As the elective c-section rate rises, there is a movement, especially in natural living circles, to refuse common birth interventions like c-sections and opt for a natural birth. However, there are moments, mostly unexpected, when c-sections are necessary even for mamas who desire otherwise. If that be the case, there are still many ways to make your c-section as natural as possible. The recovery from a c-section can be overwhelming, so we are happy to provide you with natural tips for healing from a c-section.
“Some natural mamas enter into labor and delivery with the intention of having a natural childbirth but are confronted with an unexpected turn of events, finding themselves in an operating room instead of a birthing tub. That was my experience, and I hope to provide some much needed information and support to natural mamas dealing with c-section recovery.
I have had three c-sections.
My first was an emergency after a cascade of interventions (Pitocin, epidural, premature rupture of membranes, immobility) caused fetal distress. I had labored for 24 hours, dilated to 10 centimeters, and pushed for two hours. What a disappointment! My second was a voluntary repeat cesarean, and my third was a planned vaginal birth that ended in cesarean after 36 long hours of labor (despite months of preparation, a midwife, a doula, and attempting every trick in the book!).
After my third, I developed a hypotonic uterus (a uterus that continually contracts without cessation), a hematoma the size of a small ball, blood loss leading to three blood transfusions, dangerously high blood pressure, an incision that did not want to heal, uterine and vaginal infections, and lingering health concerns.
Believe me when I say, I know EXACTLY how hard c-section recovery truly is!
Cesarean section by the numbers
Over 1.2 million mamas every year are undergoing cesareans, including incisions through both the abdomen and the uterus. In fact, despite the World Health Organization’s plea to keep the rate of cesarean sections between 10-15% per country, c-sections in the United States are at an all-time high – almost 33% according to the CDC. This is why it is more important than ever to help mamas with c-section recovery (naturally!)
No matter what the reasons were behind your cesarean, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists list several potential complications following the procedure:
- Infection
- Blood loss
- Blood clots in the legs, pelvic organs, or lungs
- Injury to the bowel or bladder
- Reaction to medications or to the anesthesia that is used
ALL of these complications, as well as the aches and pains associated with ANY surgery, can benefit from an arsenal of natural, post-operative tools including essential oils, proper nutrition, herbs, supplements, and more.”
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