Holistic Care Approach to C-Section Recovery

Opinion

By Kendall Gardner

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Swollen legs, tender nipples, anxious thoughts and Colace — this was my reality the first few days and weeks post C-section. 

Ten months have passed since I gave birth and with each passing day, I feel stronger. 

With birth the second time around, I was better prepared and more at peace, knowing what to expect. And yet, the experience and my post-recovery healing was vastly different. 

Ever present was the worry of how my oldest would transition into being a big sister, how I would expand to mother and love two children (at once) and more importantly, how I would create space to mother myself.

COMMUNITY 

Tapping into my community and asking for help in specific ways has been the biggest game changer (the second time around) for me. I was grateful to have a meal train set up so that friends and family could support me and my family through food. This took a tremendous amount of pressure off me worrying about what’s for dinner. I asked my mom and my husband’s mom to spend a month with us to assist in the transition of being their for me and for our older daughter — 8 weeks of family support was huge in ensuring that I was not isolated in the first vulnerable weeks of this transition for our family. 

MASSAGE

After surgery, I was incredibly swollen and uncomfortable. The extra fluid and swelling caused my legs to feel tight. I could barely get in and out of my bed or get up/down after sitting on the couch. The physical discomfort did a number on me mentally and I wanted to feel better fast. I ended up getting a recommendation of a masseuse who offered in-home massage. The first time she visited, I could barely get on the table and could not turn to either side of my body. By the third massage, I was able to turn on both sides. This experience helped aid my recovery drastically, flushed toxins out of my body and got my blood circulating in a way that relieved the tension and swelling.

WARM FOODS, HYDRATION, NUTRITION

I was supported by Sugar Heal Gang, a local collective of healers who offer support throughout the pregnancy journey. They supported me through postpartum meal delivery, chiropractic care, lactation support and acupuncture. One of their healers, Jade brought me a carton of fresh soups, savory bagels, homemade breastfeeding tea and fresh flowers. This beautiful exchange allowed me to heal and feel HELD. At my most vulnerable, I was seen and cared for — with nutritious food and love. 

COLACE

Can’t go to the bathroom, get some Colace! Yogurt helps too. 

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Another SHG asset was having two (2) in-home prenatal/postpartum chiropractic visits with Dr. Nadia (Cocoon Chiropractic Care). She visited toward the end of my pregnancy and 6 weeks post-delivery. The alignment that she provided helped me relieve back pain, get crooks out of my neck and balance my nerve function. It literally calmed me. Prior to this pregnancy, I had never seen a chiropractor before. I had an excellent experience and recommend it to everyone. 

LACTATION SUPPORT

OK, this go 'round those first few weeks of breastfeeding hurttttt! Within 24 hours of me getting home from the hospital, I had an incredible lactation consultant show up and help me in person (and then over text) to help address my needs. Understanding how the baby latched, how to perfect her latch, break the latch to start again and my hold so it was comfortable for me too — is absolutely one of the reasons that I am still able to breastfeed 10 months later.

REST, ENERGETICALLY.

Now on to REST! You’ve got to love when people tell you to rest — which feels absolutely impossible with a newborn. Yet this time around I intentionally relaxed more and allow myself time to restore. I allowed myself to be supported. I don’t usually watch a lot of TV and I allowed myself to watch TV, which allowed me to enjoy some of those sleepless nights when I couldn’t rest or go back to sleep. I’d turn on a show and just relax, knowing that I didn’t have to force myself back to sleep when I had been woken up - it was an act of surrender and love. I trusted that I could take time to not be productive and energetically that was a much more enjoyable time for me.

BE OPEN 

I had low iron reserves levels throughout my pregnancy. After several rounds of bloodwork, my doctor recommended that I  see a hematologist for seven (7) IV transfusions. I was worried and anxious. I hate needles and being stuck so many times left my veins tender. And yet, these infusions changed my life. They gave me sooooo much more energy. Throughout my life, I have always gone to bed mad early and I thought it was simply because I wasn’t a night time person, but I’m convinced it was my iron levels. With the help of science, the sleepless nights were not as bad this time around simply because I have way more energy. I’m incredibly grateful that I was able to push past my fear and be open to the bigger picture. Getting my bloodwork done and being open to restoring my iron levels helped me feel so much better this time around as I transitioned into being a mama of two. 

THE NARRATIVE WE TELL OURSELVES

This time around, my focus is being strong from the inside out and allowing myself to recover holistically. And that starts with how I talk to myself, loving this FUPA and all and giving myself time to heal and recover. Knowing that none of it lasts forever. I’ve been open to finding dresses that fit my current body, nursing friendly outfits that allow me to feel “together,” prioritizing prayer, workouts, therapy sessions, a hot shower, a cup of hot tea, date nights, all the things. I’ve gotten great clarity around what makes me feel good — and the priority is more of what feels good, less of what looks/sounds good. I’ve kept up with my manicures because it makes me feel good! These sustainable rituals of love - serving me, centering me, grounding me has been a beautiful journey of restoration. 

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Medical Disclaimer: 

This information is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.