12 yrs, 9 mths ago

Post C-Section ailments

hey everyone. I had my 2nd ceasar 4 months ago and am really struggling with dehydration. ever since my skin is super dry, my hair, just my entire being is dehydrated. I don’t seem to be able to quench my bodies thirst. Here are some thing i am doing to counter it but nothing is really helping at the moment. here goes:
Drink 1.5 – 2 litres of water p/day including at least 1 drink of hydralite (dehydration drink
heavy duty face creams
before drying i smother my body in massage oil then pat dry then use cream
moisturise my hands at every nappy change
fish oil tablets x 4 per day
hair mask 2 -3 times per week
exfoliate 2 times per week
any other suggestions? maybe i just have to wait it out, i never had this at all with my first so i’m a bit lost as to what to do. I’m also going to post this in skin care.

4 comments 32 voices

Replies

  • 12 yrs, 8 mths ago

    thanks Mel and bs i appreciate your help.
    my bubs were beginning sept and beginning march so pretty similar in terms of climate here in Bris. i think i’ve just reacted differently. i’ll keep you posted on the recovery of my skin.

    Your welcome, good luck darl 🙂 Keep up with all that water too, it can only help 🙂

  • 12 yrs, 9 mths ago

    thanks Mel and bs i appreciate your help.
    my bubs were beginning sept and beginning march so pretty similar in terms of climate here in Bris. i think i’ve just reacted differently. i’ll keep you posted on the recovery of my skin.

  • 12 yrs, 9 mths ago

    Are you breast feeding? I had a Caesar and didn’t notice and skin dehydration issues though in hospital one of the midwives forced me to drink 2x 600ml bottles of water in about 15 minutes a few hours before my catheter was due to be taken out. I think she wanted to get me rehydrated without the hassle of having to get up and go to the toilet!

    I ask about breast feeding because that made me intensely thirsty. Normally I hardly drink any water but was downing a 600ml bottle st every feed.

    What time of the year was your first bub born compared with the second? Maybe it’s a combo of being in aircon heating, the Caesar and breast feeding that is knocking your body about.

    You could try having a bath with oats in it. Get around 1/2 cup of oats and tie them up (tightly do they cant get out) in any kind of fine material – muslin cloth is best but whatever you can find is fine – even a (clean!) chux wipe should work and chuck it in the bath whilst it is running. Give it a few squeezes to get the oaty goodness out and then bathe in that. If your bub likes long baths bring them in to kill 2 birds with one stone as it would be great and gentle for their skin. If you don’t have a bath you can use it in the shower – just rub it all over your body. If you do have a bath, and are bathing alone, maybe get some jojoba oil and chuck it in to really coat your skin with some gorgeous moisturising oil. When you get out smother yourself in moisturiser like you have been.

    Maybe exfoliate your skin less – this might be irritating your skin? Try going a week without exfoliating to see if that helps? That is if you are using a harsh exfoliant – if it’s just a shower puff that should be fine.

  • 12 yrs, 9 mths ago

    I have not had a C-Section myself and this is news to me that it has caused such a rotten bout of dehydration 🙁
    Anyway I have researched dehydration before and should be easily able to source some info that might be helpful. When I was looking just now I saw this:
    Apparently, you know you’re well-hydrated if you void large volumes of pale urine at least six times a day. How’s things in that department? Guessing OK, looking at the amount of water your already drinking.
    Although sufficient water intake is critical in maintaining metabolism, it will not by itself correct existing surface dehydration.

    Internal:
    Ensure your body is not deficient in B vitamins, iron or essential fatty acids, all of which can cause some of the symptoms you are experiencing.
    Vitamin A is also important for skin health. Ensure that your diet includes vitamin A rich ingredients like carrots, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, whole grains and legumes.
    Its important to include in your diet the right fats for cell metabolism etc such as cod liver oil, cold pressed organic virgin olive oil, coconut oil, fresh cold-water fish like salmon, and avocado’s.
    You also need to get a good amount of vitamin E and protein in your diet.
    You can also have a vitamin rich juice made up of 1 tbsp. of water cress, carrot and spinach juice, 2 tbsp. wheat germ oil, one glass of tomato juice, and 1 tbsp. of nutritional yeast.
    Drinking coconut water is very useful for dehydrated skin.

    External
    Try keeping a hydrating facial mist on hand and spritz during the day as required, my favourite is Esthederm Cellular Water Spray and just looked up and see they also have a Cellular Water Cream, which could be ideal and Esthederm also have a Hydra System range especially for dehydrated skin. This brand is one I feel confident in recommending, although its expensive, it’s very effective.
    You can also make your own facial spritz using your knowledge of essential oils, some of which have hydrating properties which wont alone combat the problem but will definitely help.
    Coconut oil makes a great dry skin moisturiser.
    The best moisturisers for dry skin should be oil-in-water emulsions containing natural moisturising factors such as amino acids, glucose or electrolytes. Protective creams with high lipid content and humectants containing glycerin or sorbitol are ideal. Keep in mind a moisturiser that includes glycerin, dimethicone & hyaluronic acid in its base.
    Try a coconut oil deep conditioning mask for your hair, or even jojoba oil, to nourish and treat dry, damaged hair and lock in moisture, apply at least once a week.
    Wash hair less often if possible.
    Try using a humidifier in your bedroom when you sleep if the air could be contributing to the dehydration.
    Lastly avoid things that can exasperate it such as hot showers, acne medication, face scrubs, foaming cleansers, alcohol-based cleansers and soap with alkaline will all rob your skin of moisture.

    Well that was a bit of an essay haha, anyway hope at least some ideas might be of use or worth a try, got carried away looking at some pages and kept finding more info, lol;)
    Keep us posted on how you get on 🙂

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