Must haves after c section: Fourteen C-Section Recovery Must-Haves — Baby Chick

Fourteen C-Section Recovery Must-Haves — Baby Chick

Every day, roughly 10,000 babies in the United States are born. About a third of those babies are born via Cesarean section. Most moms would agree that having a Cesarean birth is not their first choice. But for some moms, having a C-section is necessary. When you are pregnant, you can try for a vaginal birth or plan for a C-section. Some women choose a C-section for personal preferences, but many moms schedule a cesarean for medical reasons.

The medical reasons for needing a planned C-section are:

• Abnormal positioning such as breech or transverse
• Placenta previa
• Repeat C-section
• Birth defects
• Health conditions of mom and baby
• Carrying multiples
  • Twins can be born vaginally if Baby A (baby closest to the cervix) is head down. But if Baby A is not head down, a C-section will need to be performed.

Many women have C-sections because of unplanned and emergent reasons, such as:

• Prolonged labor
• Failure to progress
• Fetal distress
• Placenta abruption
• Cord prolapse
• Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)

Having a C-section is not the “easy way out. ” Recovery for many women is longer and more painful. At Baby Chick, we want all mothers to have the best birth and recovery experience possible, so I am sharing the top C-section recovery must-haves that I recommend to all C-section mamas. I’ve consulted with hundreds of C-section moms in our Facebook Group, and they agree! Here’s what you should have ready for a smoother C-section recovery.

1. Abdominal Binder

A C-section is major abdominal surgery. It will feel necessary to have some support and compression around your belly and incision site. An abdominal binder provides the support and stability women need and makes women feel more comfortable. The hospital will give you an excellent belly binder! So many women rave about them, and I highly recommend making sure that you take yours home. If you don’t get one from your hospital or one that is the wrong size or doesn’t feel right, here are some other postpartum belly binders that I love and recommend. An abdominal binder is my #1 most important C-section recovery must-have!

Mama Strut Postpartum Support Brace

Bellefit Postpartum Corset

2.

Pain Relief

Controlling your pain after surgery is crucial because it makes it easier for you to take care of yourself and your baby. If you didn’t have relief, the pain you would experience would stop you from wanting to get up and walk and take deep breaths. Movement and deep breathing are essential during recovery since they help avoid getting blood clots or chest infections like pneumonia. Taking the medication that your doctor prescribes you on schedule to stay on top of your pain relief is important. Some doctors will prescribe you an opioid painkiller (like Norco) for the first week or two and then recommend taking an Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) and or acetaminophen (Tylenol). As always, consult with your doctor before taking any medication.

Advil

3. Stool Softeners

Many physicians give their C-section patients a laxative for the first few days after surgery. This helps make that first poop less scary and more tolerable. Stool softeners also help prevent you from straining, which could irritate your incision. And if you’ve been prescribed an opioid painkiller post-cesarean, it’s especially important to take a stool softener because opioid painkillers can cause constipation. Consult with your doctor before taking any stool softeners at home.

Colace

4. Postpartum Pads

Even though you did not give birth vaginally, you will still experience postpartum bleeding. This bleeding will first look like a heavy period that will gradually get lighter and darker in color over the next two weeks. If your bleeding becomes heavier or bright red again, use this as a guide that you are over-exerting yourself. Give yourself rest so that you can heal. For postpartum bleeding, I recommend a large postpartum pad free of chemicals.

The Honey Pot Postpartum Pads

5. Disposable Underwear

Many women love the mesh underwear that the hospital provides you, which they are great! Take as many of them as you can home. They are soft, stretchy, and most importantly, the waistband lies well above your incision. This means no rubbing or irritation! Once the mesh undies have outlived their usefulness, switch to Depend Silhouettes. They are also comfortable, high-waisted, and have a pad inside (which mesh panties don’t include), so it’s like an all-in-one!

Depend Silhouettes

6. High-Waisted Underwear

Get some cotton high-waisted underwear once you have ditched the mesh undies or postpartum bleeding has stopped. Here are two brands that I love and highly recommend.

Kindred Bravely Postpartum Underwear

C-Panty C-Section Recovery

7. Skin Salve

To take care of your C-section incision, you must keep it clean and dry and wear soft, loose clothing that will not rub against it. It can take several months for a C-section incision to heal. Still, at your postpartum visit with your doctor (around 6-8 weeks post-delivery), your doctor will check your incision to make sure that you are clear to resume regular activity. Everyone’s recovery time is different, but it’s important to rest and take care of your postpartum body for a healthy recovery.

After several months, you will notice that your incision will heal into a scar. Many women say that their scars are still tender to the touch for months after surgery, and some say it is still numb for up to a year. This is normal but immediately consult with your doctor if you feel any pain. If you’d like to help avoid having a noticeable scar, I recommend this balm or these scar sheets. These C-section recovery must-haves can help heal your scar and lessen its appearance.

Belly Bandit Scar Defense

ScarAway Silicone Scar Sheets

Earth Mama Skin & Scar Balm

8. Loose Fitting Clothing

If you’re planning on breastfeeding your baby, I highly recommend having several nursing nightgowns. Wearing a soft, loose nursing gown with a cotton bathrobe can be so much more comfortable than wearing pants that could rub too much on your scar. Even sweats or stretchy leggings can sometimes be uncomfortable on your abdomen and incision. A gown with a robe is always a great way to go when recovering at home with baby.

Angel Maternity 3-in-1 Birth Kit

9. Nursing Pillow

Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, having a nursing pillow of some kind is helpful for all parents. Having a soft pillow designed to fit around your body is an excellent barrier between your incision and the weight of your baby. It also helps bring baby closer to you so that you don’t have to bend or lean over, which can irritate your incision.

Boppy Nursing Pillow

10. Co-Sleeper

Your baby will want to eat (what feels like) constantly throughout the night. It isn’t easy to get in and out of bed after a C-section, so having a co-sleeper is a major postpartum recovery must-have. Getting up every two to three hours at night would be awful for you and your recovery, so having your baby close by is essential. This makes breastfeeding or bottle-feeding so much better since baby is close.

SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet

Halo Bassinest

Arms Reach Co-Sleeper

11. Diaper Caddy

As I just mentioned, moving around a lot is hard early on in your recovery. And if you have multiple levels in your home, it’s recommended that you only take the stairs once a day or none at all the first two weeks, if possible. To make things easier on yourself, have a diaper caddy filled with everything you need for your baby—diapers, wipes, diaper cream, thermometer, nail clippers, nail file, etc. This way, you can bring along the items that you need for your baby wherever you go.

Ubbi Diaper Caddy

12. Comfy Seating

Many women have difficulty getting in and out of bed after a C-section and getting comfortable. This is why so many women recommend having a comfortable recliner or seating area that you can sit in to nurse or bottle-feed baby for the next few weeks while you recover. Think in advance where you might want to sleep and spend your day that will be easier and gentler on your abdomen.

Recliner Glider

13. Nursing/Feeding Station

Once you have figured out a good recliner or glider to rest in, make it your nursing/feeding station. Get a cart and stock it with everything that you need close at hand: burp cloths, extra baby clothes, nipple cream, nursing pads, your medications, water bottles, remote control, phone charger, one-handed snacks, and anything else that you’ll need every time you feed your baby.

Three-Tier Rolling Cart

14. Resources

If you know that you will have to have a C-section for your delivery, reading up on what to expect before, during, and after will make you feel much more prepared.

The Essential C-Section Guide

I hope my list of C-section recovery must-haves helps you have a better transition from pregnancy to motherhood.

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Must Haves for a C-Section Recovery Kit

A Cesarean Section is major abdominal surgery, and recovery takes time. You’ll likely stay in the hospital 3-4 days, and it will take another 4-6 weeks to feel fully back to “normal”. While the weeks after a C-section definitely aren’t easy, it can go a lot smoother with the right supplies! Check out the list below for exactly what to get, and how to use it. 

1. Abdominal Binder (or Belly Wrap): After a C-Section, your midsection can feel a bit loosey-goosey. These stretchy wraps help support your incision, which can be hugely helpful when you are moving around after surgery. Your care team will encourage you to take short walks as soon as your anesthesia wears off. Wearing an abdominal binder while moving around gently compresses your abdomen, which may decrease tugging and pulling around your incision. Some moms report that binders decrease postoperative pain, and one study even showed they reduced postpartum blood loss! Many hospitals in the US provide these to C-Section patients, but they are also available for purchase online. You’ll get the most benefit from an abdominal binder the first week after your surgery.
2. High Waisted Underwear: You’ll want to be sure that your underwear won’t rub against your incision. Typical low rise underwear that hits right at your bikini line could be irritating and just feel “weird” if you experience numbness around your incision site. Instead, opt for breathable, oversized high-waisted underwear that doesn’t aggravate your surgical wound. You can purchase disposable mesh underwear or reusable cotton high waisted underwear, depending on your preference and the heaviness of your bleeding.
3. Over the counter pain medication:  Once your pain becomes milder, your provider will likely recommend switching from prescribed narcotics (if you’ve been taking them) to over the counter pain medication. Both acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin) are safe for breastfeeding and can really help manage any residual soreness or swelling. Using one or both of these medications around the clock for a few days (as advised by your healthcare provider) can really make moving around at home a lot more bearable.
4. Ice packs: These aren’t just for vaginal deliveries! Some women experience burning around their incision. An ice pack provides cooling relief. Peas from the freezer also work just fine for this purpose! Be sure to have a layer of clothing between your bare incision and whatever cold pack you’re using.
5. Stool softener: Surgery temporarily slows down your digestion. Add the constipating side effects of narcotic pain medication, and that first poop after baby can be a challenge. Your first bowel movement after surgery will often be after you leave the hospital (though some mamas do have one before discharge). Stool softeners may be given to you in the hospital, and they are available over the counter. They will make that first bowel movement after delivery easier, and prevent straining that could irritate your incision.

Be sure to listen to your health care provider’s guidance about your activity so you aren’t putting too much strain on your incision. Follow their instructions about recommended medications or other therapies, and be sure to follow up as scheduled for your incision check at 1-2 weeks. You got this, mama!

Still pregnant and looking for a prenatal class? If you know you’re having a C-Section, we can customize a class to your birth plan! Please contact your local Mama Coach for more information.

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Modal verb have to ‹ engblog.ru

In English, the modal verb have to is very popular. It can be translated into Russian in different ways: “to be forced”, “to be due”, “have to”, “must”. In this article, you will learn about the situations in which you should use the modal verb have to and how to do it correctly. And also listen to how it is pronounced by the inhabitants of the UK and the USA.

Features of the modal verb have to

In this section, we will tell you everything you need to know about the modal verb have to in order to use it correctly.

1. The modal verb have to changes with tenses:
2. Interrogative sentences with have to are formed using auxiliary verbs: do , does — in the present tense, did — in the past; will — in the future.
   
   

   What to I have to do to stop you? – What should I do to stop you?

   Why did you have to spend so much money? – Why did you have to spend so much money ?

3. The negative form have to ( don’t / doesn’t have to ) is translated by the words “do not need”, “do not have to”, “no need” and expresses the absence of the need for something. Please note : We can take an action, but we don’t need to. Do not confuse with the modal verb mustn’t which expresses a strict prohibition.
   
   

   You don’t have to dress up for the party, but you can if you want to. – There is no need to dress up for the party, but you can if you want to.

   I didn’t have to leave. It was still early. — I did not have to leave . It was still early.

   You will not have to meet me. — You will not have to meet me .

4. Instead of have to , you can use the construction have got to ( ‘ve got to ). This expression is often used colloquially as a synonym for have to . You can read more about the design of have got to in this article.
   
   

   You have to press the doorbell three times. = You ‘ve got to press the doorbell three times. – Need to press the doorbell three times.

Functions of the modal verb have to

In this section we will tell you in which situations you can use the modal verb have to :

1. Obligation , necessity — obligation, necessity.

   have to can be used to say that you must or need to do something because of some external circumstances . This is the main function of the modal verb have to .

   You have to turn right here. You can’t turn left. – You must turn right here . You can’t turn left.

   He is responsible for his family. He has to work without weekends. He is responsible for his family. He is forced to work seven days a week.

   In this function have to is easily confused with the modal verb must . Must , like have to , serves to express duty or necessity. However, must expresses the need to do something due to some personal aspirations .

   I haven’t seen my grandmother for a long time. I must visit her. I haven’t seen my grandmother for a long time. I have to visit her .

   My boss is waiting for me. I have to go now. My boss is waiting for me. I forced to go.

2. Deduction , logical assumption — a logical conclusion or assumption.

   We can use have to to say that we made a conclusion based on something. However, the modal verb must is used more often.

   The sun is shining. It has to / must be warm outside. — The sun is shining. Outdoors should be , warm.

3. Advice or recommendation

   have to can be used to give advice if you want to convince someone to do something. When translating into Russian, the word «should» should be used.

   You have to try this cake. It’s very tasty. – You must try this cake. It is very tasty.

   You have to see that play. You’ll like it. – You must watch that play. You’ll like it.

Usually the modal verb have to is difficult to distinguish in the flow of English speech. We invite you to listen to how the people of London pronounce it in this video.

And in this video, American Rachel will not only tell you how to pronounce have to in the American manner, but also teach you how to do it.

Thanks to its versatility have to is one of the most popular verbs in English. With it, you can express your needs, make assumptions and give advice.

We have told you the most important information about the modal verb have to . We offer you to check how you learned it with the help of our test.

Test

Modal verb have to

This topic is closely related to others described in articles that you need to pay attention to:

• Modal verb must
• «Modal verb need»
• «Should, must or have to — which modal verb to choose?»
• Modal verb to be to
• «The modal verbs shall and should in English»

After reading them, we recommend that you take the following test: «Test for the use of modal verbs in English.»

If you find a mistake, please highlight the text and press Ctrl+Enter .

Modal verbs must and have to: rules of use ‹ Inglex

Modal verbs must and have to often raise many questions among English learners. What is the difference between must and have to? What is the grammatical correct way to use them in sentences? In our article you will find answers to these questions.

Contents:

• 1. Features of the use of have to and must
• 2. Difference between must and have to: affirmative form
• 3. Difference between must and have to: negative form
• 4. The difference between must and have to: interrogative form

Features of the use of have to and must

Have to

After have to we use the verb in the initial form.

I have to go now. — I now need to go .

The verb have to in the present tense changes its form depending on the person: has to is used with he, she, it, and have to with I, you, we, they.

She has to pretend that she is interested in her job. — She has to pretend to be interested in her job.

To form interrogative sentences with have to, we use auxiliary verbs: in the present tense — do and does, in the past tense — did, in the future tense — will.

Do you have to go the grocery store or do you shop online? — Do you have to go to the grocery store , or do you shop online?
Did she have to work around the clock? — She had to work around the clock?

In negative sentences with have to, add the particle not after the auxiliary verb.

I don’t have to go to school. I study at home. — I don’t need go to school. I study at home.

In the past tense, the verb have to is changed to had to, and in the future tense, will is added to have to.

I had to move out. — I had to move out .
I will have to refuse. — I will have to refuse .

The table shows different types of sentences with the modal verb have to.

Time	Type of offer	Example
Present Simple	Affirmative	We have to find a new accountant. — We need to find a new accountant . He has to wear a school uniform. — He has to wear a school uniform.
	Negative sentence	We don’t have to wait here. — We do not have to wait here for . She doesn’t have to pay. — She does not have to pay .
	Interrogative sentence	Do you have to go? — You need to leave ? Does it have to be so hard? — Is supposed to be hard for ?
Past Simple	Affirmative	The Bakers had to move the house because the rent was too high. — Baker family had to move because the rent was very high.
	Negative sentence	You didn’t have to wake up so early. “You didn’t need to wake up so early.
	Interrogative sentence	Did you really have to tell her? — Did you really need to tell her ?
Future Simple	Affirmative Sentence	We will have to tell her the truth. “We will have to tell her the truth.
	Negative offer	We will not have to think about that problem anymore. — We won’t have to think about this problem anymore .
	Interrogative sentence	Will I have to wear that skirt? — Will I have to wear this skirt?

In everyday life, you can often find the expression have got to, which is shortened to ‘ve got to’ or even gotta. This expression is synonymous with have to.

I ’ve got to go. = I gotta go. My mom is waiting for me. — I need to go . Mom is waiting for me.

Also have got to is used to express a guess about something or the likelihood of something.

You ‘ve got to be kidding me. “You, must be , are you kidding me?”

Have got to can only be used in the present tense, other tenses use have to.

We ‘ve got to do something about it! “We need to do something about this!”
We will have to stay at home tonight. The weather is horrible. We will have to stay at home tonight. The weather is terrible.

Have to can be used after other modal verbs. For example, we can use may or might before have to to indicate that something can happen.

My cousin may have to drop out of school and start to work. — My cousin, maybe , will have to drop out of school and start working.
We might have to work overtime next week. — Maybe , we will have to work overtime next week .

Must

The modal verb must (should, must) is used according to all the canons and rules of modal verbs:

• After must we use the semantic verb without the particle to.

  I must phone her. — I have to call her.
  You must listen to your teacher. — You must listen to your teacher .

• You do not need to add the ending -s to must in sentences with pronouns he, she, it.

  Alice is being really rude. She must watch her language. Alice is being very rude. She must watch her language.
  He must try harder to get the promotion. — He needs to work harder to get a promotion.

• In negative sentences, add not after must.

  You must not bully your classmates! “You can’t tease your classmates !”
  Must I fill in this form? — I need to fill out this form?

Let’s see how sentences with the modal verb must are constructed correctly.

Offer type	Example
Affirmative sentence	I must go now. — I must go . He must call the police. — He should call the police .
Negative sentence	You must not tell anyone. — You can’t tell anyone this. She must not be here. — She is forbidden to be here .
Interrogative sentence	Must you always be so rude? — Do you always need to be so rude ? Must I beg you? — I should beg you?

The modal verb must is not used in the Past Simple and Future Simple, instead the verb have to is used.

I must listen to my boss’s advice. — I should heed the advice of the boss.
I had to listen to my boss’s advice when I worked there. — I had to listen to the boss’s advice when I worked there.
I will have to listen to my boss’s advice if I want to work there. — I will need to listen to the boss’s advice if I want to work there.

Would you like to practice using the modal verbs must and have to? Sign up for a practical grammar course.

Difference between must and have to: affirmative form

In the affirmative form, the modal verbs must and have to have several functions that are similar to each other. Nevertheless, each of these verbs has its own shade in meaning and features of use. Let’s take a closer look at the difference between must and have to.

1. Obligation and coercion

   Using the modal verb must, the speaker emphasizes his own belief that something must be done. He is convinced that this is necessary and correct.

   I must finish the report by the end of the week. Otherwise I won’t meet the deadline. — I have to finish the report by the end of the week. Otherwise, I won’t make it on time. (the decision is made independently on the basis of one’s own beliefs)

   Have to is used when external circumstances force us to do something.

   I have to finish the report by the end of the week. My boss will be really mad if I don’t. — I need to finish report by the end of the week. My boss will get very angry if I don’t. (the decision was made under the influence of external factors)

   Let’s look at two more examples that show the difference between must and have to:

   People must stop using plastic bags. There are some more environmentally friendly options for shopping. People should stop using plastic bags . There are more environmentally friendly shopping options.
   I hope that some law will be made soon and people will have to stop using plastic bags. They are so harmful to the environment! — I hope some kind of law will be passed soon and people will have to stop using plastic bags . They are so harmful to the environment!

   In the first example, the emphasis is on the speaker’s personal opinion — he is sure that everyone should stop using plastic bags. The second example shows how external factors can influence the situation. If people stop using plastic bags, it will not be of their own accord, but because the law will force them to.

2. Advice and advice

   Both must and have to can be used when you want to tell someone to do something. Must is a stronger verb and can be used to make strong recommendations. Have to — the verb is softer and does not carry a shade of persistence. But, of course, a lot depends on your intonation and context.

   You really must stop eating fast food. — You really should stop eating fast food .
   You have to try this pasta. It’s so delicious! — You should try this paste . She’s so delicious!

   When you give advice and recommendations, you can use the noun a must (strong recommendation, urgent need).

   When you have children, a big car is a must . — When you have children, a big car — is a necessity .
   English is a must if you want to have a well-paid job. — English — mandatory requirement if you want a well paying job.

   There are also several stable phrases with must:

   • a must-do — what needs to be done;
   • a must-have — something that everyone should have;
   • a must-see

   Visiting Buckingham Palace is a must-do for this trip. — Visit Buckingham Palace — is a must-see item on this trip.
   A little black dress is a must-have for every girl. — Little black dress — then , which should definitely be for every girl.
   This new James Cameron’s film is a must-see . — This new James Cameron movie — is a must-see for .

   When we give advice and recommendations, we can also use the modal verb should (should). The difference between should, must and have to is that should is the least powerful verb, it implies a soft recommendation.

   You must ask for permission. You must ask for permission. (this is required, you have no other choice)
   You should ask for permission. “You should ask for permission. (this is not necessary at all, but it is better to do it)

3. Assumption and Probability

   The modal verb must is used when it is necessary to make an assumption about something. These assumptions should be based on some facts, be a logical conclusion or conclusion. In this case, must is translated into Russian as «should be», «most likely», «probably».

   I saw his car. He must be at work. — I saw his car. Must be , he’s at work.
   It must be him. He has the same black jacket. — This is, most likely , he. He has the same black jacket.

   Please note that when the assumption is expressed in Present Continuous (present continuous), we use the following scheme:

   must + be + the initial form of the main verb with the ending -ing

   The children must be doing their homework now. It’s very quiet. — Children, should be , are doing homework. Very quiet.

   And when the assumption concerns the past, we use Present Perfect (present perfect tense):

   must + have + the third form of the main verb

   They are never late. Something must have happened . — They are never late. Should be , something happened .

   Note that native speakers often abbreviate «must have» to «must’ev» when speaking. Hear how it sounds.

Difference between must and have to: negative form

What is the difference between must and have to in the negative form? These modal verbs take on very different functions.

The negative form must not (mustn’t) is translated as “not allowed”, “forbidden”. Use mustn’t when something is against the rules, laws, or when asking someone not to do something because you think it’s a bad idea.

You must not drive so fast. There is a speed limit. — You can’t go so fast . There is a speed limit here.
You must not be here. This room is only for staff. — You should not be here . This room is for staff only.

The negative form don’t have to expresses the absence of the need to do something. It translates as «no need», «no need». When using don’t have to, there is an opportunity to do something, but there is no need for it, unlike must.

You don’t have to drive so fast. We are not late, don’t worry. — No need to go so fast. We’re not late, don’t worry.
You don’t have to help me. I can do it on my own. — You don’t have to help me . I can handle myself.

Synonym of don’t have to — don’t need to (not necessary).

You don’t have to ( don’t need to ) answer now. take your time. — You don’t need reply now. You can take your time.

The following examples illustrate the difference between must not and don’t have to:

You mustn’t work now. It’s bad for your health. “You are not allowed to work now. This is bad for your health. (the doctor said it was forbidden to work)
You don’t have to work now. We won a lot of money. — Now you don’t have to work . We won a lot of money. (you can work if you want, but it’s not necessary)

Difference between must and have to: interrogative form

What is the difference between must and have to when constructing questions? Most often, the modal verb have to is used in questions. Use it when you want to know if something is really worth doing, if there is a need for it.

Do I really have to buy her flowers? — Do I really need to buy flowers for her?
Will we have to work on weekends? — We are have to work on weekends?

Must in interrogative sentences occurs only in formal speech, this is considered an obsolete form.