Originally published on June 4, 2024 by Vital Physiotherapy & Wellness, now part of the Bravella Health network. Original author: Vital Staff.
Birth is beautiful and magical but requires physical recovery and support. Cesarean births involve major abdominal surgery and, just like with any pregnancy, your pelvic floor and core muscles need time and support to fully heal.[1]
Here are some early post-Cesarean birth tips to ensure you feel your best:
📍REST! Even if you feel amazing, take the time to let your body heal
📍Keep your incision scar clean, but avoid direct massage on the tissue until the scar is healed[2]
📍Mentally unpack the feelings around your c-section. All feelings, even the icky ones, are valid and need to be processed.[3]
📍Pay attention to the words you use to describe your experience and body! Cesarean births are births and should be celebrated! If you are finding this challenging for you, try using objective, observational words instead of judgemental or comparative ones.
Once you have given yourself permission to heal physically and emotionally, your pelvic floor physiotherapist will be here to support you through postpartum rehabilitation, abdominal rehabilitation, scar massage, and more! Book your postpartum reassessment ahead of time so you can rest assured knowing that Vital Physiotherapy’s got your back![3]
References
- Sandall J, Tribe RM, Avery L, et al. Short-term and long-term effects of caesarean section on the health of women and children. Lancet. 2018;392(10155):1349-1357. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31930-5
- Shin TM, Bordeaux JS. The role of massage in scar management: a literature review. Dermatol Surg. 2012;38(3):414-423. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.02201.x
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Optimizing postpartum care: ACOG Committee Opinion No. 736. Obstet Gynecol. 2018;131(5):e140-e150. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002633
