C-SECTION HEALING TIPS

In the first few weeks after a C-section, it is normal and common that you experience some considerable pain around your abdomen in your scar area. You might have a hard time standing straight, getting out of bed and difficulty getting stools out. Coughing, sneezing and even lifting your baby could also be painful. These symptoms will most likely resolve themselves in the following weeks after giving birth. 

If you recently went through a c-section childbirth, here are some tips to help you in your recovery.

THE FIRST 4-6 WEEKS: 

• You can use a rolled towel or pillow to put light pressure on your abdomen to reduce the pain when you cough, sneeze or get out of bed.
• You can put ice on your scar if it hurts.
• To get out of bed, ideally turn to your side and push with your arms before sitting.
• If possible, let your partner or family members do the chores and heavy lifting for the first few weeks.
• Short walks around the house are safe.

You can do the following exercises: 

While laying on your back or sitting: Breath in and imagine bringing all the air way down to your scar. Your belly should rise. As you breath out, purse your lips as if you were blowing air through a straw and pull your belly button in and upward. Repeat 10 times or more, slowly.

While standing with your hand on the back of a chair or stroller, lean forward and then gently stand upright while exhaling. If you feel a light pull around your scar, stop there, that is your limit. Go back to leaning forward and repeat. 

 Repeat 5-10 times a day.

AFTER 6 WEEKS: 

• You can progressively start to move around more (longer walks, slowly starting to lift heavier objects, doing house chores).
• Gentle and progressive core exercises are recommended.
• You can start massaging your abdominal scar and stretch it (see instructions and exercises below).

Only start this exercise six weeks after you’ve given birth. Lay on your stomach, put your forearms on the floor and lift your shoulders until you feel a MILD stretch in your lower abdomen. Over time, you will be able to go higher up.

Hold it for 5 seconds, then go back down. Repeat 5-10 times, daily.

It is recommended to massage your scar after a C-section because overtime, when they are not worked on, scars can become hard, stiff and painful. They can cause back, hip, leg or abdominal pain. It can also lead to pain during sexual intercourse.

You can start doing the following massage when the scar is well healed and there are no more stitches, approximately 3 weeks after giving birth.

Step 1 - Touch your scar

Just start touching and stroking your scar gently. This can be uncomfortable, it is normal. If you persevere, it will get better over a few days. Do this daily for 1-2 minutes.

STEP 2 - Move the scar  

With two fingers, apply a gentle pressure on your scar and do circular right/left and up/down movements to soften the tissues. Make sure you are moving the skin with your fingers. You are not stroking the skin anymore; you are moving it. Do this daily for 1-2 minutes.

STEP 3 - Pinch your scar

Pinch your scar with one finger above and one under. Lift the skin along the scar to loosen the adhesion. Pull the skin in all four directions. Do this daily for 1-2 minutes.

Keep in mind that these types of massages can be uncomfortable but shouldn’t be painful. Also, it should not increase pain afterwards. If this happens, go more gently next time.

If you start noticing redness on or around your scar, oozing or bleeding, significant increase in pain or fever, consult with your nurse or your physician.

If you have any questions or need some advice, ask your doctor or nurse to be seen by a physiotherapist who has advanced training in pelvic health problems. 

You can contact the pelvic health team directly at 18tcr.pt.referrals@ssss.gouv.qc.ca