Healing After C-Section

The healing process after a cesarean section requires plenty of rest as your abdomen heals from the surgery. You will need someone who can be there to help, because your activity will be limited for the first weeks after surgery. According to The Baby Center, your incision will be puffy, dark and numb. During this time you will need to focus on getting plenty of fluids, doing light physical activity and monitoring your wound to ensure proper healing.

Support

• Your body is very sensitive in the weeks after surgery, which means you must be careful when sneezing, coughing or doing any movement that puts pressure on your abdomen. Put a pillow over your stomach to support your incision, as this will help prevent the wound from reopening. Push the pillow against your stomach for support when you're standing, because moving will be laborious for the first week or two. According to The Baby Center, it is important to walk at least twice a day to avoid blood clots from forming in your legs. You should not lift anything heavier than your baby, according to Joanne Stone, author of "The Pregnancy Bible." Wear a binder or a girdle to hold your stomach in place.

Hygiene

• Keep the area dry and clean during the six-to-eight-week recovery period. According to Stone, do not put any medicated ointment or essential oils on the wound, as it must heal on its own. There may be leakage the first few days after surgery. After a week you should have little to no blood on your bandage. Check your bandage daily for blood or discharge. Change the bandage as needed. Avoid getting the c-section area wet until your doctor says it is safe. Failure to keep the area dry can result in a delay in healing time and possibly cause an infection.

Recovery

• Once your doctor says it's safe to wet the affected area, you can apply topical creams such as shea butter and cocoa butter to reduce itchiness, irritation and dryness. Cocoa butter is a moisturizer that can reduce stretch marks after pregnancy when applied daily. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent constipation and replenish fluids, according to the Mayo Clinic. Prevent urinary tract infections by urinating frequently. Avoid having sex, as it can cause your stomach staples or stitches to come out and the wound to open. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, do not have sex for six weeks after having a c-section, according to the Mayo Clinic.