Take time to make and freeze healthy meals and/or set up a meal delivery schedule with friends and family
Have paper plates and plastic utensils to use for the first few weeks
Organize the kitchen and closets so you don’t have to reach for things
Schedule help around the house (friends/family or professional)
Start taking homeopathic arnica a couple days before the birth
At the hospital:
Request a lactation consultant right away
Stay on top of your pain management
Our bodies do not heal well when in pain
We can care better for our babies when we are feeling good
Your care providers will advise you on what drugs are safe for breastfeeding
Pausing to practice a few rounds of deep breathing throughout the day will help keep your lungs healthy when bedridden and encourage relaxation
Before you are able to get out of bed, gentle movement in bed can help protect against blood clots
Wiggle your toes
Point and flex your feet
Move your ankles around in circles
Bend one leg at the knee then stretch it back to a straightened position. Repeat with other leg
Pelvic rocks
When you’re ready, your nurse will encourage you to take gentle walks throughout the day
When you are able to have fluids again, make sure to stay well hydrated
When you are able to eat again (probably not until the day after surgery) have friends/family bring you healthy food if you prefer over hospital food
Restrict visitors and for those who visit, make it short
At home:
Set ‘baby stations’ up in the bedroom and living room so mom doesn’t need to get up much o Diaper changing supplies, burp cloths, change of clothes for baby, nipple cream, breast pads, tissues, water for mom, the phone, etc…
Splurge on some help around the house for the first few weeks (or ask friends and family help):
Cleaning service
Laundry service
Dog walker
Childcare for older siblings
Postpartum doula
Set up a meal delivery schedule with friends and family
Hydration and good nourishment supports healing and breastfeeding
Make sure to eat food with lots of fiber to discourage constipation
Try to poop once a day- get glycerin suppositories or stool softeners to help if needed
Limit the amount of visitors in the first weeks
For those who are visiting, limit their time and ask them to do something around the house to help
Set aside time for relaxation- it helps our bodies heal!
Nap when baby naps!
Listen to a relaxation CD
Let partner or helper take the baby and read a book
Pelvic floor exercises!
Taking homeopathic arnica can help you heal
Don’t over do it!
Mom should not be doing ANY household duties in the first 2 weeks (no cooking/cleaning)
It may be at least 6 weeks before you feel ready to resume ‘normal’ activities
Get help with breastfeeding sooner than later if you need it
After 6-8 weeks, consider attending (an) ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network)meeting(s)
