Adhesions After C Section

May 7, 2010 by · Leave a Comment 

There are a variety of problems that can arise as a result of a c section delivery, among them is adhesions. Adhesions are fibrous bands that form between tissues and organs. They may be thought of as internal scar tissue.

Many women who have had c-section later experience low back and hip pain. The c-section scar, if untreated can form prominent and internal scar tissue just above the pubic bone. When this scar tissue is thick with adhesions it can pull on  the hip flexors or psoas musscles which originate at the lumbar vertabrae T12-L5 (your lower back). When one hip flexor is hypertonic (having a very high muscular tension) it will typically pull on the lower lumbar spine. As a result pain is experienced, typically either sciatic pain or lower back pain.

Another symptom that has been seen with cesarean moms is that they may have issues with lower digestion such as irritable bowel syndrome or elimination difficulties. Again, the tightening created by the scar tissue pulls within the abdominal cavity and thus affects the organs.

Bottom line, typically the scar tissue that formed after the c-section can tighten and pull the body out of balance and the symptoms of pain in the back really originates in the abdomen.  Fortunately there are solutions that work for most women. First and foremost caring for the scar with daily self massage will soften the tissue dramatically and prevent adhesions. After two months the addition of dry skin brushing will further diminish and heal the scar tissue. Myofascial and craniosacral treatment can also help release any remaining pulling from the scar tissue in the pelvic floor. The hip flexor(s) can then return to balance. Caring for the scar in these ways creates relaxation of the tightened lower abdominal tissue relieving pressure on the low back, and typically avoids potential future problems and pain.

Couple the benefits of such a self care routine with those of binding and you have The Deluxe C Section Recovery Kit. We cared enough to design and make it, please care enough to use it.

  

A video showing how adhesions are treated with laparoscopic keyhole surgery

 

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C-Section Recovery – Sutures Better Than Stitches

April 15, 2010 by · Leave a Comment 

Women may have an easier recovery after a cesarean section if the surgeon uses sutures rather than staples to close the incision. In most  cases staples increase the likelihood of c section recovery problems and can cause unsightly scar healing. You have a right to request sutures, your c section recovery will be aided if you do.

 

 

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Our C Section Recovery Bikini Belt

March 27, 2010 by · Leave a Comment 

This video displays our uniquely designed C Section Recovery Bikini Belt and how easy it is to put on, even in the hospital as we see here. With our soft comfy belly binder you will move with ease and comfort, reduce your pain and swelling and heal faster. If you know you are having a c section delivery, do the smart thing and get your recovery belt in advance so you can take it with you to the hospital.

 

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C Section Recovery – Benefits of Massage & Dry Skin Brushing

March 25, 2010 by · Leave a Comment 

We’ve been really busy recently producing a series of c section recovery videos. This one previews some very simple techniques you can use straight after your cesarean delivery. Our c section recovery and self massage guide has clearly explained and easy to do massage and dry skin brushing techniques for every stage of your c section  recovery.

 

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New Product Helps C Section Incision Recovery

February 8, 2010 by · Leave a Comment 

Here’s a video we found describing a new product to help the c section incision heal better. It’s the kind of thing we find interesting and worth bringing to your attention. There are many ways to make the recovery and healing process from cesarean delivery easier and faster, and all c section moms should know about all of them and have them as options.

The product is called Vitagel. Vitagel Surgical Hemostat is a FDA approved Class III medical device used to control bleeding and facilitate healing while utilizing the patient’s own biology. Vitagel is the only product of its kind to combine microfibrillar collagen and thrombin in combination with the patient’s own plasma (fibrinogen and platelets). This combination produces an effective and safe hemostat by forming a collagen/fibrin scaffold with platelets. Vitagel has been shown to be effective in controlling bleeding during orthopaedic, cardiac, hepatic and general surgical procedures.

You can see the FDA approval page information here.

 

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Your C Section Scar Needs Massage

October 22, 2009 by · Leave a Comment 

After Pregnancy, your abdomen has just undergone tremendous change and it needs all the support it can get. Massaging your c section scar for even a few minutes a day can have a huge benefit. Discuss with your Doctor the different options of closing your incision, with staples, glue or suturing with a disintegrating material.

As you heal, your skin and scar will change, and the feelings around your scar will shift. Many women say they feel afraid to touch their scar and that it feels numb. In fact touching your abdomen after the surgery will help speed healing and reduce the size, feel and look of your scar. Because massaging stimulates the nerve endings it will bring the feelings and the numbness will disappear.

Massaging your c section scar can also help avoid incontinence as well as reduce pain. Massaging your scar helps it to heal faster, and becasue it softens the scar tissue to create a flat smooth scar. Massaging your c section incision helps organize the scar tissue because  regular massage provides compression which increases circulation and connection, stimulating the healing process. Self massage of your healing scar reduces the potential for c section scar adhesions, so consistent touch and massage will help the look and feel of your scar, as well as promote circulation and awareness.

When you avoid touching your incision the tissue can end up being lumpy and discolored. If you feel lumps, chords, numb areas, and have bladder issues, then adhesions may be forming, through the disorganized scar tissue. Tissue fibers a like little pick up sticks, they need to be rolled and organized to optimize cohesion and healing.  Consistent massage and dry skin brushing  for as little as 2-5 minutes a day will make a big difference in your healing. Massage gently and always hold below your scar to avoid it opening. 

The actual scar is much deeper than what you can see, so massage is key, and the longer you massage, the softer the scar and the deeper you can penetrate the abdomen to organize and help deeper levels internally. If you keloid easily,  purchase silica strips or gel to aid in discoloration and scar texture on the surface

You can learn about tissue repair and how to help yourself avoid complications from the C-Section surgery from my self help Scar therapy guide which is available as a downloadable E-Book. You can find it here. The book has over 100 photos in an easy guide to a flatter and healthy scar please.  It’s never too late to work on an old scar!
 
The booklet is available in printed form in the C Section Recovery Kit and the Deluxe version!I encourage you to empower yourself and actively assist the healing of your c section scar using binding, massage and later dry skin brushing too.

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How Dry Skin Brushing Aids C Section Recovery

October 22, 2009 by · Leave a Comment 

After a Cesarean birth, you are going to have a scar, it is after all surgery that cuts through six layers, which cuts superficial nerves and disrupts the  lymphatic flow. Many people feel afraid to touch their incision and some want to ignore that it is there altogether. In part this is from a lack of information. The truth is there are many things you can do to ensure a speedy recovery, minimize complications and create a small smooth scar. One of them is dry skin brushing.
 
Dry skin brushing is an ancient techniques used to decrease infection, remove dead skin, increase circulation and eliminate ingrown hairs in an incision as it heals. Here are seven ways that you can benefit from doing dry skin brushing as part of your c section recovery.

1: Dry skin brushing moves the lymph, which lies in the deep skin layer. Lymph is a major part of our immune system and contains white blood cells called lymphocytes and the interstitial fluid that bathe our cells, bringing our cells nutrients and removing their waste. Our bodies contain more lymph than blood, which demonstrates how important lymph is.
Dry skin brushing moves the lymph containing large proteins and particulate matter that cannot be transported in any other way back into circulatory system. When these proteins are not removed, they attract other fluid, leading to swelling. This is called lymphedema.

2: Dry skin brushing helps reduce ingrown hairs on or around the incision. Ingrown hairs can create more scarring and unsightly blemishes. Consistent skin brushing will reduce and eliminate the ingrown hairs. Many people’s scars feel numb. These  numb feelings can also helped by dry skin brushing through increasing the proprioceptive  response.  ( pro·pri·o·cep·tor – A sensory receptor, found chiefly in muscles, tendons, joints, and the inner ear, that detects the motion or position of the body or a limb by responding to stimuli arising within the organism.)
3: Dry brushing stimulates the skins oil glands, helping the skin stay healthy and perform one o fit’s main functions. The skin is your body’s largest organ. When improperly maintained, the elimination duties of the skin are forced upon the kidneys.

4: Dry Brushing tightens the skin by increasing the flow of blood which, in turn moves toxins and accelerates healing. Our bodies make a new top layer of skin every 24 hours – skin brushing removes the old top layer, allowing the clean new layer to come to the surface, resulting in softer, smoother skin and therefore a softer smoother scar. Dry skin brushing flakes off the outer layer of skin, which has been tested and found to contain uric acid, which is highly toxic.

5: Dry Brushing tones the muscles. Dry skin brushing helps muscle tone by stimulating the nerve endings which causes the individual muscle fibers to activate and move. Obviously this is of great benefit to the recovery muscles of your abdomen.
 
6: Dry brushing stimulates circulation. Did you know your skin breathes? And yet, in most people, this vital route of detoxification is operating far below its capacity, because it is clogged with dead skin cells and the un-removed waste excreted through perspiration. Dry skin brushing increases circulation to skin, encouraging your body’s discharge of metabolic wastes. Increased blood flow begins entering the areas brushed.
 
7: Dry brushing improves the function of the nervous system–Dry skin brushing rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin.

Because of all these benefits we include a dry skin brush with both our C Section Recovery Kit and our Deluxe C section Recovery Kit as well as the self care Hemming Scar Therapy Guide. Remember to follow our guide, and only skin brush on the incision line after the 2nd or 3rd month post surgery. It feels great, and remember - Brush when you are DRY.

 

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C Section Support Belts & Belly Binding

October 9, 2009 by · 1 Comment 

Binding is an ancient tool for C Section birth and post partum abdominal support. Compression brings fibers together, reduces swelling and tearing and at the same time offers some protection for the incision. Soft abdominal binders help support the changing body through pregnancy, vaginal delivery & Cesarean Section recovery.

You deserve support and protection at this special time, but the ancient healing art of binding is less well known today as i discovered after my own emergency c section. During pregnancy abdominal binders support the weight of the baby and the body, and reduces the load on the skin and stretched out abdominal muscles. If there isn’t enough support or silica/elastic properties to the skin, stretch marks can happen.

Cesarean Section birth requires special recovery care, as surgery is stressful,painful and now a new baby requires your loving attention. Binding will reduce your pain and scar, and make it easier to get out of bed.

Binding will protect and support your incision before rolling over to get out of bed. Compression supports your abdomen so it doesn’t feel like your insides are going to fall out, and will reduce scar tissue. Many women do not realize that The doctor cut into 6 layers inside the abdomen, and then stretched open the muscles. With binding you avoid the feeling of feeling unsupported, vulnerable to gravity and afraid to move.

It is the fascia that surrounds the muscles which is cut, and then the 6 layers are sutured (sewn) back. For any birth, the uterus and intestines also benefit from support, as it shrinks and moves back into place.

Of course do not do anything that is painful,  and please be mindful to not wrap yourself too tightly. It is about support, not strangulation or cutting off blood supply. Being gentle and easy with yourself during these first months will help you heal better for later on, when life gets busier.

Binding also supports organs to go back to their original size and location.
Bladder, intestinal and reproductive complications can arise from a c-section or other abdominal surgeries. The support of binding means less tearing, which means less scar tissue, inside and out. Less scar tissue means more comfort and fewer secondary complications and a better looking scar. With belly binding you can avoid the tearing and infections that lead to possible abdominal adhesions, painful periods, and a lumpy scar.

Our uniquely designed C Section Bikini Belt does not contain elastic making it perfect for immediate use after c section birth or other abdominal surgery. We designed it to be as adjustable as possible to allow you to find the perfect binding pressure and adjust it as you heal. We then came up with the detachable support strap, which does contain elastic, for another level of fully adjustable support, font or back.

The Hem It In Belt is great for post vaginal delivery, laparoscopic abdominal surgery, or about 2 weeks after the cesarean, when you want more compression and support. The cotton covered elastic provides firm support when you are getting back to your daily routine, or just going to the car with baby. After incising through the 6 layers,our muscles were stretched open to get the baby out, so holding them close is a good thing.
Let AbdoMend™ bring you back to your sexy shape.

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