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of a serious infection.

During the first twenty-four hours after the procedure, the incision is generally covered by a large bandage. Once the bandage is removed, the nurses in charge of the patient will monitor the area. However, once the patient is home, the area must be cared for by either the patient herself or her caregiver. The doctor will send home instructions for basic care. The following are tips for taking care of the incision area:

Soak gauze strips in peroxide and gently apply them to the incision. When applying strips to sutures, be careful not to get the gauze caught (snagged) on the suture.
Do not scratch the incision area. If it becomes inflamed, swollen, or begins leaking, immediately report it to the doctor.
While it may seem grotesque, the incision should be examined at least three times per day to identify changes in appearance or swelling.
The patient should not take a bath until the incision has healed. Hot showers are okay.
If the patient has a fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, contact the physician immediately.
After the removal of sutures, continue to keep a close eye on the scar as it heals.

It can be frustrating to the new mother to take time to properly heal. Many try to do too much after their return home from the hospital as they are caught up in the excitement of their new bundle of joy. It is important to remember that a caesarean section is a major surgery.

After a caesarean section, the patient should wait about eight weeks before resuming exercise. It is important to consult with the doctor before resuming an exercise plan, or beginning a new one. The patient should be careful not to jump in too quickly. She should begin slowly, and if she feels any pain in the incision area, she should stop and give herself more time to heal.

The patient should avoid heavy cleaning around the house. If a tidy household is important to her, she should enlist the help of family and friends, or if possible, hire someone to help her temporarily. Others should help her with chores and caring for the new baby. For the first few days, even the simplest of chores will seem exhausting to her. She should avoid climbing any stairs during the first week at home.

After surgery, the new mother's bowels may take a little time to begin to work properly. She should try to avoid foods that cause gas or that may irritate her bowels. If constipation is an issue, she should speak with her doctor about what laxatives/fiber substitutes are good options.

It is important that a new mother on pain medications not drive. Most doctors suggest not driving for the first two weeks. Sometimes it is necessary to wait longer.

As with vaginal deliveries, it is important for the patient to abstain from sexual intercourse for at least six weeks after her baby's birth. If she has any questions, she should contact her doctor.

Allowing her body to heal at it's own pace is very important following a caesarean section. Encourage the new mother to tell people what she needs them to do to help her. She is to graciously let her loved ones dote on her!

Learn more about this author, Jennie Krogulski.
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