Sorry if this isn't the right platform for this - couldn't find another group and this was so unbelievably helpful all throughout my IVF journey and pregnancy. Hope someone can help!
I had a caesarean 5 weeks ago and wondered if anyone had any recovery tips? I have been left with an apron/shelf tummy which covers my scar - i think this has caused the 2 infections I've had since the operation. The infections are really slowing down my recovery. This is what I'm now doing to try and get rid of the infections/prevent another one:
I shower in the morning and evening, exposing my scar but not touching it or using soap on it, then pat my scar dry with a clean cloth and try and air it for a few mins (not always a lot of time for this with a newborn!). I am using fucidin cream on my scar at the mo (prescribed after my 2nd infection along with antibiotic tablets) but can only use it for 2 weeks maximum. What else can I do?How can I reduce apron/shelf tummy? I don't care at all about having extra weight/fat as I've grown a whole human! I just hate that because it's an apron/shelf it's stopping me from recovering due to my scar getting no air.
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Healing time varies person to person , but it usually takes about 6-8 weeks to recover from the operation . Make sure having a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids . Try to rest when you can but keep yourself active - try short walks- nothing too strenuous . But in can take at least a year for the scar to settle into how it will look permanently Might be an idea to discuss your concerns with your midwife/ health visitor
Hi, Congratulations on the birth of your baby, i had my 4th csection on the 12th December, the things that helped me are shower morning & night but only do bottom half on a morning this is stop to much soap from top half getting on my scar, and i only used femfresh down there, which helps if it does come into contact with my incision and once patted dry i always place a cushioned pad across my incision stick it to the inside of my underwear then it doesnt move, this then absorbs any sweat and stops our clothing rubbing on it. It helps keep it dry to heal and this time its stopped me getting infected. My last 2 i ended up with infections both times
And i live in sports leggings lol cos i find jeans really hurt my incision xxx
Fingers crossed a few more weeks & u will be healed xx
I'm 13 weeks post c-section and my apron has gone. I can share with you a bit about my journey:-
1.) I don't know if you're breastfeeding, but I lost a lot of the weight I put on by breastfeeding (think you burn an extra 600-1000 calories a day breastfeeding). Which massively reduced the overhang.
2.) I did daily walks as soon as I was out of hospital (just gentle, flat and short walks). I also kept sucking my stomach in and out to wake up my stomach muscles.
3.) At 7 weeks, I went on the exercise bike. Just to spin my legs and get my heart rate slightly up - nothing intense.
4.) At 10 weeks I started gently jogging. Now at 13 weeks I've started doing 10km runs.
5.) At 11 weeks I started gentle core exercises to strengthen and rebuild my abs.
6.) Since having my surgery I've been taking collagen tablets (to help with skin) and rubbing scar cream onto my scar.
7.) I was drinking plenty of water and eating A LOT of protein - especially salmon and chicken. And, course, vegetables.
8.) Get plenty of sleep! My husband has been really good at letting me sleep in, ensuring that I get 2-3 hours of extra sleep in the morning while he looks after the baby. I noticed my tummy reduce in size massively after getting a decent night's sleep (well, as decent as you can get with a newborn)!. He also looked after the baby so I could go for walks and get back into fitness. Every mama needs an extra pair of hands, especially c-section mamas. To don't be afraid to ask for some help so you can look after yourself.
One thing I will say is please be kind to yourself. Everyone's journey is different. I was a cyclist and endurance runner prior to getting pregnant, so I had a bit of a head start when it came to core strength and fitness. I also think a lot of it is down to genes. I put on 3.5 stone during my pregnancy (I had quite a big baby) and didn't get stretch marks. Some people's skin bounces back quicker.
Remember, you grew a whole new human and went through one of the toughest surgeries imaginable.
Hi Cycling Addict. Thank you for this very detailed list. You have given me hope. I'm currently 25 weeks and have a planned C Section and also a runner so your post has really given me hope. Thank you again x x
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