Our midwives provide personalised care following caesarean birth.
Postnatal care following caesarean birth
The midwife will remove your dressing on day four to six following your birth. It is then important to keep your wound clean and dry.
You may need to continue to take regular pain relief when going home from the hospital. Taking regular paracetamol and anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen or diclofenac) should be able to provide very good overall pain relief, but you may also need some stronger pain relief at times, which will be prescribed by the doctors before you leave hospital. Only use the stronger pain relief if necessary, as it can cause constipation. If you have any constipation, it is advised that you use a laxative, which can be bought at the chemist over the counter, or prescribed by the doctors.
It is ok to shower and get the wound wet, but avoid soaps, creams etc. coming into contact with the wound. Pat the wound gently to remove moisture, and if not completely dry, allow to air dry by lying on the bed for a short time. You may want to place a clean, dry pad over the wound to reduce clothing rubbing on it, and causing discomfort. You will need to monitor the wound for healing and signs of infection. If you see any signs of redness around the wound, separation or oozing, please see your GP immediately to have it checked.
It is also very important that you do not lift anything heavier than your baby, and that you do not try to rush back into strenuous activity or sports for the first six weeks. You are not able to drive for at least four to six weeks following your caesarean birth, please phone your insurance company to find out their individual regulations, and also discuss with your doctor.
Caesarean section discharge pack
The resources below provide further information to assist with your recovery.
- Information for Women after a Caesarean Birth
- Caesarean Section Pain Management When You Go Home
- Care of your pelvic floor after pregnancy
- Tips for successful breastfeeding
- Expressing and storing breastmilk
- Postnatal Mental Health
- Breastfeeding Support Service
- Contraception
- Safe Sleeping
- Normal nappies
- Tummy Time
- Gen V
- Newborn Bloodspot Screening