C-Section Recovery: Tips You’ll Need

Are planning on a cesarean section, or recently had one? Today I’m going to share a few little-known tips for your c-section recovery, to make it the easiest it can be and so you can get back to the work of being a mom.

Before we get started, if you haven’t had your surgery yet, grab my cesarean tips right here:

Scar Mobilization

The thing I see most often (especially in people who’ve had multiple cesareans) is a LOT of scar tissue. I imagine that can make it difficult to move — and heal.

It isn’t to be started until AFTER your six week check-up with your provider, but after that you’re just moving the skin and the scar so that that tissues stays more mobile and doesn’t allow as much scar tissue to build up. I thought this article from My Expert Midwife was super helpful about it.

Obviously, ask your provider about doing it before you start — but I think it could be really helpful, and I don’t see a lot of people talking about it.

If you feel like your body just isn’t healing as well as you’d like, or you’re not able to move like you did before I think it’s smart to ask for a physical therapy consult. In just a few visits they can give you some exercises (like that mobilization) to help your core and pelvic floor!

Want more tips about physical therapy check out these articles:

• Let’s talk pelvic floor physical therapy
• Should You Pee in the Shower with Physical Therapist Ashlie Crewe
• What To Do If You’re Miserable At The End Of Your Pregnancy
• 6 Easy Ways To Get Relief From Hip Pain During Pregnancy
• Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction with Physical Therapist Ashlie Crewe

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Cold

This one is for soon after surgery — when that incision is painful.

I have had multiple people tell me how great a cold pack on the scar felt great. You can even grab some easy ones for home right here (and reusable ones here).

You can always ask the hospital for a cold pack to put on there. You’ll want to be SURE to put something between the cold pack and your skin (don’t place it directly on your skin) so ask your nurse for help.

Often, we’re so busy putting cold packs on vaginal deliveries they may forget one for you — but it can help!

Sometimes light heat (I love a microwavable pack) can feel nice too).

You might be wondering which is better, and in general I think whichever one feels better for YOU is best.

Note: Only have these packs on for 20 minutes at a time and then remove — I’d only have it on a few times/day. It’s important that your scar not be covered too often — it needs the air to help it to dry! Ask your provider if you have any questions, or want to do it more frequently.

It is NOT good for your scar to be in a warm, moist environment frequently…..

Gum

One of the harder parts of your cesarean recovery is getting you bowels up and running. You may be taking some extra narcotics which can also slow things down.

Chewing on gum can help your intestines get going because your extra saliva tells them to get a move-on.

While we USED to only allow you to eat clear liquids in the hospital until your bowels were moving (not so much anymore) I would encourage you to eat lightly until you feel like your bowels and stomach are moving a little more regularly.

Nurses are the ones who see these bowel issues frequently, which is why you want to get prepped for a cesarean with a nurse, for sure!

Up & Walking

I know a lot of patients find it crazy how soon we have you up and walking after your cesarean. Most hospitals remove that catheter from 4-12 hours after delivery and want you up walking at that point.

It seems counter-intuitive because walking won’t feel great – but it WILL help your body heal better. So, get up and walk. Ask for pain meds if you need them, but getting up to move will be in your best interest.

A little-known complaint after a cesarean is shoulder pain (talk all about why in here), but movement helps even that — as it will help your body to absorb the extra air in that area.

I’m NOT saying to over-do it — but I AM saying to move. The baby bassinet can be a nice “walker” as you get going too.

If you have ANY issues moving, ask your nurse — she will likely have some tips to make it easier (easier ways to get out of bed, or lift your knees, etc).

High-Waisted Undies

Your scar will be right at the “bikini” line which is often where underwear slices into you. SO, make SURE you get some high waisted undies — like these.

While we’re at it, most people prefer a “gown” or “housecoat” to recover in vs pants (although some people like pants too — so try what works for you). I have a bunch of tips in my postpartum pajamas post on what to wear — so be sure to check that post out.

Binder

A lot of people love a binder (sort of like a girdle) that holds things in the first time you get up after the cesarean.

I would encourage you to NOT get reliant on it though. I love it for the first few days — but you abs need to start taking over the heavy lifting soon so you can get on the road to recovery.

I’ve also had patients hate them — they made them too hot and they were annoyed by them. I know a lot of people think they’re amazing, but I think it’s important to know both sides on that one.

Once again — lots of experience with a LOT of patients is always the key to getting prepared!

Bonus for Pushers

Did you push before they had you have a c-section? In that case your “downtown” could still be swollen — so be sure to check out my article on taking care of your bottom for more tips for THAT area. Also hugs to you, that is NOT a fun recovery — you are doing a great job!

There is a LOT to recovering for a c-section and it is best learned by someone who has a LOT of experience with a lot of different moms recovering from a cesarean. Getting prepped for it all in advance is one of the smartest things you can do. Come join me in The Online Prenatal Class for Couples — your all-in-one stop for getting prepared for the rest of pregnancy, labor, birth and life after baby!

If you want info JUST on C-sections I did take out the cesarean section chapter out of my class (sadly, it doesn’t have information on recovery though — that comes in other chapters — which is why I recommend the full class).