Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, C-section, and more.

If you’re planning a fertility or OBGYN surgery, here’s what you need to set yourself up for a swift and more comfy recovery. This information is based on my notes from my own surgery and I hope you find it helpful — that’s the Life Healing Life of it all!

Gather TLC supplies.

I recommend getting as many of the following options ahead of time depending on what feels appropriate and appealing to you.

• Weighted eye-pillow calms the nervous system and helps with naps

• Miralax / Colase because surgery slows down the bowels

• Liquid Floradix iron supplement for rebuilding after blood loss

• TENS unit for pain management, pelvic circulation for recovery, and more

• Ice packs and battery-powered heated blanket

• Plum Flower Herbs Great Mender formula for healing tissue trauma if you get an okay from your providers

• Brown or white noise app

• Pre and post surgery meditations — try Nancy Hopps or Bellaruth Naperstek

• Aromatherapy you find soothing

• Audiobooks for listening to with your eyes closed

• Silicone scar tape or sheets once stitches are out and wound has closed

• Knee wedge pillow plus extra comfy pillows

• Nausea wrist bands if you tend to get queasy

• Extra big pants with a loose waistband if you’ll have incisions on your abdomen

This next suggestion isn’t DIY, but ask your care team about transverse abdominis pain blocks — aka TAP Blocks. This is a well-studied fabulous alternative to opiates for post-operative abdominal pain. Meta analysis shows they are less addictive, provide better pain management, and can cause less nausea and grogginess.

Adjust your options based on your own preferences, specific surgery, location, time of year — you name it! Get customized and add whatever will make your recovery set-up feel extra relaxing and calm. I added candles, flowers, and some mantra cards. You might want a humidifier, fan, luxurious lip balm and lotion. You do you!

Make a plan to lay low.

It can be hard to lay low and relax for more than a day or two, but healing is taxing. So do your best to honor that and rest, rest, rest. Take some time off work. Take naps. Skip the gym and try a mellow walk instead. It’s WAY better to fully chill out and heal up-front than drag out your recovery and suffer set-backs.

“Rest isn’t a reward for the work; it’s part of the work.”
- Leesa Renee Hall

If you need some encouragement and inspiration on the importance of rest and recovery, check out some further reading at the end of this post.

Power your recovery.

Easy-to-digest nourishing foods are great for healing. If you’re nauseated start slow. Add Jell-o or gelatin (makes my inner eight year old happy), bone broth for collagen and nutrients, light soups, dumplings, or congees.

It’s okay if you’re craving cold too. It’s all about listening to your unique body. If ice water or popsicles sound appealing — go for it! But if you aren’t craving cold, try to stick with cooked and warm foods and drinks.

And say an enthusiastic ‘yes’ if friends and family offer to drop off food, cook for you, or give you a gift card. Easy meals that are from your support network are great medicine!

Stay Hydrated with Healing Teas

Ginger for nausea or chills — call your clinic right away if you have a fever
Raspberry Leaf for uterine cramps or pain
Peppermint for bloating, stomach aches, headaches
Chamomile for anxiety, sleep, rest

Not a tea, but Green Juice plus Miralax in a small shot glass can be a nice boost if you’re constipated too.

Simple Healing Congee Recipe

• Cook 1 cup oatmeal, rice, or other simple grain with 4 to 7 cups water or broth for a long time until the grain is very soft and soupy. Add more liquid as needed until the grains start to shred and look like thin porridge.

• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later!

You can serve it with additional toppings:

Sweet: Walnuts, dried fruit, berries, cinnamon, ginger, brown sugar, milk of choice, yogurt, etc.

Savory: Poached or scrambled eggs, scallions, kimchi, nuts, shredded meat, beans, herbs, steamed veggies, salt and pepper, miso, soy sauce, etc.

Using a TENS unit for pain and recovery.

TENS treatments are non-invasive, cost-effective, fantastic ways to decrease pain, promote pelvic circulation, calm the nervous system, and more. All in the comfort of your own bed! To dive into specific acupressure and TENS treatment lessons sign-up for my free DIY Acupressure Guide. It has a glossary for all kinds of symptoms.

In addition to the points in that guide, you can always add local treatment over the abdomen or lower back. Just avoid putting TENS pads directly over or across incisions and follow the directions for safety. If you have incisions on your abdomen, a great technique is to use it on your back!

TENS units can be easily purchased online for under $100. I use the CUREVE brand myself — and please know I don’t make any money from them. But you can use the code TBYW10 to get 10% off their site. I use my TENS for muscle tension, cramps, headaches, and more. They’re a great investment!

TENS unit settings to try:

• 2 - 4 Hz — Releases beta endorphins for relaxation and ACTH to decrease inflammation

• 10 - 15 Hz — Releases Enkaphalin for pain inhibition

• 40 Hz — Inhibits Substance P to decrease pain

• 50 Hz — Generates stem cells for healing

• 80 Hz — Improves pelvic circulation and GABA to promote healing and decrease anxiety

• 100 Hz — Releases Dynorphin for emotional balance, pain management, and stress reduction

• 200 Hz — Increases serotonin for antidepressant effect

• 300 Hz — Releases Acetylcholine for moving into rest and digest mode

Wishing you a smooth surgery and speedy recovery!

Nicole

FURTHER READING

Why Are We So Bad at Getting Better? is a great 2023 New Yorker article about the importance of rest for recovery

Recovery: The Lost Art of Convalescence is a fabulous book to read before or listen to during your re-cooperation

The First 40 Days - The Essential Art of Nourishing a New Mother is an amazing book for recovering from childbirth with or without a cesarean

The “Mother” Lode is my very own getting ready for birth and postpartum blog post and suggestions list

Nicole Lange

LICENSED ACUPUNCTURIST
HOLISTIC FERTILITY EDUCATOR