Have you had a C-Section and want to know how it can affect your health both now and, in the future, and discover exactly what to do to best facilitate your recovery?
If so, then read on because in this article I will cover the steps of a C-Section, the physical implications of major abdominal surgery and reveal the holistic method that will empower you to heal safely and effectively without confusion and with support.
C-Section surgery- what actually happens?
A Cesarean section to deliver your baby involves major abdominal surgery as various layers of soft tissue are incised or displaced to make way for your baby. It can take up to 2 years for the layers of scar tissue to fully form and heal. During that time your abdominal organs, muscles and fascia all need time to settle back into place and regain their functional characteristics and connections.
It’s no secret that recovery from a C-section is painful, uncomfortable and can be fraught with setbacks like infections. The mums that I have advised always have numerous questions about their C-section recovery journey and often have very little clear guidance on how to proceed. So, they end up confused and concerned about what is and what isn’t safe to do and when.
Before we get into how best to heal a C-Section it’s helpful to remember the various layers that are disturbed during the C-section surgery. So, I’ve included a summary of the main steps taken during the C-section surgery procedure below:
Usually, a horizontal incision is made at your bikini line (vertical for emergencies).
Cuts are made through your skin, fat and fascia.
Your rectus abdominis muscles are separated and moved to either side (they are rarely cut).
Your bladder is moved down and out of the way.
Your uterus is cut, and baby is delivered.
Your placenta is removed, and the Uterus is sutured.
Your bladder is put back into position.
Your muscles & fat are also put back into position (with possible suture of the muscles but it’s not usually necessary).
The fascia & skin are sutured with stitches, staples or tape to close the wound.
Physical implications of having a C-Section
So, because a C-Section involves the incision and displacement of so many layers of tissue and organs it has many physical implications that can potentially affect both your immediate recovery and long-term health and quality of life.
Being aware of these potential implications empowers you to take proactive and reactive steps to best alleviate them or facilitate the healing process. So that you set yourself up for better recovery and long-term health. So, I have listed some of the physical implications below:
Numbness and loss of sensation to your tissues
A disconnected core (you are not able to recruit your core muscles in the correct sequence)
A pouch or bulging tissue above your scar
A potential keloid scar
Abdominal/scar discomfort and/or pain
Soft tissue adhesions
Postural misalignments: rounded shoulders and an anterior tilted pelvis
Musculoskeletal aches and pains (especially in your back, shoulders, and neck)
Pelvic floor issues and pain in your clitoris, labia or during sex
Urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence and flatus incontinence
Increased frequency of bowel movements or constipation
Digestive issues due to taking antibiotics
Your baby’s microbiome is lacking as they did not access the microbial seeding of a vaginal birth
So what's the best way to recover?
It’s worth noting that though these symptoms are common they do not have to be permanent issues as there is much that you can do to mitigate them.
The best way to heal, lessen these symptoms, facilitate your recovery and maximise your wellness and wellbeing is to take a holistic-whole person approach.
Unfortunately, all too often, mums are not provided with the guidance and strategies that they need in order to avoid confusion, provide a clear protocol and best facilitate their recovery. So many mums struggle and don't receive the guidance, strategies and support that they truly need.
That’s why I poured my heart and soul into creating the C-Section Recovery 8 Elements for healing and rehabilitation online programme, so that you can be empowered to maximise your healing potential and be free of confusion and heal with confidence.
This online programme is the essential guide for C-Section Recovery that will support you to heal and recover safely and effectively following pregnancy and caesarean section delivery. It includes a proprietary 8 elements protocol that can holistically maximise your potential for healing and recovery!
These 8 elements are the key components to facilitate your recovery following your C-section surgery:
Soft tissue healing & lifestyle modifications
Scar healing guidelines
Nutrition for healing
Myofascial Release Strategies
Posture & Alignment
Breathing & Core activation
Rehabilitative exercise
Sleep & Stress management
Throughout the programme you are also guided through the Anatomy of a C-Section, the Physical implications of a C-section, Mental & Emotional implications of a C-section and the healing process: 4 Phases of healing so that you have a true and thorough understanding of your holistic healing journey.
You are also guided through a detailed and gently progressive C-Section specific exercise programme so that you know when it is safe to exercise, which exercises to do and which exercises not to do so that you can safely rehabilitate your core and build a stronger body.
So, if you want to take the transformational holistic approach where you have an entire programme to teach you exactly what you need to know and do, to best facilitate your recovery so that you can take control of your wellness and wellbeing and be guided to feeling connected, strong and empowered. Then check out:
C-Section Recovery: 8 Elements for Healing and Rehabilitation online programme.