Early Days of C-Section Recovery: What to Expect & Essential Healing Tips
Early Days of C-Section Recovery: What to Expect & Essential Healing Tips
Whether your C-section was planned or unexpected, recovering from a cesarean birth is a unique journey. The early days as a new mum can feel overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and mentally. But knowing what to expect and how to care for yourself can ease the transition and promote healing.
In this post, I break down what the early days after a C-section really feel like, and share some essential tips to help you recover smoothly in the early days.
What to Expect in the Early Days After a C-Section
1. Pain and Discomfort:The incision site will feel sore, and your core muscles—used in nearly every movement—will be tender. Pain typically peaks in the first 3–5 days and is managed with prescribed medications.
2. Pain in shoulders: You can get dsicomfort in the shoulders as air moves about following the surgery. Peppermint tea and chewing gum can help.
3. Limited Mobility: You’ll be encouraged to get up and move within 24 hours after surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots. But walking, standing, and sitting can be challenging initially.
4 Swelling and Bleeding: You may have abdominal swelling and vaginal bleeding (lochia) just like after a vaginal birth. This is normal and gradually decreases over a few weeks.
5. Emotional Ups and Downs: Fluctuating hormones, sleep deprivation, and the reality of major surgery can trigger emotional changes. Be gentle with yourself, and reach out for help if you feel overwhelmed. Limit visitors so you have to heal and rest.
Essential C-Section Recovery Tips
1. Prioritize Pain Management
Don’t try to tough it out. Consistently taking your prescribed or recommended over-the-counter medications (like ibuprofen or parcetomol) helps keep pain under control and allows you to move and care for your baby. Set an alarm on your phone to help you remember when to take them. If takeing codine make sure you have plenty of water, fruit & veg to avaoid constipation.
2. Move Gently but Often
While rest is essential, so is gentle movement. Walking around the room a few times a day helps prevent blood clots, supports digestion, and speeds up healing. Take it slow, use support when needed, and listen to your body.
4. Breathe Deeply and Mindfully
Practice breathing deeply into your ribcage rather than shallow chest breaths. This wide, diaphragmatic breathing helps stimulate lymphatic flow, which supports your body’s natural detox process, reduces swelling, and promotes healing from within.
5. Support Your Incision
Your abdominal muscles are recovering from surgery and may feel unstable. When you cough, sneeze, or laugh, hold a pillow against your incision for support. This can minimize discomfort and reduce pressure on the healing site.
6. Nourish and Hydrate
Your body needs nutrients to repair itself. Focus on protein-rich foods, fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lots of water. Staying hydrated helps with milk supply (if breastfeeding), energy levels, and bowel movements.
7. Ask for and Accept Help
You just had major surgery and brought a new human into the world. Accepting help from loved ones—whether it’s holding the baby, doing laundry, or preparing meals—gives you the rest you need to heal. Don’t hesitate to communicate your needs.
8. Try to Sleep Flat on Your Back
Getting good sleep is essential for healing. If possible, aim to sleep flat on your back with a pillow placed under your knees for support. This position helps reduce tension around the incision area and may prevent scar tissue from becoming tight or restricted. Try to avoid curling up in a fetal position, as scar tissue can form more stuck together.
9. Tie a rope/dressing gown
Tie a dressing down belt or rope to bed frame/door handle which is clost to your bed to use for support when standing. Remember to exhale and lift your pelvic floor when you stand.
Final Thoughts
C-section recovery is not a race. Every body heals at its own pace, and your experience is valid, no matter how it compares to others’. Give yourself permission to rest, set boundaries, and focus on recovery. You created life and underwent surgery—you deserve all the care and support you can get.
Have questions or your own recovery tips to share? Drop them in the comments below!
To find out more about how I can support you with C-Section Scar Massage & Personal training in your C-Section Recovery click here