POSTPARTUM
Cesarean Birth ( C-section )
Your recovery from a C-section will usually take a little longer than recovery from a vaginal delivery . You may get your incision wet during showering , but it is important that you completely dry your incision after showering . We do not recommend tub baths until at least 3 weeks after your C-section . You will likely note some itching as your incision heals . Many women will notice numbness around the incision that may last for several months . Remember to get plenty of rest and avoid straining or lifting more than 10-15 pounds without assistance until six weeks after your surgery . Follow your instincts with increasing your activity . Your body will tell you when you have overdone it . It is important to exercise and take steps to avoid constipation during the post-Cesarean period . Please call our office if you have concerns about your incision ; for example , if the incision looks like it is separating , green or yellow fluid is present at your incision , you develop a fever , or you notice increasing pain or redness at your incision site .
Breast Care
The American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommend that women breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of their baby ’ s life . If the baby is having difficulty with latching or emptying your breast , you may experience some uncomfortable fullness and swelling of your breasts 3-5 days after birth . A lactation consultant is available to assist you while you are in the hospital and after you go home . A lactation consultant can be contacted at 205-975-8334 .
Tylenol and ibuprofen are safe to take when you are breastfeeding . If your nipples become sore or raw , please call a lactation consultant . You can apply a small amount of expressed milk , lanolin , or vitamin E to the nipple after breastfeeding . Contact your doctor if your nipples become cracked and are not improved with over-the-counter remedies . Notify your doctor or nurse if your breasts become red and painfully tender , or if you develop a fever . When you decide to wean your baby , it is best to do so gradually over several days or weeks in order to minimize the discomfort due to breast engorgement .
If you are bottle-feeding , your breasts will swell and become tender three to five days after delivery . This pain is due to breast congestion . In the past , medications were prescribed to dry up the milk , but due to potentially serious side effects these medications are no longer recommended . You may ease the pain and congestion by applying ice packs , wearing a tight bra or breast binder , and taking Tylenol . Do not express the milk from your breasts . This will provide temporary relief ; however , it also causes more milk production and rebound congestion .
24 My Prenatal Care Book