YourBabyYourWay.com - Postnatal & Parenting

Postnatal & Parenting

While this is in no way a complete handbook (if only one existed), you can definitely find some tips and tricks here that will help you make the transition into parenthood.

VBACs, plus postpartum recovery times

Once a c-section, always a c-section? Not necessarily so! If a prior delivery was by cesarean, find out if you are or aren't a candidate for vaginal birth after c-section (VBAC) . And don't forget, a c-section is major surgery, so it may take a while for you to recover. No matter what type of delivery you experienced, plan your recovery by reading general guidelines for postpartum activities.

New parent support groups

Being a new parent can be daunting. Take advantage of the free support groups offered by Southwest Washington Medical Center, including breastfeeding, multiples, Mothers Share (for parents with children 0–6 months) and Mommies & Movers (for parents with children 6 month+).

C-section

Your doctor may suggest a c-section when a vaginal birth isn't possible or safe for you or your baby. Many situations can warrant a c-section, and nearly one in four babies in the United States is delivered this way.

The Following Situations May Make A Vaginal Birth Risky For The Baby:

A developmental abnormality, such as fluid on the brain (hydrocephalus).
Premature labor.
Multiple fetuses.
An unusually small, scarred, or deformed uterus.
Problems with the cervix or birth canal, such as an active genital herpes infection.
Problems with the placenta, such a placenta that is abnormally developed, is laying too close to the cervix (placenta previa), or has begun to tear away from the uterus (placenta abruptio).

Read the full article >

Ask the Expert

Q: I'm approaching my due date, and because my baby is in a head-down position my provider recommends delivery of my baby by cesarean section. What should I expect during recovery?

A: A c-section is major surgery, so it may take a while for you to recover. You may be really tired for the first few days or weeks after a c-section. This is because you lost blood during the surgery. Also, your incision (the cut on your belly) may be sore.

What you can do:

Ask your provider for pain medication. Check with him before you take any over-the-counter medicine for pain.
Ask for help around the house from family and friends. They can help with cooking, cleaning and taking care of the baby or other children.

For more information, watch the March of Dimes video Recovering After C-section Surgery.

— Courtesy of the March of Dimes

Get more postnatal answers from our experts >

Ask the Expert is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health provider because of something you have read here.

Book Review:

Cesarean Recovery

by Chrissie Gallagher-Mundy

The complete guide to a healthy recovery from the effects of C-section birthing.

Almost 1 out of 4 deliveries is by cesarean section. Whether or not the procedure is planned, cesarean section must be considered major abdominal surgery and surgical recovery is a necessary process towards complete healing.

Cesarean Recovery guides new mothers through the healing process in conjunction with her medical care. The new mother will discover when and how to start her recovery -- from her first attempts at sitting up in the hospital bed, through to standing and on to mastering her first exercises.

This special guide includes straightforward and detailed information on … Read the full review >

Buy from Powells
Buy from Amazon.com

More book reviews >

	Share your story
There’s a new life in your life, which translates into lots of stories. Funny stories, sad stories, uplifting stories. We want to hear them. Join the community today to share your stories. Or select one of the blog entries below to read what other parents have to say.

Work/Life Balance: What Decision Did You Make? (by Sarah on 27-Aug-10; 0 comments)

Working from home has its perks . . . and pitfalls (by nikkik on 27-Jul-10; 0 comments)

Stay at home or go to work? (by emmareaghansmommy on 27-Jul-10; 1 comments)

Healthy home for baby (by YBYWadmin on 6-May-10; 4 comments)

Adding organic foods to your family's diet (on a budget!) (by YBYWadmin on 6-May-10; 0 comments)