April is Caesarean Awareness Month, and we've heard from some parents that they are a bit nervous about walking with their babies after a c-section because they don't know if it's safe or how to build themselves up to it. This month we’ll share real stories and tips to help you get out walking after a caesarean.
We're really keen to support all parents get outside walking with their babies, so we asked our Organisers who’d had Caesareans about their experiences of going on to enjoy walking with their babies.
Here Lucy, our wonderful Organiser for York Central shared her story.
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I had an elective C section for health reasons, and as a really active and outdoorsy person my biggest concern wasn’t the operation itself - it was actually how quickly I was going to be up and about (I’m not a fan of sitting still!) and be able to walk my dog again.
How was your recovery process?
I actually had an incredibly positive recovery experience, after a very ropey first few days (particularly the first couple of nights!) Research suggests that keeping moving is really important to recovery, and I tried to get back up on my feet as soon as possible. By the end of week one, I was able to take baby and dog on a gentle walk, which I was amazed by. However, everything I did was very much within my limits, and I was careful not to push myself too hard as I know this can be really negative for recovery.
Did having a Caesarean impact your confidence about getting out walking with your baby?
It definitely affected my confidence a lot. I was terrified of making my recovery longer, or ripping my stitches. I also felt so many things which other new mums could do were ‘off limits’ to me, and I was horrified by how weak I was compared to even when I was pregnant (I’d been walking up the Howgills at 34 weeks!) I also felt awkward telling people I had had a c section and the inevitable questions, which made me worried about going to classes/events and having to say I couldn’t manage them.
What hings did you have to consider about your physical health when you wanted to get walking?
The reality is, a C section is a major operation, and in my opinion the aftercare and support given to women is completely lacking (I took my own dressing off and had no offer of physio/ any kind of check after leaving the hospital!) Therefore I think it’s really important to do your own research about what is suitable after such a big operation, and what support you need to do it.
How did you choose what kit to use? e.g. pushchairs/baby carriers.
To be honest, I was quite disappointed how little I was able to baby carry in the early weeks, as my baby’s legs (or the waist belt) of the carrier often sat right over my incision, which was very sore. I also found pushing a pram uphill really hard work for a long time, so actually for me it was less about kit and more about activity. I tried to choose gentle walks where I could get home quickly if I needed to, or take someone with me who could help push/ hold the baby if I got tired. I also recommend talking to your local sling library as they’re great at helping you feel confident carrying once you’re feeling a bit stronger.
Do you have any tips or recommendations for other parents who want to get out walking with their baby after a Caesarean?
Actually, walking is a perfect activity when you are recovering! I think don’t be afraid to tell people how you are feeling or if you are finding it tough (same goes for women who have had any kind of birth) rather than foolishly trying to power through the pain. I think also knowing that it is short term, and perhaps doing some gentle and appropriate physio alongside walking as you recover will help you get back to strength in no time.
