A C-section is MAJOR abdominal surgery. Full stop.... Yet many women are sent home expected to care for a newborn as if nothing happened!? Here's what our osteopaths want you to know about recovering well...
Why C-section recovery takes longer than you think
A caesarean involves several layers: skin, fat, fascia and the uterus. Your skin may heal relatively quickly, but the deeper tissues take much longer. So even when your scar looks healed, your body is still recovering underneath.
Like any birth, the 6 week check is medical clearance, not full recovery. Most women are still recovering at 3 to 6 months. You can see what's happening at each stage in our postpartum recovery timeline.
What to keep in mind
Scar mobility matters
As your scar heals, the tissue around it can become tight and stuck down. Once it's fully healed and your healthcare provider is happy, gentle scar massage can help keep the area moving.
Core reconnection is still important
Your abdominal muscles have been stretched through pregnancy and then affected by surgery. Gentle, gradual core work helps them reconnect. Start small: a slow exhale while gently drawing your lower tummy in.
Your pelvic floor still needs an assessment
Even without a vaginal birth, your pelvic floor has been under load for nine months. A pelvic floor assessment is just as valuable after a C-section.
Compression can support you
Gentle compression gives external support to your abdominal wall while it heals. Our postpartum tights and shorts have no front seams, so there's nothing sitting on your incision, and RepairWear® panels support your core and lower back.
Reduce the load where you can
Lifting, carrying and getting in and out of bed all load your healing tummy. A few things help:
- Roll onto your side to get out of bed.
- Sit down to feed and keep what you need within reach.
- Take short periods of horizontal rest through the day.
- Accept help with meals, washing and older children.
Be patient with yourself
Healing from surgery while caring for a newborn is a lot. If you're thinking "shouldn't I feel better by now?", you're not behind. Recovery takes months, and it isn't a straight line!
This article is general information from our osteopaths and isn't a substitute for individual advice. Follow your surgeon's and midwife's guidance, and contact them if you notice redness, heat, discharge or increasing pain around your wound.
