during pregnancy, after birth and after abdominal surgery, during the most critical phase of recovery.

Be mindful for the need to have a cesarean. Surgery can create complications and the recovery can be painful and longer, yet Cesarean surgery can also save your life and your baby's life when medically required.

Here are some tips and Remember: You are the client with your Doctor! Ask them to do their best for YOU..... So please discuss the procedure and closing of your body after cesarean delivery with them.

The optimal procedure is:

1. Double suturing of uterus
2. Sewing of the peritoneal sac
3. Closing the top layer of skin with (Dermabond) Glue. Ask what type of incision on your uterus the Doctor plans to do, as a vertical one does not allow for future VBAC births.
4. Discuss the use of Vitagel, by Orthovita, with your doctor, as a surgery aid to stop bleeding and promote healing. It may be covered by your insurance. There is a News video on our blog with a physicians recommendation.
5. Discuss using Cellulose pads (Ethicon by JnJ) to reduce adhesions if you keloid easily.

Discuss your birth plans with your health care provider. Check in with your loved ones if you get confused and refer to your birth plan, especially with the vacuuming procedure. Other things to consider are...

1. Process in emergency room if you were trying at home/clinic
2. Vacuum- no or yes-see the video on our Blog
3. Signs to go for a C Section
4. Draining cord blood into baby & keeping placenta
5. Who will attend baby while you are sewn up
6. Suture 6 layers, including peritoneal sac
7. Sutures/glue/ vs staples for closing skin

Be prepared as you may be asked if you want your arms tied down for c/s.

Relax and breathe deeply when they administer the anesthetic. Try not to move while they are doing the shot. C- Section surgery is not a long process, but closing the incision can be. Know your blood type, or ask what your/baby type is, just in case you need the information for the future.

Ask them to inform you if they do a vertical incision on your uterus this does not allow for a future VBAC, only horizontal incision does.

Think good thoughts and be positive for your recovery.

C Section Recovery

After a c section you will be taken to another room for post surgery monitoring for a couple of hours. Afterwards, you will go to your hospital room and rest. You will be on a catheter for the first 24 hours

You will eventually be asked to get out of bed and use the bathroom.

<--This little pad is all you see until you are ready to shower and the surgical strips underneath are even smaller!  Protect your new incision and ease your pain as you prepare to move with the AbdoMend™ Support belt.

Ask the nurse or a loved one for help to put on the c section binder and follow the printed directions. Prepare to get up by rolling to one side and use your arms to push yourself up and drop your legs off the side of the bed. Relax and move slowly off the bed and keep your body bent as you support your belly, slowly straighten torso,and then legs.

Preparing for your shower:

After asking for assistance to get out of bed, walk slowly to the shower and take off the AbdoMend™ belt. While showering, gently remove the pad. After your shower when you dry off, put the AbdoMend ™ belt back on. You can place your underwear on the outside of the AbdoMend™ belt for continued support and ease to use the bathroom.

Receiving your Baby:

Now that you are supported with the AbdoMend™ belt, your pain level is reduced, making it easier to concentrate and spend precious time with your new baby. Keep your AbdoMend™ Recovery belt and support strap on while moving around, changing diapers and breastfeeding; however open the belt every couple of hours while resting to let your skin breathe. There were different chemicals used to clean the skin, and if they used tape, your skin may become irritated.

Tips for self care:

Begin the techniques in the C-Section and Massage therapy DVD offered with the AbdoMend™ Recovery or Deluxe Recovery Kits, or on our you tube videos. Minimise visitors, monitor your phone calls and sleep as much as you can.

Going Home:

It takes time to recover froma c section an dit's a good idea to arrange ahead of time for help from friends and family with food, housework or babysitting for your older children. Keep visits down for the first 2 weeks and sleep as much as you can.

Continue to use your Abdomend™ belt and support strap. Eat fresh foods and milk producers such as whole grains like millet. Begin to massage your legs and belly using the techniques in your C-Section and Massage Guide DVD.

Use the Hem It In Belt (offered with our AbdoMend™ Deluxe Kit) for continued abdominal support 2 -3 weeks post surgery, or depending on your comfort level.

• Supporting and protecting your incision will reduce post surgery pain, and help create a healthy c section scar.
• Our soft cotton c-section recovery belts are comfortable against your skin.
• We promote practical tools of compression to support your uterus and reduce pain and tearing.
• Binding, compression and massage after childbirth birth are proven ancient tools for c-section recovery.
• Belly Binding and Massage maximize healing. Abdomend™ products are also great for other abdominal surgeries like hysterectomies or hernias.