How to relieve postpartum back pain after a c-section

Most mothers experience pain on their lower back after delivering through C-section. This pain is as a result of the anaesthesia administered to them on their spinal cord before they go through the surgery.

About three to six hours  after the caesarian delivery, the anaesthesia begins to wear off and the skin, muscles, ligaments, and the nerves around their lower back begin to hurt. For most mothers, the pain persists for a week, but on rare occasions, it can last for up to one month.

How to stop the back pain

Take a hot bath

To get rid of the soreness, you can soak in a hot tub or use a heating pad to relieve the pain on the sore area.

Exercise

You can do yoga and breathing exercises at the comfort of your home to calm your body. You can also take short walks. Stretching for 10 minutes on the floor each day will restore hip and back flexibility. Quick caveat, consult your doctor before you begin exercising as some exercises can rapture your stitches and bring complications.

Maintain a good posture while seating and sleeping

Make sure you seat upright while breastfeeding and have a lot of pillows to support your back. To avoid developing pain on your upper back, bring the baby to your breast rather than bending towards them. To relieve pain on your lower back, use a footrest to elevate your legs.

Make sure the mattress you are sleeping on is level and it is not too soft. You can also use pillows for support.

Get a massage

Go and get a professional massage or ask your partner to perform it on you to relieve the soreness.

The Don’ts

Avoid standing for long periods of time
Do not bend your waist if you need to pick something on the floor. Instead squat or kneel to avoid straining your back.
Avoid doing strenuous activities like lifting heavy things.
Do not carry your baby on your hip as it will put pressure on your back muscles. Use a front pack if you need to carry your baby.
Do not bend down to lift your child out of their crib. Instead, lie on one side and pull the child towards you.

How to know that it’s serious

You should go and see a doctor if you notice these signs:

If the back pain goes on after six months.
If the pain becomes too much and increases gradually.
If the pain is accompanied by a fever.
If one or both of your legs become numb.
You suddenly feel uncoordinated.
The pain is caused by a trauma such as a fall.