All four of my births were C-sections, but if I knew then what I know now, I would have had four vaginal births—more than likely at home. If you want to know more about why, check out my post on why I broke up with my OB-GYN and hired a doula.
Recovering from a C-section can be a challenging experience, both physically and emotionally. Your body has gone through major abdominal surgery, and healing takes time. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate postpartum recovery after a C-section.
Take It Slow—You’ve Had Major Surgery
A C-section is a major procedure, and your body needs time to heal. Don’t rush to get back to your pre-pregnancy self. I remember mourning the fact that I couldn’t drive, but looking back, I wish I had embraced being chauffeured around. Your body is doing the hard work of healing, so allow yourself rest and support.
Focusing on your recovery isn’t lazy. Don’t compare your C-section recovery to that of your friends who had vaginal births. A C-section cuts through multiple layers of skin, muscle, and tissue, and full recovery can take up to a year. Give yourself grace and take the time you need to heal properly.
Get Outside for Fresh Air
Even if it’s just for a few minutes a day, stepping outside can help your mental and physical health. Sunlight provides vitamin D, which is essential for both you and your baby. A short walk or sitting outside with your newborn can boost your mood and help prevent feelings of isolation. Fresh air and movement can do wonders for your well-being during postpartum recovery.
Sleeping in a Recliner Can Help
You don’t realize how much you use your abdominal muscles until they’re sore from surgery. Sitting up, getting in and out of bed, and even picking up your baby can be painful. Sleeping in a recliner during the first few weeks can make it easier to get up multiple times a night to feed and care for your newborn. A supportive pillow behind your back and under your arms can also help reduce strain on your incision.
Prioritize Rest and Support
Caring for a newborn while recovering from surgery can be overwhelming. Accept help from family and friends. My husband’s support during my postpartum journeys was invaluable. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks and focus on your recovery.
In many countries, mothers take extended postpartum recovery periods. For example, in Sweden, new mothers receive up to 16 months of paid parental leave, and in Japan, it’s common for women to spend the first month postpartum resting at home with family support. In contrast, the U.S. offers little to no paid maternity leave, making it even more essential to create your own postpartum support system.
One great way to lighten the load during postpartum recovery is to hire a postpartum doula. A doula provides emotional and physical support, assists with newborn care, helps with meal prep, and ensures that you are resting and recovering properly. Having a postpartum doula can make a huge difference in allowing you to focus on healing while still meeting the needs of your baby.
Move Around, But Listen to Your Body
Doctors often recommend getting up and moving around to assist with healing and to prevent your scar from becoming stiff. Light walking can help with circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. However, if you start feeling pain, that’s a sign you’ve overdone it and need to rest. Healing is a delicate balance between movement and recovery—listen to what your body is telling you.
A C-Section is Not a Failure
If you had an emergency C-section, it’s natural to have mixed emotions about your birth experience. You may feel disappointed, frustrated, or even like you failed. But let me reassure you—having a C-section does not make you any less of a mother. You still birthed a baby, and you are here to celebrate that! Your strength and resilience brought your child into the world safely, and that is something to be proud of.
Manage Pain and Discomfort
Over-the-counter pain medication can help, but also consider alternative methods like:
- Warm compresses for muscle aches
- Gentle abdominal support bands to reduce pressure on your incision
- Light walking to improve circulation and prevent blood clots
Don’t Ignore Signs from Your Body
I learned firsthand how important it is to listen to your body after a C-section. After my daughter’s birth in 2013, I noticed my wound was bleeding even though it was wrapped. I ended up needing wound care for six weeks, with my husband packing the wound twice a day with Dakin’s solution. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth around the incision, or unusual discharge.
Emotional Healing is Just as Important
It’s common to experience feelings of sadness or frustration after a C-section, especially if it wasn’t part of your birth plan. Give yourself permission to grieve the experience you expected and embrace the journey you’re on.
If the sadness lingers and you begin having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please seek help. Postpartum depression is real, and you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to a therapist or counselor if these feelings persist. Your mental health is just as important as your physical recovery.
When to Seek Medical Help
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Persistent pain or swelling around the incision
- Fever or chills
- Heavy bleeding
- Foul-smelling discharge
Oils That Assist in Healing Your Scar
Once your incision is fully healed, natural remedies can help with scar recovery:
- Vitamin E oil: Helps reduce the appearance of scars and promotes skin regeneration.
- Coconut oil: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and moisturizing effects.
- Aloe vera gel: Soothes and hydrates the skin.
Gently massage these oils onto your scar to improve blood flow and reduce stiffness. Always check with your doctor before starting any new treatments.
Final Thoughts
Recovering from a C-section takes time and patience. Listen to your body, lean on your support system, and allow yourself the grace to heal both physically and emotionally. You’re not alone in this journey.
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