Postpartum Support Client - had Cesarean

[rowansmomCT]

Looks like my first client may be a woman who had a cesarean a week ago. Just looking for info or links so I can research postpartum support of a cesarean. I want to make sure I'm equipped with lots of info and techniques to help her through this healing process

[susan1]

congrats on a getting a client. Well the first thing I make sure to tell mom is not to over do her self ..however to make sure she pees and drinks lots of water...going to the bathroom will help her get moving to help get things going on the bowel dept. And carry a small pillow where she goes...so she can place it on her tummy to sit ..also the pillow will also help to BF if she BF. Also if she BF to remember to do the football hold or the laying down hold. ..not sure of the name. There more but I am running short on time..have to go. Just you being there for her is going to help her a lot ....Good luck!

almost forgot..ask her how she feels about having a c-birth...good or bad she may like to talk about it.

[rowansmomCT]

good advice. good stuff tho think about. i completely forgot about having to use a different hold.

anyone else?

[heidi]

Encourage her to be patient with herself, with the recovery process. C-secs often take a long time to really recover from. Be careful about the pain meds she's probably taking for the pain, they can give you horrible constipation. With my last client, the pain from that was worse than the pain from her c-sec.

[susan1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by heidi Encourage her to be patient with herself, with the recovery process. C-secs often take a long time to really recover from. Be careful about the pain meds she's probably taking for the pain, they can give you horrible constipation. With my last client, the pain from that was worse than the pain from her c-sec.

Yes ..I agree I had constipation and I tell you it was worse then giving birth. See if it's ok with the midwife to take stool softers and use a natual stool softer. Oh..a trick a nurse told me about and it help me...was to roll up a clean wash cloth and place it over the Incision..it helps by keeping the folds of the skin from touching and it helps put pressure like the pillow however with out the pilow..still use the pillow though...just remember to use clean wash cloths and to charge it every few hours. If I think or more I will let you.

[sacredma]

all really great advice.
having had a lot of pp clients with c-secs, i have found that moms have a great need to talk about their birth experience and process it. physically they have to take it easy and not over do it, or else they will start to bleed.
breastfeeding often has problems, which are easy to solve. many times milk doesnt come in to the 5th day, so moms often get nervous and want to suppliment. you have to encourage her to nurse frequently. she will need a lot of pampering, and make sure she is eating and drinking enough. mostly i carry the baby around in a sling, so mom can get added rest. many times babies can be a little more fussy than usual