Although they are quite common, a c-section is still seen as major abdominal surgery, whereby several layers of tissue are cut to allow your baby to be born. It is normal to experience some pain during the first few weeks when recovering and each woman’s experience will be different.  With good movement and rest, recovery can be a little easier. Ensure you listen to your body and take breaks when needed. Here are some simple tips to help your recovery:

1. How to sit up in bed: 

2. How to get out of bed in hospital: 

3. Get moving the next day.

4. Brace your abdominals with a pillow or your hands when you have to cough or sneeze.

5. Avoid lifting heavy things for the first 6 weeks.

6. Recovery shorts

7. Gentle deep core activation exercises

8. Scar massage

To Continue Your C-Section Recovery…

Our Women’s Health Physiotherapist recommends all women have a check-up 6 weeks after the birth of their baby. In this we will cover:

• Abdominal separation & core rehabilitation

• Scar Massage

• Bladder health assessment

• Pelvic Floor Assessment (via realtime ultrasound or internal vaginal examination if indicated)

• Pelvis/ musculoskeletal assessment

• Return to exercise guidance

Every woman’s experience is unique and therefore, an individualised approach is essential for optimal recovery. If you were to have surgery on a knee or hip, you would expect to have weeks of intensive rehabilitation. As mothers, it is just as important that we have the best possible care to look after ourselves and our babies.