20 things NOT to do during C-section recovery

Recovering from a vaginal delivery is tough but combine this with the major surgery of a Caesarean and it can be even more difficult. There are a lot more things you should avoid doing while in C-section recovery. Read on for 20 things NOT to do.

1. No stairs. Walking up and down stairs pulls on the stomach muscles which are healing.
2. No bending. This should be obvious, but bending and then straightening up strains muscles.
3. No heavy lifting. Anything more than baby will repeatedly tear the healing incisions.
4. No cleaning. Avoid vacuuming and sweeping. These motions and others will stretch the muscles.
5. No reaching. This again, stretches the muscles.
6. No sit-ups. Wait for a few weeks to get rid of your baby belly.
7. No gassy foods. This might upset a still-healing stomach
8. No tight clothes. Especially under-garments. Take pleasure in wearing those ‘big pants’ without feeling guilty while you can!
9. No belts. This is especially bad for the healing tissue.
10. No straining. While in the bathroom especially. It will tear the tissue and hurt your stomach.
11. No driving for at least 3 weeks. This is a combination of feeling drowsy from pain pills and not straining the wound.
12. No sex. Avoid for at least 6 weeks. Take longer if you need to.
13. No running. Take 6-8 weeks off.
14. No baths. Wait until the stitches or staples are removed.
15. No “pushing through the pain”. Stop if anything hurts.
16. No refusing pain medication. Don’t be a tough guy. Take them if you need them.
17. No refusing help. Take it if it’s offered. You just had major surgery.
18. No skipping antibiotics if prescribed.
19. No rushing recovery. Take it slow.
20. No delaying C-section recovery either. Do what you can, when you can, and recovery will be quicker.
    
    
    
    Some of these will not be practical for everyone. Some people have stairs in their house, will have to bend occasionally, and need to strain from time to time. Get as much help and support as you can for the first few weeks of C-section recovery and limit the amount you do as it really will make a difference.
    
    
    All of these are okay in moderation and if you have to do them then take it slowly. Just try to follow this list as much as possible to have a trouble-free C-section recovery. If you try to get back to normal too quickly, you run the risk of infection, re-tearing, or even internal bleeding. All of these things will lead to a much longer recovery. So take it easy!