Healing After a C-Section

The first days after a C-section can be hard. Your body and your emotions go through many changes during the postpartum period, and your body will also be healing from the C-section surgery. You may:

• Feel pain at the C-section site, or when you change your position, cough, or hold your baby. Medicine can help reduce your pain.
• Have gas pain, or feel constipated.
• Need help with breastfeeding. Your surgery might make it hard to hold your baby at first. BMC has lactation consultants who can help you figure out ways to hold your baby that are comfortable, both while you are in the hospital and so you are ready when you go home. Hand expression is an important way to help your body make more milk.
• Have mixed emotions about having a C-section. You might feel happy and relieved—and you might also feel disappointed or angry, if you had hoped the birth would go differently. Try to be open about your feelings with your support people, and with your healthcare team—they can help you get support for your mental health.

Rules for Healing When You Go Home

• Try to drink at least eight to 10 glasses of water a day and try to empty your bladder every two hours.
• Take short walks around your home every two to three hours for the first week after giving birth.
• Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby for two weeks after giving birth.
• Avoid driving your car for two weeks after giving birth.
• Ask your support people to help you as much as they can.
• After six weeks, you can try massaging your scar and doing gentle exercise.

How Long Will It Take to Heal?

Everyone’s recovery is different. However, here is what you can generally expect after having a C-section:

• Week One
  • Pain is the strongest. You can take pain medication every day to help.
  • Bleeding will be like a light period.
• Week Two
  • Pain should be getting better. You may only need pain medicine sometimes.
  • Bleeding may be lighter.
  • Steristrips (the thin bandages on your C-section scar) can come off or be removed.
• Week Six
  • Pain should be infrequent.
  • No more bleeding.
  • You can ask your healthcare provider about doing scar massage.
  • Many people are ready to get back to their normal routines.
• Nine Months
  • Healing for most people is complete, though you will have a scar.
  • Numbness on the belly should be gone.
• 18 Months (1½ Years)
  • It’s now a safe time to think about another pregnancy if you want to grow your family.

Caring for Your C-Section Scar

If you had a C-section, it’s normal to feel pain or notice hard tissue around your scar. This will improve over time.

You can help the healing process by gently massaging your scar. Scar massage can reduce pain, help keep your skin soft and stretchy, and prevent tightness—helping you feel more comfortable overall.

Scar Massage: When and How to Start

• Begin 6 to 8 weeks after your C-section. Check with your healthcare provider first.
• Massage for 5 to 10 minutes, one or two times every day.

Massage Techniques to Try

[Illustration of the different massage motions]

• Back and forth: Move your fingers side to side across the scar. If you feel a firm or hard spot, keep massaging it gently.
• Up and down: Rub your fingers up and down along the scar. If you find a sticky area, continue rubbing to help it loosen.
• Circular motions: Use small circles to massage around and over the scar.
• Pinch and roll: Gently pinch the tissue and roll it between your fingers to soften firm areas.

Use a mix of these techniques to help your scar tissue move, stretch, and heal. Over time, this can help your scar feel softer, smoother, and more comfortable.

When To Call Your Care Team

Most C-section scars heal on their own without any issues. But if something doesn’t feel right, or you have signs of an infection (like itching, swelling, or fluid around the wound), please call your care team.