C-Section Recovery – Useful Tips For Cesarean Delivery & Recovery

One of the things that concerns women when having a cesarean section is postpartum depression.  In fact  medical studies have indicated that cases of postpartum depression after a c-section are higher than for women who deliver vaginally.

But why?

Here’s one reason. During a normal vaginal birth a mother is more involved with the birth than when having a c-section. The process of pushing and breathing releases lots of hormones that bombard your body in order to make your delivery possible; in other words all of the actions that take place during a vaginal birth are made possible by the influx of hormones.

In the case of a C-Section, these hormones continue to flow but are not used because of the relaxed state of your delivery. After the birth is over the brain will once again become bombarded with elevated levels of hormones, most significantly Oxytocin which helps with the release of the placenta and after-birth. It also initiates lactation and starts the bonding process between mother and baby as well as helping the mother to ‘forget’ the painful process she just went through.

During the c-section procedure an epidural or spinal has a tendency to stop the flow of these imperative hormones, synthetic Oxytocin will be prescribed in your IV but many women experience elevated levels of post-partum hormones causing depression because of the later natural release of the hormone build-up in the body. It’s important to note that synthetic Oxytocin is meant to help aid in the natural birth progression but not necessarily to help the female adjust after-birth.

So what can you do to avoid postpartum depression?  Of course you can always ask your doctor, however here are a few other options that will help ease the stress of elevated post-partum hormone levels.

1. Nipple stimulation
Often used as a way to elevate Oxytocin levels to induce labor, this can also help with a similar release post-partum.

After the birth a lactation nurse will usually come by to help new moms breast feed. This is an important step in the after-birth period so do not turn away the help from this nurse especially if you just had a c-section. His or her aid will also help to stimulate the nipples allowing for a necessary release of hormones triggering lactation but also with creating a bond between you and your new baby.  It will also help a lot in easing some of the post-partum depression.

2. Scheduling your cesarean at no earlier than 39 weeks is preferred.
Many doctors don’t want women to go into labor pre-surgery if she has had a c-section previously because of possibility of tearing along the already existing scar tissues, but if this is your first c-section and your doctor does not express concerns, going in for your surgery as close to your expected delivery date is important; not only for you but also for your baby. The physical act of going into labor excretes hormones which will aid in your post-partum recovery.

3. Make sure that you keep active and monitor your hormone levels post delivery.
Keeping active is a good way to keep from developing depression.  Some post-partum sadness is normal but full on depression is not.

If you are concerned about avoiding postpartum depression after having a c-section, look into what other mothers have done to counteract this very serious risk. Around 10-15% of women experience some sort of postpartum blues.  Present all your questions to your doctor. If you already have issues with depression or mood-disorders be pro-active and make an appointment with a psychologist or therapist before you deliver.

4. Exercise
Doing some form of healthy exercise is key to helping eliminate depression, and that goes for postpartum depression as well.  Granted, if you are depressed you’re probably not going to feel like exercising but this can be one of the best things for increasing body temperature which has a calming effect.  During your c-section recovery in particular,  the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can help reduce anxiety and improve mood.

Exercise works by releasing the brain chemicals that make us feel good which  eases depression.  What’s more exercise reduces immune system chemicals that can worsen depression.

One word of caution for c-section moms, while exercise after cesarean is vital to good health and eases overall depression be sure to consult your doctor before starting any exercise plan and follows a good exercise regimen that is safe and won’t cause injury.

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