The document provides guidance and recommendations for care after a cesarean delivery. It advises that new mothers need rest and should avoid heavy activity or housework in order to allow their bodies to heal. Support from family, friends, or a postpartum doula is important, especially for single mothers. Mothers should gradually increase activities but avoid lifting heavy objects or prolonged standing for the first week. Bathing and caring for the incision site is also outlined.

1. Care After a Cesarean
The days following the birth of your baby, the postpartum period, can be one of the most challenging times for mothers
and families. This period can be even more challenging for mothers who have had a cesarean delivery. After any
delivery, a mother needs to allow her body to rest and heal. Ideally, this means little or no housework or running after
other little ones. The maternal mortality rate is highest in the postpartum period, so special consideration needs to be
given to the care of the mother. If you are a single mother or your partner has to return to work shortly after the birth of the
child, try to organize a support team prior to the birth of your child to help during the postpartum period. The support team
can include family, church members, new mother support groups or a postpartum doula.
Take time to understand the limitations of a new mother and the kind of care that might be necessary. Keep in mind that it
is normal for a new mother to feel overwhelmed emotionally and physically drained. Open communication with your health
care provider and your support team is very important. Let someone know if you are feeling discouraged or weighed
down. Don’t be afraid to ASK FOR HELP!!
General Activity - You may gradually increase your activities as your strength and comfort permit. The first week you
return home, you should rest and care for only yourself and your newborn. Avoid heavy chores, lifting greater than 25
pounds, straining or prolonged standing. Walking, however, will help prevent many post-operative complications and assist
in healing. You may walk up and down stairs if necessary, but go slowly and hold the handrail for support. Avoid
intercourse 3-4 wks.
Bathing - You can take bath after applying polythin on dressing. In case dressing becomes wet you should remove
dressing from site and clean and dry and then put fresh dressing on operative site.. Keep the incisions clean and dry.
Diet - Eat a well-balanced diet. Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid constipation..You can take sips of water 8-12 hours after
surgery, and than 1 cup of ice cream or cold milk shakes.
-After 24 hours, you can take light diet like all types of liquids, dal-rice, Khichdi, Kadhi, fruits, khakhra, mamra etc.
-On third day onwards all foods (Normal diet) like dal-rice, chapatti, subjies etc can be taken.
-It is better to not to take more spicy, fried or sour and not heavy in digest food for 10 days.You can take curd, butter milk ,
tomatos or lemon etc.
Driving a Car – Short car rides are permissible, but avoid long car-trips until cleared by Doctor. Do not drive until after you
have stopped taking narcotic pain medications and you are able to twist your body quickly to look over your shoulder and
to step on the brakes without hesitation. This usually requires at least 2 weeks.
Care of the Incision – Abdominal incisions heal gradually. Gently cleanse the incision with soap and water in the shower.
Pat the incision dry with a clean towel. Do not rub. -You may also notice some bruising in the general area of incisions. The
discoloration may be extensive, but as with any bruise it should heal on its own.
You may keep a loose dressing over the wound to avoid staining your clothing with secretions during the healing process.
If steri-strips remain on an abdominal incision after one week, you may remove them. If redness or drainage develop in the
incision, use warm, wet compresses to promote healing several times a day for 20 – 30 minutes.
Expect vaginal discharge and spotting for up to 4 weeks. You may wear a feminine pad, but avoid tampons, douching and
other intra-vaginal products until 6 wks.
Medications – Take your prescribed medicines regularly. Follow Doctor’s advice regarding medication precautions while
breastfeeding.
Returning to Work – Most patients recover sufficiently to return to work and resume all normal activities in 6 weeks, but
complete recuperation may take 8-12 weeks.
Follow-up Appointment – Your first post-operative appointment should be 10 days after surgery. Call for an appointment
if not already scheduled. You will be seen for your final post-partum appointment 6 weeks after delivery.
Problems or Questions - Do not hesitate to call if you have any problems or questions. If your surgeon is not available,
one of the other doctors will help you. Promptly report any of the following problems: fever (temperature >100.5 degrees),
problems with the incision, heavy bleeding, severe pain or nausea, or any other unusual problems you may be
experiencing.