Enhanced recovery after surgery for cesarean section

• Early mobility and frequent walking
• Non-narcotic pain medication
• Gum chewing to stimulate gut mobility
• Reduce post-op fasting so moms can return to a normal diet more quickly
• Incentive spirometry, a device that measures lung function as you inhale and exhale
• Breathing exercises
• Rest between infant care activities

• Constipation
• Weakness
• Blood clots
• Pneumonia
• Pressure sores on skin

• Skin-to-skin and early breastfeeding will speed recovery and help stabilize baby's temperature and blood sugar.
• Chew sugar-free gum to help return normal bowel function.
• Walk early and often. We'll work with you to walk in your room within eight hours of your surgery. Then we'll help you walk two more times that day. The next day, we'll help you walk three or more times in our hallways.
• Sit up in the chair for all meal times. Starting one day after surgery, sit up for eight or more hours a day.
• Continue breathing exercises: Use the incentive spirometer as directed, deep breathing, coughing every hour
• Prevent life-threatening blood clots. Wear sequential compression devices (SCDs) at least 18 hours a day.
• Pain management: Your physician will order various methods of non-narcotic pain medication for you to take around the clock for pain management.
• Learn about postpartum and newborn care: Watch recommended education videos and spend time with your nurse and lactation consultant (as applicable). Feel free to ask lots of questions.
• Limit in-hospital visitors to promote rest between infant feeding and care sessions.

Please speak with your nurses if you have any questions or concerns about these activities and how they help you recover as quickly as possible.