I never expected to have a c-section. And never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would have two c-sections. And I 100% never anticipated getting a post c section yeast infection.
My guess is most women who experience birth via c-section didn’t expect to ever be in that situation. And most of us are probably sorely underprepared for c-section recovery.
I know I was. Hey, if I’m honest, after my first baby I wasn’t prepared for any sort of postpartum recovery, let alone recovery from major surgery. I was just trying to keep my head above water as a sleep-deprived new mom.
And suddenly I’m also recovering from surgery? It was not my finest hour.
C-Section Recovery
But I learned a lot. Most c section moms kind of become c section experts after all of the late-night research they do. Which is why I find The C Section Recovery Blueprint to be extra handy- all of the answers to your c section recovery questions in one place.
Because I don’t know about you, but all I wanted to know after my c-section was when I was going to start feeling better. (Yes, The C Section Recovery Blueprint even talks about this!)
But there’s one little tidbit I’ve been holding back.
Because it’s kind of a little embarrassing. And I’m not one to embarrass easily. But when I think about my c-section recoveries this tip could have really helped me if I had known in advance.
The one thing you have to watch out for during c-section recovery is……..a post c section yeast infection.
I’m talking the monster of all yeast infections.
And I’m not talking your run of the mill, run to the store and get a 3-day cream, yeast infection. I’m talking a “holy smokes this itches like crazy it can’t be just a yeast infection” kind of yeast infection.
It was the mother of all yeast infections. TMI…I know. But when you’re in it you’re just crossing your fingers someone else has been there too!
How does a yeast infection after a c-section even happen?
That’s what I wanted to know. Because you just pulled the baby directly from my uterus, so how in the world do I have an infection in my vagina?
Well, it’s because of the broad spectrum antibiotics most women receive during cesarean delivery in order to ward off infection.
According to WebMD, antibiotics will give off both good and bad bacteria in your body. Which is great for preventing infections.
But the good bacteria in your body keeps the yeast infection. Less good bacteria = more yeast. And more yeast can equal one heck of a vaginal yeast infection.
The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can be a common cause of yeast infections and that is how I developed my yeast infections after both of my c-secitons.
What if i get a post c section yeast infection?
remember, I am not a medical professional. I am sharing anecdotal advice based off of my personal experience and the research I have performed. This content should not be taken as medical advice; if you have medical questions please seek the advice of a medical professional.
Ok, I’ve warned you to be on the lookout out for a post c section yeast infection. And now you want to know what to do in case you get one. Here’s my best advice:
Increase good bacteria in your diet: think fermented foods like yogurt or kambucha, introducing good bacteria into your diet can certainly help. If you are having a scheduled c-section I recommend introducing these foods about one week before your cesarean delivery and continuing to eat them for at least 1-2 weeks post c-section.
Call your doctor right way: Remember not to introduce anything into your vagina immediately following birth – and that’s true even though you’ve had a c-section. So if you do get a yeast infection call your doctor right away.
Change your maxi-pad frequently: this is kind of self-explanatory but you’ll want to keep the area as clean as possible. Keeping yourself vagina and a c section scar go a long way in preventing infections: particularly a c section yeast infection.
Purchase an anti-itch cream: you can get these at any drug store or grocery store, you can also ask your doctor for a stronger cream if the store ones aren’t cutting it for you. Remember that a cream won’t heal the yeast infection but it will provide some much needed relief.
Purchase postpartum spray: after a c-section it didn’t even occur to me to have postpartum spray or numbing spray on hand (I actually didn’t even know things like this existed at that time!) but both of these would have helped tremendously to ease my pain/discomfort I was experiencing as a result of the yeast infection.
