C-SECTION RECOVERY: HEALING AND REGAINING YOUR STRENGTH

Recovering from a caesarean birth takes time, patience and the right kind of care. Here's how to support your body, build strength and feel like yourself again after surgery.

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For many mothers, a caesarean birth - whether planned or unplanned - can come with mixed emotions. Relief that your baby is here safe and sound. Pride in what your body has achieved. But also pain, tiredness and a sense of uncertainty about how to heal properly.

A C-section is major abdominal surgery and it's important to honour that. Recovery can look different for everyone, but with gentle movement, smart rest and emotional support, your body will find its way back to strength and balance. So what can you expect during the healing process and how can you make it as smooth as possible?

BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF

You've just had surgery and brought a baby into the world - two huge physical experiences rolled into one. It's natural to want to “bounce back”, but this is a time to go slowly, rest often and let your body do what it's designed to do - heal.

Your body has been through a lot. Muscle layers were separated, organs gently moved and stitches carefully placed. It's okay if you don't feel like yourself straight away. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong - it just means your body is recovering and that takes time.

REST TRULY MATTERS

It might feel impossible to rest when you're feeding around the clock and adjusting to life with a newborn, but even short, intentional rest periods make a difference. Lie down when your baby naps where you can. Ask for help with meals, housework and nappy changes if you have a 'village'. Accept every offer of support that comes your way.

If lying flat feels uncomfortable, try propping yourself up with pillows to take pressure off your incision. Side-lying positions for feeding can also help reduce strain on your abdominal muscles and make it easier to rest during long feeds.