Recovery after a caesarean section
If you give birth by cesarean section (C-section) then, thanks to our specially trained maternity nurses, you can go home quickly to recover and enjoy your postpartum period. Some maternity nurses specialize in recovery after caesarean section and were trained in the Mesos Medical Centre in Utrecht and the Meander Medical Centre in Amersfoort to provide maternity care after a complicated birth. This will allow you to go home sooner after delivery and will let you continue your postpartum period in the comfort of your own home. If you give birth through a C-section, you may after returning from the hospital receive maternity care until the tenth day after birth, depending on the policies of your health insurance.
What are possible reasons for a caesarean section?
• When the baby is in breech position the gynaecologist or midwife will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of caesarean section and vaginal birth.
• If you have previously given birth by caesarean section.
• If you are carrying twins or multiples.
• If your baby is lying sideways/transverse.
• When the placenta lies in front of the cervix.
• When your baby is short of breath during labour and you are not fully dilated.
• When contractions have been coming for a while but dilation is not progressing.
• When your baby’s head is too big for your pelvis.
The recovery after caesarean section
When you return home you will recover slowly. The recovery after caesarean section takes longer than with a natural birth. Because you underwent surgery and have an abdominal wound. On average it takes three weeks before the wound is healed. Often you will feel tired and weak. It is advisable to take plenty of rest, refrain from walking too much and to not do any lifting. Our specialized maternity nurses will guide you the first few days after you get home to recover from the caesarean. Apart from physical complaints you may during recovery have a hard time coping emotionally. For example, because you were under general anaesthetic during caesarean birth and did not consciously experience it. It may then be that you find it difficult to get used to your baby. Obviously fatigue, pain and other physical complaints also play a part which may leave you feeling gloomy. It is very important to discuss this with your maternity nurse, the midwife and your family.
