C-section Postpartum Essentials: The 7 Things You Need to Heal
I was startled awake by the sound of my newborn baby’s cry. Looking over at my husband, who continued to sleep as our baby grew more insistent, I realized I was on my own.
After painfully and carefully pushing myself out of bed, I noticed my husband still hadn’t stirred. Clearly, I was going to be navigating night feedings on my own.
Taking care of myself after surgery and a new baby was going to be a lot. And I had no idea how to do it.
Postpartum after a C-section is a little different. I’d been prepared to recover from a vaginal birth. I didn’t need to know anything about pads soaked in witch hazel or how to sit comfortably. But I did need to know what was normal and how to heal after my c-section.
The Healing Process of Your Scar
Your incision is likely going to be stapled or sewn shut. Some puss may continue to ooze from it for weeks. As long as it’s not showing signs of infection, it’s fine.
You should get your staples out about a week after your surgery. They start to get uncomfortable around that time. Stitches dissolve on their own.
Your incision will be taped closed after the staples are removed. The tape starts to get gross and falls off (or you pull it off) after a week or so.
Your scar will itch as it heals.
The area around your scar and internal incisions (basically your whole lower belly) will be numb and tender. That space will gradually shrink as time goes on. But you’ll be left with a small area.
A Few Odd Things to Expect
There are a few things that surprised me after my first c-section. These are the things your vaginal birth friends won’t know about.
What About Bleeding?
I watched many videos and read many posts about what to stock up on postpartum. One of the things always mentioned is pads. Lots of pads.
Well, not so much after a c-section. Much of the blood is suctioned out during the surgery. You will bleed, just not as much.
Where Are My Abs?
Having a baby changes your posture and puts pressure on your abs. If you’ve had a c-section, your abs have also been cut through. It’ll feel like you have no ab muscles.
A strong core keeps your spine aligned. I wasn’t prepared for the back pain this caused.
Recovering from a c-section requires a lot more planning and intention than I ever imagined. I’ve created a whole c-section recovery plan with recommended exercise videos that will build your strength back up safely.
Maternity Pants Aren’t AMAZING
How many moms have you known who raved about maternity pants postpartum?
Well, that seam that you never noticed before. The one between the belly panel and the pant material. It sits right across your c-section incision. 😥
So what are you supposed to wear? See my list of what to wear after a c-section for the best options for every occasion.
C-Section Postpartum Essentials You Need
Now that you know what to expect, here are some c-section postpartum essentials to have on hand to speed up the healing process.
1. High-waisted Underwear
After having a c-section, you’re going to want to go high-waisted for a while.
For the first few days or so, when you’re bleeding more, these Always Discreet Boutique panties* are the best thing to wear. They’re high-waisted, disposable, and a lot more comfortable than a huge pad. They also collect what comes out of your incision.
After you switch to pads, go for a high-waisted panty with a loose waist. My favorite are the Kindred Bravely Postpartum Panties (they’re flattering, comfortable, and don’t dig into your waist).
2. Pads
Use disposable underwear or Knix high-waisted, ultra-absorbent underwear for the first week if you don’t like disposables. Then, you’ll need one or two small packages of pads (or more Knix underwear in regular absorbency). You might want some overnight and regular ones. You don’t need any huge pads. (I like these best.)
Note: You cannot wear tampons for postpartum bleeding.
3. Gas-X
The air that gets into your body from abdominal surgery can cause painful gas. Your hospital should give you a gas pill while you’re under their care. I like to have Gas-x at home for the next few months too.
Gas and bloating are painful during recovery since your intestines are pressing on the tender areas.
4. Scar treatment
The Earth Mama Scar Balm helps your scar heal faster and itch less. It’s my preferred method of scar treatment.
You can also use silicone scar strips. They’re supposed to provide a cooling effect and help make the scar less visible.
5. Loose and high-waisted pants/shorts
Stay away from anything that’s going to end at your incision or press on your lower belly. See What to Wear After a C-section for specific suggestions.
6. Pain Relief
Alternate taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen for any residual pain once you go off prescription medication.
I normally switch to this after a week and until the pain is bearable (it’s different for everybody).
7. An abdominal binder
An abdominal binder helps stabilize your core while you’re walking around. It also helps support your back and correct your posture from pregnancy. At the very least, throw one on whenever you walk or wear your baby.
There are the 7 C-section postpartum essentials to help you heal. So stop soaking pads in witch hazel and start collecting the items you need after a c-section.
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Related: C-section Essentials to Help You Feel Prepared and Packing Your C-section Hospital Bag.
