5 Ways to Heal Your Body After a C-section

There are 3 major differences between vaginal and c-section birth recovery:

1. The use of antibiotics: Women who have had c-sections are prescribed antibiotics to prevent infections. While they help to prevent infections, these antibiotics deplete the gut’s beneficial flora. Various gastrointestinal issues like gas/bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can result. Antibiotic use has also been linked to the disruption of the development of the baby’s gut flora, as well as oral thrush, infections, and immune system dysregulation [2,3,4].
2. Healing from an abdominal wound: a c-section incision cuts through multiple layers of skin, muscles, and organs. The amount of time it takes to heal and recover from this wound is much longer than a vaginal delivery and can cause pain and lasting damage to the uterus and the surrounding tissues.
3. Inflammation: Swelling in the legs is especially common following a c-section. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, coupled with inactivity and IV fluids from the procedure can result in fluid retention. Swelling can also be a symptom of deep vein thrombosis, a serious medical condition that c-section patients are at higher risk for, in which a blood clot forms in a leg vein.

• Drink plenty of fluids -– Hydrating your body is extremely important for recovery since it helps to replenish your body’s water and flush out medications, aids in constipation, and supports breastfeeding. Consuming soups, smoothies, and water is an excellent way to increase your fluid intake. 

• Up your fiber -– Constipation and hemorrhoids are common symptoms following birth. It’s no surprise, considering your entire gastrointestinal tract was moved during pregnancy and birth! To help things move along, eat a diet rich in fiber in the form of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Avocados, jicamas, and berries are very nutritious and high in fiber.

• Take probiotics -– During and following a c-section, you are often given antibiotics to prevent infection, which can severely deplete your intestine’s good microbiota and can find its way into your breast milk [4]. Taking probiotics can help restore a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut and help with gastrointestinal function in yourself and your baby. Mother Nutrient offers a Women's Probiotic, a multi-strain 40 billion CFU probiotic that helps to boost digestive function and immunity. We also have an innovative 50 billion CFU Women's PRE+PRObiotic that offers a synergistic blend of prebiotic fibers and 8 probiotic strains to support your gut microbiome. We also offer an Infant Probiotic to help baby’s gut bacteria thrive.
• Up your protein intake -– Protein keeps your energy up while keeping you feeling full longer. This is important as your body is burning extra calories breastfeeding. Protein-rich foods contain amino acids, which are the building blocks of tissues and muscles. Increasing your protein intake can help with scars and aid in healing from the surgical trauma of a c-section.
• Take supplements -– It can be challenging in the early days to prepare nutrient-dense home-cooked meals multiple times a day. Taking the right supplements can support your diet and fill in any gaps in your nutrition.

a. Postnatal - A complete supplement to provide your body with the essential nutrients your postpartum body needs. The hectic days of taking care of a newborn baby results in eating coming down in the list of priorities. Taking a multivitamin supplement like our Prenatal, Postnatal & Nursing Support will ensure mom gets all the needed nutrients even when she does not eat well.

• Severe pain that does not respond to pain relief
• High fever
• Pain with urination
• Heavy vaginal bleeding past a week after discharge
• Redness, swelling, or discharge at the incision site
• Headache along with nausea or vomiting

Join our list for product deals, new product notifications, and newsletters! When you sign up, you will receive a free copy of my "Top 10 Postnatal Nutrition Tips."