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Recovering from a cesarean section, planned or unplanned, can be difficult and time consuming. Having a new baby is joyful, but exhausting. Adding physical pain and emotional turmoil to the mix can leave you feeling overwhelmed. While recovering after a cesarean birth, there are several things you can do to speed healing and make yourself more comfortable.

Drink, drink, drink

One of the most important things you can do to help your recovery is to stay hydrated. Without enough water you will not be able to function effectively. The easiest way to get enough water is to have a glass every time you nurse or bottlefeed the baby. Drinking enough water is easy to overlook, but is essential, particularly if you are nursing. Caffeine should be avoided, as it will dehydrate you, but juices and decaffeinated teas will help keep you going.

Take care of the incision

As your incision heals, it may be painful, tender, sensitive, or even numb. It is not unusual for one side to hurt more than the other; often the side that the operating doctor was standing on will be sorer during recovery. Every woman's experience is different, but if something doesn't feel right to you, contact your doctor. Complications are rare, but it is important to follow your instincts. You know your body best; listen to what it is telling you.

Before a cesarean surgery takes place, the nurses will generally shave the top portion of pubic hair in order to sterilize the area where the incision will be made. After surgery, as the hair grows back, it can start to itch. This can be exacerbated by any folding of skin in the area. To ease the itchiness, try placing a clean cloth diaper or burp cloth over the incision area. This will prevent any rubbing or additional irritation.

Another common complaint is odor around the incision area. Be sure to check with your doctor immediately if a foul odor develops, as this could be a sign of infection. If there is no infection, but a slight unpleasant odor persists, try drying the incision area after every shower using a blow dryer on the low cool setting. Once the incision has healed over well, cornstarch or baby powder can also help maintain dryness.

Feeding Support

Whether you are nursing or bottlefeeding, holding the baby can cause painful pressure on the abdomen. Using a nursing pillow, such as a Boppy or Mother's Breast Friend, can help by supporting the baby in your arms, and by padding the tender areas.

If you are nursing, holding the baby in the "football hold"

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