Tips and Exercises After Caesarean
It is important to stay calm and rest as much as possible. However, you should also exercise to avoid issues with your breasts and poor blood circulation. Here are some tips:
Breathing Exercises: Breathe deeply three times every hour while lying in bed.
Circulatory System Exercises: Move your legs in a circular motion for 10 minutes every hour.
If you need to bend or sneeze, lean forward and support your sutures with a pillow or a small towel.
Take your time. During the first six weeks, get as much help as you can and avoid activities such as lifting weights, standing for long periods, and vacuuming.
It is important to keep your bladder and bowel healthy and avoid constipation. Here are some steps to improve bladder health:
Drink 3 liters of water per day (especially if you are breastfeeding).
Eat high-fiber foods (e.g., bananas, plums).
Move regularly.
Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need.
Avoid fatigue.
Exercise Your Lower Abs:
Lie flat on your back, place your feet on the bed, and bend your knees to 90 degrees.
Engage the lower abs and tighten the gluteus.
Gently straighten your back and bend your knee towards your belly.
Hold for 10 seconds.
Slowly lower your foot to its original position.
Repeat with the other foot.
Repeat the whole exercise 3-5 times.
Abdominal Twists:
Lie flat on your back, place your feet on the bed, and bend your knees to 90 degrees.
Keeping knees together, slowly lower both knees toward the right side. Slowly return knees to the middle and relax.
Repeat the exercise toward the left side. Repeat the whole exercise 3-5 times on each side.
Pelvic Floor Exercises (standing, seated, or lying on the side):
Engage the lower abdominal muscles.
Gently straighten your back.
Hold for 10 seconds, breathing normally.
Loosen the muscles gently.
Repeat 10 times.
Do this exercise 3 times daily. Stop if you feel discomfort.
Back Care: Avoid lifting heavy objects during pregnancy. If you need to pick something up, do it carefully.
Stand in an upright position, feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, and place one foot in front of the other.
Bend your hips and knees while keeping your back straight.
Engage the abdomen and contract the pelvic floor.
Keep the load close to your body.
Use your legs to stand up.
Lie Down and Get Out of Bed:
The right way to lie down and get out of bed will reduce the tension on your back.
Sit on the side of the bed.
Rest on your elbow.
Place your head on the pillow.
Lift your feet and place them on the bed.
To get up, do the same in reverse.
Breastfeeding:
Sit straight on a chair with your feet on a pillow or a stool. Try not to bend over during breastfeeding. Pull the baby close to you. You can also breastfeed lying on your side or standing on the bed, provided that your head, neck, and baby are well supported.