In search for practical tips on how to keep c-section dry when overweight?
Giving birth to a baby is a huge struggle, especially as a first-time mom. You have to remember to keep the baby well-fed, cleaned, and comfortable at all times.
The struggle becomes all the more challenging when you had a c-section.
This is because aside from taking care of your baby, you also have to remember to take good care of yourself.
And that includes postoperative care, eating right, and getting enough sleep.
Not to mention, you may not be able to lift anything heavy or get your baby to rest on your incision.
But what happens if you’re overweight? Are there tips on how to keep c-section incision dry when overweight?
This article is designed to help you prepare for your postoperative care.
You’ll get to know how you can take good care of your incision so that it does not get infected.
At the same time, you’ll also get to know what the warning signs are so you can get in touch with your doctor.
Remember that when you’re healing from surgery, do your best to get as much rest as possible.
Listen to your body and don’t do too much.
Read on for more tips on how to help you recover from your c-section faster so you can focus on your baby.
Tips for C-Section Recovery
Before anything, it’s important to know that c-section recovery is no walk in the park.
While you’re still healing from your recent surgery, you also have to take care of your new baby– especially if you’re exclusively breastfeeding him.
The difficulty increases even more if you’ve got other toddlers to take care of. This is why it’s best that you get as much help as you can.
While you’ll likely stay in the hospital for two to four days after surgery, your full recovery will be measured in weeks.
You need to be patient and gentle with yourself during this new transition in your life.
Here are some of our tips on how you can recover from your c-section much quicker:
1.) Don’t be afraid to ask for help
After your c-section, you won’t be able to do much. You’ll have to get all the help that you can get to take care of your household– cook meals, clean, and wash the dishes.
This is because you have to focus on your speedy recovery and the task of taking care of a newborn.
If your budget permits it, hire someone to support you at home.
You don’t need to add any burden to yourself by inviting guests over to visit your new baby.
They will understand that you are taking this time to rest as much as you can.
2.) Pain management
You’ll be in a lot of pain. And that’s okay since you just had a major surgery.
To help you deal with the pain, you can take over-the-counter painkillers like Ibuprofen.
Your doctor will likely prescribe you painkillers and even a stool softener so you do not get constipated.
It also helps to have an ice pack or heating pad to help relieve pain.
3.) Go on a walk
It may be difficult to get up and do some physical activity right now but motivate yourself to go on a walk.
This will promote healing and even help prevent any complications like blood clots.
You don’t need to walk too far or too long. It’s important that you start slow and gradually increase your activity.
You’ll likely be able to start moderate exercise in six weeks. But it’s best that you wait for your doctor’s advice on when you can start doing it.
4.) Drink lots of fluids
Apart from drinking a stool softener, you need to drink lots of fluid so you can avoid constipation. This is expected because of all the medication you’re taking.
But you have to do your best to avoid getting constipated so you do not stress your bowels too much.
If you’re breastfeeding or pumping, you need to drink even more water so you will be able to keep your milk supply up.
5.) Use an abdominal binder
If you need to do some physical activity or chores around the house, an abdominal binder can be a big help.
It will reduce pain from a c-section and will help you feel like your body is still in one piece.
Just remember to follow tips on how to keep c-section incision dry when overweight before you use an abdominal binder so that it does not get infected.
6.) Avoid tubs or pools
An important post-operation tip you have to remember is to avoid baths and pools.
This is because you will likely get an infection in your incision if you submerge your body in a hot tub, a bathtub, or a swimming pool.
It’s best that you wait for your doctor to give you an approval before you jump in one. And this will usually take about six weeks.
7.) Eat right
Another way you can avoid getting constipated is by eating right. Opt for a nutritious diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Apart from avoiding constipation, eating right will help you heal much faster.
Don’t forget to drink your prenatal vitamins too, especially the ones that your doctor have prescribed.
8.) No sex
You should also avoid having sex with your partner or husband after a c-section.
You have to avoid putting anything into your vagina so you can prevent any infections. This includes a tampon.
Your doctor will likely recommend you to avoid sexual contact for the next six weeks. So hang in there!
9.) Don’t drive yet
If you’re taking prescription medication for pain, avoid driving.
This is because driving may cause you to experience pain from the usual driving actions– stepping on the brakes, checking your blind spot, steering, and many more.
You may get into an accident if you drive.
Most new moms usually get ready to drive once again after two or three weeks since their surgery.
10.) Don’t push yourself too much
Take it easy. Don’t push yourself to be back on your feet prior to your surgery.
Remember, a c-section is a major surgery. You will need some time to get used to your body once again.
If doing something feels uncomfortable, stop and listen to your body. Take full advantage of your maternity leave. Be kind to yourself.
How to Keep C-section Incision Dry When Overweight
If you are wondering how to keep c-section incision dry when overweight, there is not much you need to know if you have a normal weight.
You need to remember to clean the incision site very gently using mild soap and water in the shower daily.
Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the site. You simply need to let soap and water run over it.
When you’re done, just pat dry your incision using a clean towel.
1.) Other c-section incision care tips
Here are some other things you need to know about caring for your incision:
- Change the dressing (bandage) once a day if it gets wet or dirty. Your doctor will let you know when you will need to stop covering your wound.
- Don’t try to wash off Steri-Strips (white, sticky bandages) that are directly over your incision. Instead, take a shower with the strips still on. Then use a clean towel to pat dry your incision. The strips will fall off in two weeks.
- If you are overweight and your belly hangs over the incision site, make sure to keep the area dry. Don’t allow moisture to remain in your skin folds as these will harbor bacteria and increase your chance of getting infected.
- Avoid using any creams, lotions, or ointments on the incision site without your doctor’s advice.
Remember to call your doctor as soon as the incision site feels warm, swells, oozes, or turns red.
2.) Recovery period
The recovery time for a c-section scar depends on each woman. This is likely affected by things like your diet and if you get any infections.
As long as you stay healthy, eat right, and follow your doctor’s postoperative care tips, your body will heal faster.
3.) When to call your doctor
Always remember to keep the incision site clean and dry. If your skin hangs over the incision, you may ask your doctor if you can use cornstarch to keep the site dry.
While you will be scheduled for a follow up check up one to two weeks after your surgery, you can keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- Fever
- Worsening pain on abdomen
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Pain/burning sensation when peeing
- Urging to pee frequently
- Dark, bloody, or scanty urine
Letting your doctor know of any of these things will help fight any infections that may take place.
Learn more from a related post: Lifting Toddler After C Section
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean the AC section incision for overweight people?
Clean the site with mild soap and water in the shower. Do it gently and once a day.
Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the site. Just let the water and soap run over it.
When you’re done, pat dry with a clean towel.
How can I air dry my C-section?
You can use your hairdryer to air-dry your incision site. Remember to use the cool setting so you do not get burned.
You can also air dry the site with a fan.
Can I put anything on my C-section incision?
After washing and gently patting dry the area, you can use ointment to cover the scar.
There are some doctors who also advise using a topical antibiotic or even petroleum jelly before you cover your incision with a bandage. Just make sure to do this lightly.
Otherwise, you can just leave the wound uncovered.
Iesha is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. She’s an active parent who enjoys indoor and outdoor adventures with her family. Her mission is to share practical and realistic parenting advice to help the parenting community becoming stronger.
